How To Download Videos From Youtube To Your Computer

Introduction

Watching videos on YouTube has become an integral part of our online experience. Whether it’s a tutorial, a music video, or your favorite vlogger’s latest upload, YouTube offers a vast library of content for everyone to enjoy. However, there are times when you may want to download these videos from YouTube and save them on your computer for offline viewing or to share with others.

Downloading videos from YouTube may seem like a complex task, but there are several methods available that make it relatively easy. In this article, we will explore five different methods to download videos from YouTube to your computer. These methods range from using specialized YouTube video downloaders to browser extensions and even built-in features like YouTube Premium.

Before we delve into the various methods, it’s important to note that downloading videos from YouTube without the permission of the copyright holder is against YouTube’s terms of service. Make sure to only download videos that are either in the public domain or for which you have obtained the necessary rights or permissions.

Now, let’s explore the different methods to download videos from YouTube to your computer!

Method 1: Using a YouTube Video Downloader

One of the most popular and reliable ways to download YouTube videos to your computer is by using a dedicated YouTube video downloader. These software or online tools are designed specifically to extract videos from YouTube and save them in a format compatible with your computer.

Here are the steps to download videos using a YouTube video downloader:

1. Choose a YouTube video downloader that suits your needs. There are various options available, both as software that you can install on your computer and as online platforms that you can access through your web browser.
2. Copy the URL of the YouTube video you want to download. You can do this by navigating to the video on YouTube, right-clicking on the URL in the address bar, and selecting “Copy.”
3. Paste the URL into the designated area of the YouTube video downloader. This can typically be found on the downloader’s homepage or within the software interface.
4. Select the desired video quality and format for the downloaded file. Some YouTube video downloaders offer options such as MP4, AVI, or even audio-only formats like MP3.
5. Click the “Download” or similar button to start the downloading process. The downloader will analyze the YouTube video’s URL and begin fetching the video file from YouTube’s servers.
6. Wait for the download to complete. The time it takes will depend on the size of the video file and your internet connection speed.
7. Once the download is finished, the video will be saved on your computer in the location specified by the YouTube video downloader. You can then access and play the video using your preferred media player.

It’s important to note that YouTube video downloaders need to be used responsibly and in adherence to copyright laws. Make sure you have the necessary rights or permissions to download and use the videos you choose.

That’s it! By following these steps, you can easily download YouTube videos to your computer using a YouTube video downloader.

Method 2: Using Online Video Downloader Websites

If you don’t want to install any software on your computer, another convenient option to download YouTube videos is by using online video downloader websites. These websites allow you to simply paste the YouTube video URL and download the video directly to your computer without the need for additional tools.

Here are the steps to download videos using an online video downloader website:

1. Select a reputable online video downloader website that supports YouTube video downloads. There are numerous options available, and it’s essential to choose a trustworthy and reliable website.
2. Open a new browser tab and visit the YouTube website. Search for the video you wish to download and copy the URL from the address bar.
3. Go back to the online video downloader website and paste the YouTube video URL into the provided field on the website’s homepage. Sometimes, you may need to click on a “Download” button first to access the URL field.
4. Choose the desired video quality and file format for the downloaded video. Most online video downloader websites offer various options such as MP4, FLV, or even audio-only formats like MP3.
5. Initiate the video download by clicking on the “Download” or similar button. The website will start processing the YouTube video URL and generate the download link.
6. Wait for the video to be processed and the download link to be generated. This may take a few seconds or longer, depending on the website and your internet connection speed.
7. Once the download link is ready, click on it to start downloading the video. The file will be saved to your computer’s default download location unless specified otherwise.

Remember to use online video downloader websites responsibly and comply with copyright laws. Ensure that you are downloading videos with the necessary rights or permissions.

By following these steps, you can easily download YouTube videos to your computer using online video downloader websites without installing any additional software.

Method 3: Using Browser Extensions

If you prefer a more integrated approach to downloading YouTube videos, using browser extensions can be a convenient option. These extensions are available for popular web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari, and they provide an easy way to download videos directly from the YouTube website.

Here are the steps to download videos using browser extensions:

1. Open your web browser and navigate to the extensions or add-ons store. For example, for Chrome, you can visit the Chrome Web Store.
2. Search for a YouTube video downloader extension that is compatible with your browser. There are various extensions available, so make sure to choose one that has good reviews and is frequently updated.
3. Click on the “Add to Chrome” or similar button next to the extension you want to install. You may need to grant permission for the extension to access your browser and YouTube website.
4. Once the extension is added to your browser, you’ll typically see a new icon or button within the browser’s toolbar or menu.
5. Visit the YouTube website and locate the video you wish to download. The browser extension should automatically detect the video and display a download button or option nearby.
6. Click on the download button or option provided by the extension. A menu may appear, allowing you to select the video quality and format for the download.
7. Choose the desired video quality and format and click on the download button again to initiate the download process.
8. The video will start downloading, and the progress will be displayed either within the browser or in the download manager of your operating system.
9. Once the download is complete, you can find the video saved to your computer’s default download location or the location specified by the browser extension.

Browser extensions provide a quick and seamless way to download YouTube videos without the need to leave the YouTube website or use external tools. However, ensure that you are downloading videos in compliance with copyright laws.

By following these steps, you can easily download YouTube videos to your computer using browser extensions of your choice.

Method 4: Using VLC Media Player

While VLC Media Player is primarily known as a versatile media player, it also has the capability to download YouTube videos. If you already have VLC Media Player installed on your computer, you can take advantage of this feature without the need to install any additional software.

Here are the steps to download videos using VLC Media Player:

1. Open VLC Media Player on your computer.
2. Go to the YouTube video you want to download and copy the video’s URL from the address bar.
3. Return to VLC Media Player and click on the “Media” tab located in the top menu bar.
4. From the drop-down menu, select “Open Network Stream” or press the keyboard shortcut “Ctrl + N”.
5. Paste the YouTube video URL into the “Network Protocol” field and click on the “Play” button.
6. VLC Media Player will start playing the YouTube video within its interface.
7. While the video is playing, go to the “Tools” tab in the top menu bar and select “Codec Information” or press the keyboard shortcut “Ctrl + J”.
8. In the “Codec Information” window, you will find the “Location” field showing the URL of the YouTube video.
9. Copy the URL from the “Location” field and paste it into your web browser’s address bar.
10. The YouTube video will open in your web browser. Right-click on the video and select “Save Video As” or similar option.
11. Choose a location on your computer to save the video and click on the “Save” button.
12. The video will begin downloading to the specified location.

Using VLC Media Player to download YouTube videos may require some additional steps, but it is a reliable method that doesn’t require any third-party software. Remember to respect copyright laws and ensure you have the rights or permissions to download and use the videos.

By following these steps, you can easily download YouTube videos to your computer using VLC Media Player.

Method 5: Using YouTube Premium

YouTube Premium is a subscription-based service offered by YouTube that allows you to enjoy an enhanced YouTube experience without advertisements. In addition to ad-free viewing, YouTube Premium also offers the option to download videos for offline playback on mobile devices.

Here are the steps to download videos using YouTube Premium:

1. Sign up for a YouTube Premium subscription if you haven’t already. You can do this by visiting the YouTube Premium website and following the instructions to create an account and choose a subscription plan.
2. Once you have a YouTube Premium account, open the YouTube app on your mobile device.
3. Search for the video you want to download or browse through your subscriptions and recommended videos to find the one you wish to download.
4. Tap on the video to open it and locate the download button, which resembles a downward-facing arrow.
5. Click on the download button and choose the video quality you prefer. YouTube Premium offers different quality options depending on your device’s capabilities and your subscription settings.
6. The video will start downloading and will be saved within the YouTube app itself. You can access your downloaded videos by tapping on the “Library” or similar option in the YouTube app.
7. To watch the downloaded videos offline, go to the “Library” section of the YouTube app, select “Downloads,” and choose the video you want to watch.

Using YouTube Premium to download videos is a convenient and legal method, as it is part of the service’s features. Keep in mind that YouTube Premium is a paid subscription, so you will need to maintain an active subscription to access the downloaded videos.

By following these steps, you can easily download YouTube videos to your mobile device using YouTube Premium.

Conclusion

Downloading videos from YouTube to your computer can be a useful and practical way to have offline access to your favorite content. In this article, we explored five different methods to download YouTube videos, each with its own advantages and considerations.

Using a dedicated YouTube video downloader software or an online video downloader website provides a straightforward way to download videos in various formats and quality options. These methods give you more control over the downloading process and often offer additional features and customization options.

If you prefer a more integrated approach, using browser extensions can be a convenient solution. These extensions allow you to download YouTube videos directly from the YouTube website without the need for external tools.

For those who already have VLC Media Player installed on their computers, utilizing VLC’s feature to download YouTube videos can be a reliable option. While it requires a few extra steps, it eliminates the need for installing additional software.

Lastly, YouTube Premium subscribers have the advantage of downloading videos for offline playback on mobile devices. This option is convenient for those who prefer to watch videos on the go without relying on an internet connection.

Regardless of the method you choose, it’s important to remember that downloading videos from YouTube should be done responsibly and in accordance with copyright laws. Make sure you have the necessary rights or permissions to download videos and respect the intellectual property of content creators.

Now that you are familiar with these five methods, you can easily choose the one that best suits your needs and enjoy your favorite YouTube videos offline on your computer or mobile device.