How To Download Youtube Videos Wikihow

Introduction

Have you ever come across a captivating YouTube video that you wished you could watch offline? Whether it is a tutorial, a music video, or a documentary, downloading YouTube videos can be incredibly useful for personal entertainment or educational purposes. While YouTube itself does not offer a straightforward way to download videos, there are several methods you can use to achieve this.

In this article, we will guide you through the process of downloading YouTube videos using a popular method that involves a YouTube video downloader. By using this method, you’ll be able to save your favorite videos from YouTube directly to your device, allowing you to watch them without an internet connection anytime, anywhere.

Before we delve into the detailed steps, it’s important to note that downloading YouTube videos for personal use is generally legal, but distributing or using them for commercial purposes may not be. Always respect copyright laws and use downloaded videos responsibly.

Now, let’s get started with our step-by-step guide on how to download YouTube videos using a YouTube video downloader.

Step 1: Find the video you want to download

The first step in downloading a YouTube video is to locate the specific video you wish to download. Open your preferred web browser and visit the official YouTube website at https://www.youtube.com.

Once you are on the YouTube website, you can begin searching for the video you want to download. You can do this by using the search bar located at the top of the page. Enter keywords that describe the video you are looking for, such as the title of a song, the name of an artist, or a specific topic you are interested in.

After you have entered the keywords, hit the “Enter” key or click on the magnifying glass icon to initiate the search. YouTube will then display a list of relevant videos based on your search query.

Browse through the search results and click on the video thumbnail or title to open the video in a new page. Take a moment to ensure that the video you have selected is the one you want to download.

It’s important to mention that not all YouTube videos can be downloaded due to copyright restrictions. If you stumble upon a video that is marked as “Unavailable” or blocked from downloading, you may have to look for an alternative source or try downloading a different video.

Once you have found the video you want to download and confirmed its availability, you can move on to the next step of the process.

Step 2: Copy the video’s URL

After selecting the YouTube video you want to download in Step 1, the next step is to copy the video’s URL. The URL is the unique web address that allows you to access and share the video on YouTube.

To copy the video’s URL, go to the address bar at the top of your web browser and make sure the entire URL of the video is visible. It should start with “https://www.youtube.com” followed by additional information.

There are a few ways you can copy the video’s URL:

• Right-click directly on the address bar and select “Copy”.
• Right-click on the video player and select “Copy video URL”.
• Highlight the entire URL in the address bar, right-click, and select “Copy”.
• Press Ctrl+C (Windows) or Command+C (Mac) on your keyboard after ensuring that the URL is selected.

Once you have successfully copied the video’s URL, it is important to keep it handy as you will need it in the next steps of the download process.

Now that you have copied the video’s URL, we can move on to Step 3, where we will discuss choosing a YouTube video downloader.

Step 3: Choose a YouTube video downloader

Once you have copied the URL of the YouTube video you want to download, the next step is to choose a reliable YouTube video downloader. A YouTube video downloader is a tool or software that allows you to download videos from YouTube and save them to your device.

There are various YouTube video downloaders available, both online and as standalone software. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing a YouTube video downloader:

• Reliability: Look for a downloader that has a good reputation and positive user reviews. It should be reliable and provide a smooth downloading experience.
• Compatibility: Ensure that the downloader is compatible with your device’s operating system, whether it’s Windows, macOS, or a mobile platform.
• Features: Consider the features offered by the downloader. Some may offer additional functionalities like batch downloading, video conversion, or the ability to download subtitles.
• User-friendliness: Opt for a downloader that is easy to use and has a user-friendly interface. This will make the downloading process more convenient and straightforward.
• Security: Ensure that the downloader you choose is safe to use and free from viruses or malware. It’s important to protect your device and personal information while downloading videos.

Popular options for YouTube video downloaders include websites like Y2mate, SaveFrom, and 4K Video Downloader. Additionally, there are downloadable software options like Free YouTube Downloader and ClipGrab available for desktop users.

Take the time to research and compare different YouTube video downloaders to find the one that best suits your needs and preferences. Once you have chosen a suitable downloader, you can proceed to the next step, which involves installing the software or opening the online downloader.

Step 4: Install the YouTube video downloader

If you’ve chosen a downloadable YouTube video downloader, the next step is to install the software onto your device. Installing the YouTube video downloader will provide you with a convenient tool that allows you to download videos from YouTube with ease.

To install the YouTube video downloader, follow these steps:

1. Visit the official website of the YouTube video downloader you have chosen. Look for a “Download” or “Install” button on the website.
2. Click on the “Download” or “Install” button and wait for the installation file to download. The file may be in the form of an executable (.exe) file for Windows or a disk image (.dmg) file for macOS.
3. Locate the downloaded installation file. Depending on your browser settings, you may find it in your “Downloads” folder or in a specified location.
4. Double-click on the installation file to begin the installation process.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions provided by the installer. The steps may vary depending on the YouTube video downloader you have chosen.
6. Once the installation is complete, you may be prompted to launch the YouTube video downloader immediately, or you can manually open the software.

If you’ve opted for an online YouTube video downloader, you can skip the installation process. Instead, you will directly access the downloader via a website.

Ensure that you download the YouTube video downloader from a reputable source to avoid malware or security risks. It’s also essential to keep your downloader up to date to benefit from the latest features and security patches.

Now that the YouTube video downloader is installed on your device, you’re ready to proceed to the next step where we will open the downloader and prepare to download your desired YouTube video.

Step 5: Open the YouTube video downloader

Now that you have successfully installed the YouTube video downloader, it’s time to open the software or access the online downloader. By opening the YouTube video downloader, you will be ready to begin the process of downloading your desired YouTube video.

Follow these steps to open the YouTube video downloader:

1. If you’ve installed a downloadable YouTube video downloader, locate the program on your device. You can typically find it in your applications folder (for macOS) or in the start menu (for Windows).
2. Double-click on the software icon to open the YouTube video downloader.
3. If you’ve opted for an online YouTube video downloader, open your preferred web browser and go to the website where the downloader is hosted. This is usually the website provided by the YouTube video downloader you have chosen.
4. Once you are on the website, you will see an interface or a search bar specifically designed for downloading YouTube videos.

Opening the YouTube video downloader will give you access to the features and functionalities provided by the software or website. Depending on the downloader you’ve chosen, you may be greeted with a simple interface or a range of advanced options.

Make sure to familiarize yourself with the user interface of the YouTube video downloader. Take note of any specific instructions or settings that may be required for downloading YouTube videos.

Now that you have opened the YouTube video downloader, you’re ready to proceed to the next step, which involves pasting the video’s URL and selecting the desired format for downloading.

Step 6: Paste the video’s URL and select the desired format

With the YouTube video downloader opened and ready, it’s time to paste the URL of the video you want to download and choose the desired format for the downloaded video. This step allows you to specify the format in which you want the video to be saved on your device.

Follow these steps to paste the video’s URL and select the desired format:

1. Ensure that you have the YouTube video’s URL copied. If you haven’t copied it yet, refer back to Step 2 for instructions on how to do so.
2. Go to the YouTube video downloader interface or search bar.
3. Paste the URL of the YouTube video into the designated area. You can do this by right-clicking and selecting “Paste”, or by using the Ctrl+V (Windows) or Command+V (Mac) keyboard shortcut.
4. Once the URL is pasted, review the options available for choosing the format of the downloaded video. Common formats include MP4, FLV, WMV, and AVI.
5. Select the desired format from the provided options. If you’re not sure which format to choose, you can usually opt for the default format recommended by the YouTube video downloader.

It’s worth noting that some YouTube video downloaders may offer additional options for selecting video quality, resolution, or audio extraction. These options allow you to tailor the downloaded video to your specific preferences.

Take note of any additional settings or customization options that may be available in the YouTube video downloader interface. Familiarize yourself with these options to ensure that the downloaded video meets your requirements.

Once you have pasted the video’s URL and selected the desired format, you’re ready to proceed to Step 7, where we will initiate the downloading process.

Step 7: Start the downloading process

After pasting the URL of the YouTube video and choosing the desired format, you’re now ready to initiate the downloading process. This step involves triggering the YouTube video downloader to retrieve the video from YouTube and save it to your device.

To start the downloading process, follow these steps:

1. Review the settings and options you have selected, including the video format, quality, or any additional settings available in the YouTube video downloader interface.
2. Check for a “Download” or “Start” button within the YouTube video downloader interface. This button is typically prominently displayed and labeled as such.
3. Click on the “Download” or “Start” button to initiate the downloading process.
4. Depending on the size of the video and the speed of your internet connection, the downloading process may take a few moments to complete.
5. During the downloading process, the YouTube video downloader will retrieve the video from YouTube’s servers and save it to your designated location on your device.
6. Keep an eye on the progress bar or indicator within the YouTube video downloader interface to track the progress of the download.

It’s important to remain patient during the downloading process and avoid interrupting or closing the YouTube video downloader until the download is complete.

Once the downloading process is finished, you can move on to the next step, where we will check the downloaded video in your desired location.

Step 8: Wait for the download to complete

After initiating the downloading process in Step 7, it’s important to allow the YouTube video downloader to complete the download before proceeding further. This step requires a bit of patience as the downloading time can vary depending on the size of the video and your internet connection speed.

Follow these guidelines while waiting for the download to complete:

1. Keep the YouTube video downloader open and avoid closing or interrupting the program until the download is finished.
2. Monitor the progress indicator or bar provided within the YouTube video downloader interface. This will give you a visual representation of the download progress.
3. Do not navigate away from the YouTube video downloader or close the browser tab or window if you’re using an online downloader. Doing so may interrupt the download process.
4. Be aware that the download time can vary depending on factors such as the size of the video and the speed of your internet connection.
5. If you encounter any issues or errors during the download, consult the troubleshoot section or FAQ of the YouTube video downloader for possible solutions.

It’s important to exercise caution while waiting for the download to complete to prevent any accidental disruption. Avoid interacting with other programs that may interfere with the download process or impact the performance of your device.

Once the download is completed, you can proceed to the next step where we will check the downloaded video in your specified location.

Step 9: Check the downloaded video in your desired location

Once the downloading process is complete, it’s time to check the downloaded video and ensure that it has been saved in your desired location. This step allows you to verify that the YouTube video downloader has successfully retrieved and saved the video on your device.

To check the downloaded video, follow these steps:

1. Open the file explorer or file manager on your device.
2. Navigate to the location where you chose to save the downloaded video. This could be your downloads folder, a specific folder on your desktop, or any other directory you specified during the downloading process.
3. Look for the video file with the name or title of the YouTube video you downloaded. The file will typically have the extension that corresponds to the format you selected, such as .mp4, .flv, or .avi.
4. Double-click on the video file to play it using your preferred media player. Ensure that the video is playing correctly and without any issues.

If you’re unable to locate the downloaded video, double-check the specified download location in the YouTube video downloader or refer to the settings of the downloader to ascertain the default saving location.

In some cases, the YouTube video downloader may offer an option to open the downloaded video directly from within the software. You can utilize this feature to quickly access and verify the downloaded video.

If you encounter any issues or errors while checking the downloaded video, consult the troubleshooting section or support documentation of the YouTube video downloader for further assistance.

With the downloaded video successfully located and verified, you can move on to the final step, where we will discuss how to enjoy your downloaded YouTube video.

Step 10: Enjoy your downloaded YouTube video

Congratulations! You have successfully downloaded a YouTube video and it’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy your downloaded content. In this final step, we will discuss how you can experience your downloaded YouTube video to the fullest.

Here are a few things you can do to enjoy your downloaded YouTube video:

1. Open your preferred media player on your device.
2. Navigate to the location where you saved the downloaded video.
3. Double-click on the video file to start playing it.
4. Adjust the volume and playback settings as per your preference.
5. Watch and enjoy the video without the need for an internet connection or buffering.
6. Consider connecting your device to a larger screen or TV to enhance the viewing experience.
7. If you downloaded a music video, create a playlist or add it to your music library for easy access and enjoyment.
8. If you downloaded a tutorial or informative video, pause and rewind as needed to fully grasp the content.
9. Share the downloaded video with friends or family who might also enjoy it.

Remember to respect copyright laws and use the downloaded video responsibly. Avoid redistributing or using the video for commercial purposes without obtaining the necessary permissions or licenses.

Now that you know how to enjoy your downloaded YouTube video, take the time to explore other interesting videos on YouTube and continue expanding your offline entertainment library.

That’s it! You’ve completed all the steps to download and enjoy a YouTube video. Happy viewing!