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5 Ways to Download YouTube Videos on Your Computer (Legally!)
Want to download YouTube videos on computer for offline use? I know it can be tricky with the platform’s strict policies. However, there are legitimate methods to save videos for offline viewing or personal use if you know where to look.
The best YouTube video downloaders for PC allow you to easily save videos for offline viewing. In this guide, we will cover the top ways to download YouTube videos on your computer:
Editor's Note : This article is for educational purposes only. Please ensure compliance with YouTube's terms of service and applicable laws when downloading videos. Unauthorized distribution or commercial use is prohibited.
5 Ways to Download YouTube Videos on Computer
| Method | Price | Safety | Ease of Use | Video Quality | Format Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube Premium | Subscription fee($11.99/month) | Very Safe | Very Easy | Up to 1080P | MP4 |
| Third-party Software | Free/Paid (varies) | Safe (if from reputable sources) | Moderate to Easy | Up to 8K (depends on software) | MP4, MP3, AAC |
| Online Download Services | Free/Ad-supported | Risky (varies by site) | Easy | Up to 1080P | MP4 |
| Browser Extensions | Free | Moderate Risk (depends on extension) | Easy | Up to 4K | MP4, MP3 |
| Python (e.g., youtube-dl) | Free | Safe (open-source) | Hard (requires setup) | Up to 8K | MP4, MP3, AAC, more |
Note : Ensure to download software and extensions from official or reputable sources to minimize the risk of malware.
1YouTube Premium Downloads
If you want the easiest, most seamless route for downloading YouTube videos to your computer, YouTube Premium subscription is the way to go. This paid service allows YouTube users to save videos offline directly from the YouTube site and app.
Unlike the free version of YouTube that limits you to online streaming, YouTube Premium members can tap the download icon on videos to have them saved locally to their device. According to YouTube’s terms and policies, this is also the only officially sanctioned way to download videos from the platform without special creator permission.
Once downloaded through Premium, the videos live in the YouTube app’s downloads section rather than as files on your main computer.
Note : You’ll need an internet connection once every 30 days for YouTube to verify you still have an active subscription. As long as that verification occurs, your downloaded videos will be accessible for offline viewing anytime within the app only.
2Desktop Software
If shelling out for YouTube Premium doesn’t appeal to you, there are several excellent YouTube downloader apps for PC that get the job done free of charge (or very affordably). We’ll cover the top options for efficiently saving YouTube videos right on your computer.
YouTube Downloader Recommendation
VLC Media Player
First up is the versatile VLC media player which is celebrated for supporting playback for just about any video or audio format conceivable. As it turns out, VLC’s capabilities also enable downloading videos directly from YouTube and beyond.
To leverage VLC as a YouTube downloader app for PC:
- Install VLC Media Player if you don’t already have it
- Copy the URL of the YouTube video you want to download
- In VLC, click Media > Open Network Stream (or CTRL + N)
- Paste the YouTube video’s URL into the network URL box
- Click Play and the video should begin streaming in VLC
- Next, access codec information under Tools > Codec Information (CTRL + J)
- Copy the network URL listed in the Location box
- Paste that copied URL into your browser to open the video file
- Right-click the playing video and choose “Save Video As”
The video will then download to your chosen destination folder as an MP4 file. The quality is often quite good, providing an accessible option for occasional YouTube video downloads.
4K Video Downloader+
For more dedicated YouTube video downloads, 4K Video Downloader+ is a tried and true software option. Available as a free or paid version, this program to download YouTube videos to your computer sports an intuitive interface that makes grabbing videos a breeze.
To use 4K Video Downloader+:
- Install and open the 4K Video Downloader+ app
- Copy the URL of the YouTube video you want
- Click “Paste Link” in the software
- Select a download format like MP4 or WebM
- Choose a resolution quality option
- Click “Download” and save the video file
4K Video Downloader+ enables downloads from numerous major video sites beyond just YouTube. The software can snatch playlists, channels, subtitles, and more with just a click. Free users are limited to 30 downloads per day while the paid Plus version lifts restrictions for $15 a year.
VideoProc Converter
Offering heavyweight performance and conversions, VideoProc Converter from Digiarty can also tackle downloading YouTube videos to PC in style.
To download with VideoProc:
- Install and launch VideoProc Converter
- Click the “Downloader” tab
- Copy and paste YouTube video URLs to queue for batch download
- Let the software grab highest quality uploads with smart detection
- Videos save to MP4 right on your computer
VideoProc makes quick work of downloads thanks to GPU-powered acceleration. An affordable paid subscription lifts the 5-minute conversion limit while maintaining free and unlimited YouTube downloads.
ClipGrab
Living up to its straightforward name, ClipGrab furnishes a hassle-free option for saving YouTube videos offline.
Using ClipGrab as a YouTube downloading tool involves:
- Installing and opening the ClipGrab app
- Pasting the YouTube video URL into ClipGrab’s address bar
- Tweaking format and quality preferences to preference
- Clicking the “Grab this clip” button
- Selecting a destination folder to finish the download
While simple to operate, ClipGrab can occasionally get tripped up extracting videos. But it aptly handles most YouTube downloads to MP4 without a hitch.
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Open Video Downloader
If you want a lightweight open-source route to YouTube downloads, Open Video Downloader is likely your match made in heaven.
Follow these steps when putting Open Video Downloader to work:
- Install Open Video Downloader on Windows or Mac
- Copy a YouTube video URL from your browser
- Open Open Video Downloader and paste the YouTube link
- Click the + icon to queue the video for download
- Choose format preferences if desired
- Select the green Download button
- Find finished YouTube download in your computer’s downloads folder
No frilly extras are involved here, just quick and capable YouTube video downloads in a compact package.
MediaHuman YouTube Downloader
Sharing its name with its focus objective, MediaHuman furnishes another vector for downloading YouTube videos directly on your Mac or Windows PC.
Follow these steps:
- Grab and install MediaHuman YouTube Downloader
- Copy link of YouTube video intended for download
- Launch the MediaHuman software
- Paste the captured YouTube link into MediaHuman
- Click the resolution of your choice below the video thumbnail
- Hit the download arrow icon once it pops up
- Locate the completed YouTube download in the MediaHuman folder
While MediaHuman lacks some of the bells and whistles of heavier-duty YouTube download suites, it gets the job done reliably.
3Helper Websites for Saving YouTube Videos to Computer
While desktop software and browser extensions provide safe and consistent YouTube downloading, an alternative comes in the form of helper websites. We’ll explore what these entail along with requisite precautions.
What Are Helper Websites?
Helper websites offer quick YouTube video saves right in your browser without needing to install anything extra. They work by simply entering a video’s URL, choosing formatting options, and initiating the download. Videos should then land in your regular browser downloads folder.
Examples of such helper sites include SaveFrom.net, Dirpy.com, Loader.to, OnlineVideoConverter.pro, and Catchvideo.net among perpetually changing options.
Using Helper Websites to Download from YouTube
- Install essential browser security like antivirus and ad blocking extensions
- Browser to YouTube and find the desired video
- Copy the video URL from the browser address bar
- Paste the video URL into SaveFrom.net and click Download
- Select file format and resolution preferences
- Click the button to start the video download
- Access the finished YouTube download in your browser’s downloads folder
Exercising Caution with Helper Sites
As handy as helper websites may seem, it’s vital to approach them with ample caution. Video downloaders often dance on the edge of copyright restrictions, meaning services come and go. What may initially look legitimate can quickly venture into shady territory.
It’s not uncommon for helper sites to suddenly bombard visitors with harassing ads, redirects, or worse malware threats. Such sites frequently pass through multiple questionable owners. For these reasons, one should:
- Turn on ad and script blocking browser extensions
- Ensure antivirus software is active and updated
- Avoid supplying personal data or credentials
- Scan any downloaded files before opening
In summary, desktop software is best for routine YouTube downloads. But helper websites can provide a handy backup option when used judiciously. Just be selective, safeguard your device, and don’t overshare!
4Browser Extensions - Download YouTube Videos on PC for Free
Installing a browser extension can hugely simplify saving YouTube videos on your Windows or Mac computer. Top options integrate directly with Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and more to provide seamless downloads.
YouTube Video Downloader
Offered by Addoncrop, YouTube Video Downloader furnishes a handy toolbar button for grabbing YouTube videos in up to 8K quality across major browsers.
Using YouTube Video Downloader involves:
- Install the extension for your preferred web browser
- Navigate to any YouTube video in your browser
- Click the Video Downloader extension toolbar icon
- Choose video format and quality preferences
- Select download to grab the YouTube video
With the ability to extract MP3 audio and take screenshots, YouTube Video Downloader proves quite versatile despite its simple experience.
Video DownloadHelper
Well-loved by multitudes of users spanning years, Video DownloadHelper enables grabbing videos from a vast range of sites through a polished interface.
To harness Video DownloadHelper for free YouTube video download to computer:
- Install Video DownloadHelper extension on Firefox or Edge
- Access desired YouTube video in the browser
- Click the extension’s animated icon when ready
- Choose file format and quality options
- Complete quick installer prompts if any
- Locate the downloaded YouTube video in the browser destination folder
While functional on Chrome also, restrictions in the Chrome Web Store necessitate using Video DownloadHelper through Firefox or Edge primarily to download YouTube content.
15. Using Python for Safe Video Downloads
While a bit more hands-on, utilizing Python opens up customization and security for downloading videos from YouTube and beyond. We’ll explore what’s entailed.
A Technical Alternative for Advanced Users
The methods covered thus far focus on GUI software applications and online services for straightforward usability. Python offers another option but does expect comfort working at the command line interface along with installing language components.
If tackling some light coding doesn’t scare you off though, wielding Python for YouTube downloads allows precision control plus added protections in an open environment you can fully inspect.
Step-By-Step Guide to Downloading YouTube Videos with Python
The key ingredients for Python YouTube downloads include:
- Python language and environment
- Command line accessibility
- yt-dlp Python video grabber library
Once equipped with these basics, here is a simplified walkthrough:
- Install Python framework like Anaconda distribution
- Launch the command line interface on the computer
- Enter pip install command to get yt-dlp Python library
- Create a Python script for the download logic
- Run script providing desired YouTube video URL
- Video saves in the working directory
There are many benefits of using Python to download YouTube Videos on Computer:
Security and Transparency Attributes
- Open environment limits background exploits
- Direct access aids in troubleshooting issues
- Total user control over what code executes
Customization and Optimization Possibilities
- Format, resolution, and naming preferences
- Post-processing of downloaded files
- Integration of channel subscriptions
- Advanced authentication capabilities
Bonus Tip: Watch your Downloaded Youtube Videos from PC to TV
To enhance your video viewing experience after downloading YouTube videos on your computer, we recommend using AirDroid Cast.
This versatile screen mirroring software allows you to seamlessly project your downloaded videos onto your TV, providing a cinematic experience right in your living room. Additionally, it also support casting to smartphones, enabling your family and friends to watch together in perfect sync, no matter where they are.
With its user-friendly interface and reliable performance, AirDroid Cast is the ideal companion for enjoying your favorite videos with others.
FAQs: Downloading YouTube Videos to Computer
Understanding best practices around downloading YouTube videos clears up common questions that can come up about copyright, permission, safety, private content, and more.
What is the Safest Way to Download YouTube Videos?
The most secure method for downloads from a technical and legal perspective is paying for a sanctioned YouTube Premium subscription. It offers an integrated downloader right from YouTube under explicit authorization. Files stay distinctly tied to the YouTube app itself and your ongoing premium access.
Purpose-specific downloading software from reputable publishers like 4K Video Downloader also brings reliable quality control. Respecting included usage rights and avoiding redistribution remain vital either way.
How Can I Download Private YouTube Videos?
You must have lawful firsthand access to private YouTube videos to legally download them – they cannot be pilfered by backchannels or cracks! Rights ultimately rest exclusively with the content creator.
However, software like 4K Video Downloader can seamlessly save private videos if you do have proper membership access privileges to via login integrations. Even YouTube Premium subscribers can download certain private videos from within the YouTube app.
Is Downloading YouTube Videos Illegal?
YouTube’s terms prohibit unauthorized downloading to protect creator rights. However many jurisdictions do allow personal downloads under “fair use” exemptions depending on context. Generally:
- Downloading very small clips for commentary use stays in bounds
- Mass-storing an artist’s full video library violates policy
- Grabbing a show for a long flight occupies a gray area
While the law continues evolving on appropriate balances, downloading judiciously for legitimate personal offline use in keeping with regional statutes tends to draw less scrutiny. But sidestepping creator monetization models by re-hosting content at scale is unambiguously illegal.
What About Third-Party Downloader Tools and Sites?
Unaffiliated downloader tools and converters can work but ride the fine line of YouTube’s policies. Many enable downloads by technical circumvention without actual permission.
If exploring such options, extreme care should be taken around:
- Ad density introduces security risks
- Possible terms of service violations
- Questionableurlencode exclusions and consent
Internet services come and go frequently as well. What seems above board today may pivot towards infringing and predatory tactics tomorrow. Proceed with caution!
Conclusion
When you come across a phenomenal YouTube video worth keeping or want to compile clips to study later offline, downloading the video to your computer provides needed access.
We covered a spectrum of pathways suited for various needs and comfort levels - from streamlined software one-clickers to DIY Python scripting.
In closing, this guide aims to educate on effective, ethical options for accessing YouTube videos offline. Match approach to needs while upholding safety.
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