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Download Videos From Youtube Online Free
YouTube is undoubtedly one of the most popular video sharing platforms on the internet. With millions of videos available on the site, it’s no surprise that users often find themselves wanting to download these videos for offline viewing. However, YouTube does not provide a built-in feature to download videos directly from their website. In this article, we will explore various methods and online tools to help you easily download videos from YouTube for free.
Method 1: Online Video Downloading Websites
One of the easiest ways to download videos from YouTube is to use online video downloading websites. These websites allow you to paste the URL of the YouTube video and then provide you with a download link to save the video to your device. Some popular online video downloading websites include:
1. Y2Mate
Y2Mate is a widely used online tool for downloading YouTube videos. It supports downloading videos in different formats and allows you to choose the video quality according to your preference. To download a video using Y2Mate, follow these steps:
- Go to YouTube and open the video you want to download.
- Copy the URL of the video from the address bar.
- Visit the Y2Mate website (
- Paste the copied URL in the input box on the Y2Mate website.
- Select the desired video quality and format.
- Click on the “Download” button to start the downloading process.
2. SaveFromNet
SaveFromNet is another popular online video downloader that allows users to download videos from YouTube, as well as from other popular video sharing platforms. To download videos using SaveFromNet, follow these steps:
- Go to YouTube and open the video you want to download.
- Copy the URL of the video from the address bar.
- Visit the SaveFromNet website (
- Paste the copied URL in the input box on the SaveFromNet website.
- Click on the “Download” button to generate the download links.
- Choose the video quality and format, then click on the download link to start the download.
Method 2: Browser Extensions
If you frequently download videos from YouTube, using a browser extension can be a convenient option. These extensions add a download button directly below the YouTube video, allowing you to save the video with just a single click. Here are two popular browser extensions for downloading YouTube videos:
1. Video DownloadHelper
Video DownloadHelper is a browser extension available for popular browsers like Chrome and Firefox. It allows you to download videos from various websites, including YouTube. To use Video DownloadHelper, follow these steps:
- Install the Video DownloadHelper extension from the Chrome Web Store or Firefox Add-ons.
- Restart your browser to activate the extension.
- Visit the YouTube video you want to download.
- Click on the Video DownloadHelper icon in your browser’s toolbar.
- Select the desired video quality and format from the available options.
- Click on the download button to start downloading the video.
2. 4K Video Downloader
4K Video Downloader is a standalone software available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It allows you to download videos from YouTube in various formats and resolutions, including 4K and 8K. To use 4K Video Downloader, follow these steps:
- Download and install 4K Video Downloader from the official website (
- Launch the software on your computer.
- Copy the URL of the YouTube video you want to download.
- Click on the “Paste Link” button in 4K Video Downloader.
- Select the desired video quality, format, and location to save the video.
- Click on the “Download” button to start the download process.
Method 3: Screen Recording
If all else fails, you can resort to screen recording as a last resort. Screen recording allows you to capture the video playing on your screen and save it as a video file. Although this method may not provide the best video quality, it can be a viable option when other methods are not available. Here are the steps to record your screen:
- Open a screen recording software on your device. Windows and macOS have built-in screen recording tools (Game Bar for Windows 10 and QuickTime Player for macOS) that you can use.
- Position the screen recording frame to cover the YouTube video.
- Start the screen recording and play the YouTube video.
- End the screen recording once the video finishes playing.
- Save the recorded video to your desired location.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is it legal to download videos from YouTube?
The legality of downloading YouTube videos varies by country and can depend on the purpose of the download. In general, downloading videos for personal, non-commercial use is often considered acceptable.
2. Can I download copyrighted videos from YouTube?
Downloading copyrighted videos without permission from the copyright owner is illegal. It’s important to respect the intellectual property rights of content creators and obtain proper authorization before downloading their videos.
3. Are online video downloading websites safe to use?
While most online video downloading websites are safe to use, it’s essential to be cautious and choose reputable websites. Stick to well-known platforms that have positive user reviews to minimize the risk of malware or viruses.
4. Can I download YouTube videos on mobile devices?
Yes, there are various mobile apps available for Android and iOS that allow you to download YouTube videos. Some popular apps include TubeMate, VidMate, and Snaptube. These apps often have similar functionality to the online tools and browser extensions mentioned earlier.
5. Can I share the downloaded YouTube videos with others?
Sharing downloaded YouTube videos with others might infringe upon copyright laws. It’s important to use downloaded videos solely for personal purposes and refrain from distributing them without permission from the copyright owner.
6. Can I monetize or use downloaded YouTube videos in my own content?
Using downloaded YouTube videos in your own content, especially for commercial purposes or monetization, might violate copyright laws and YouTube’s terms of service. It’s best to create your own original content or collaborate with content creators who grant permission to use their videos.
Closing Thoughts
Downloading videos from YouTube can be a convenient way to enjoy your favorite content offline. Online video downloading websites, browser extensions, and screen recording are all viable options to download YouTube videos. However, it’s crucial to respect copyright laws, use downloaded videos responsibly, and always give proper credit to content creators. By following these guidelines and leveraging the methods mentioned in this article, you can download videos from YouTube for free and enhance your entertainment experience.
