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Free Download Video From Youtube: The Ultimate Guide
YouTube is undoubtedly the most popular video sharing platform on the planet. It offers a vast collection of videos that cater to almost any interest or niche. Sometimes, we find a video on YouTube that we want to download for offline viewing or to share with others. However, YouTube doesn’t provide an official option to download videos directly. But worry not, as in this article, we will explore various methods and tools that allow you to download videos from YouTube for free.
Understanding YouTube’s Terms of Service
Before diving into the methods to download YouTube videos, it’s crucial to understand YouTube’s terms of service. According to YouTube’s terms, downloading videos from the platform is strictly prohibited unless explicitly permitted by the video owner or YouTube itself. Uploading or distributing copyrighted content is against the law and can result in legal consequences.
Legitimate Ways to Download YouTube Videos
1. YouTube Premium
The official and most straightforward way to download YouTube videos legally is by subscribing to YouTube Premium. YouTube Premium is a paid subscription that provides various benefits, including the ability to download videos for offline viewing. With YouTube Premium, you can download videos and watch them without an internet connection. You can also play videos in the background while using other apps on your device.
2. YouTube Mobile App
If you’re using the YouTube mobile app, you can download videos for offline viewing as well. While watching a video, simply tap on the download button located below the video player. The downloaded videos can be accessed from the ‘Downloads’ section within the app. However, it’s important to note that not all videos are available for download due to permission settings by the video owner.
3. Online Video Downloaders
If you prefer not to pay for YouTube Premium or want to download videos on a desktop, online video downloaders are a popular option. These websites allow you to enter the URL of the YouTube video and download it in various available formats. One such example is ‘SaveFromNet,’ which supports video downloads in formats like MP4, 3GP, WebM, and more. To use online video downloaders, follow these steps:
- Open YouTube and find the video you want to download.
- Copy the URL of the video from the address bar of your browser.
- Go to an online video downloader website like SaveFromNet or ClipConverter.
- Paste the YouTube video URL in the provided box on the website.
- Select the desired format and quality for the video.
- Click on the ‘Download’ button to initiate the download.
4. Browser Extensions
Another popular way to download YouTube videos is by using browser extensions. Extensions like ‘Video DownloadHelper’ for Chrome and Firefox allow you to download videos directly from YouTube without leaving the page. These extensions add a download button below the YouTube video player, providing you with convenience and quick access to video downloads. However, be cautious while installing browser extensions and make sure they are reputable and from trusted sources.
5. YouTube-dl
If you’re comfortable with using command-line tools, ‘YouTube-dl’ is a powerful open-source program that allows you to download YouTube videos. It’s available for Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. YouTube-dl provides extensive options and supports downloading videos in various formats, resolutions, and quality. You can visit the official GitHub page of YouTube-dl to download and explore its features.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I download videos from YouTube without any tool or software?
A1. As mentioned earlier, YouTube doesn’t offer a built-in option to download videos directly. So, you’ll need to rely on external tools like YouTube Premium, online video downloaders, browser extensions, or command-line programs.
Q2. Is it legal to download videos from YouTube?
A2. Downloading videos from YouTube without the permission of the copyright owner or YouTube itself is a violation of YouTube’s terms of service. It’s important to respect intellectual property rights and not use downloaded videos for unauthorized purposes.
Q3. Are online video downloaders safe to use?
A3. While most reputable online video downloaders are safe to use, there are always potential risks associated with downloading files from the internet. It’s advisable to use trusted and well-known online video downloaders to minimize the risk of malware or unwanted programs.
In Conclusion
Downloading videos from YouTube can be a convenient way to have offline access or share videos with others. While YouTube Premium offers an official and hassle-free downloading experience, there are numerous free options available as well. Online video downloaders, browser extensions, and command-line tools like YouTube-dl are popular among users who want to download YouTube videos without paying for a subscription. However, always remember to respect copyright laws and seek permission from the video owner whenever necessary.
With the methods mentioned in this article, you now have the knowledge to download your favorite YouTube videos and enjoy them offline, anytime, and anywhere.
