YouTube is a โplatform with billions of hours of video content and is often used for video streaming. Yet, once in a while, you might want to download a YouTube video for offline viewing. It could be for personal use, a study, or just the ability to watch the video without the internet, downloading YouTube videos can be very helpful. Nevertheless, before we address the methods, let’s first examine the legality and ethical concerns.
Is Downloading YouTube Videos Legal?
YouTube video downloading is quite a fuzzy area. YouTubeโs Terms of Service prohibit the download, reproduction, or distribution of content unless you have explicit permission from YouTube or the respective rights holders. On the other hand, it is mostly permissible to download YouTube videos offline and watch them, as long as you donโt misuse them or distribute them.
Conversely, downloading videos without permission from content creators isnโt just because this will lay off content creators who depend on ad revenues to get their bread. Authors must make sure the videos downloaded are only for their use and not for other commercial purposes or sharing.
Methods to Download YouTube Videos
There are several ways to download YouTube videos, ranging from official methods to third-party tools. Below, weโve outlined the most effective and user-friendly options.
1.ย YouTube Premium: The Official Way
YouTube Premium is the only authorized way to download YouTube videos. Subscribers for $13.99 per month are allowed to get videos for offline viewing only through the YouTube app. However, there are limitations:
- Videos are only available within the YouTube app.
- Downloads are limited to 1080p resolution (no 4K).
- Videos go out of date after 30 days in case of the absence of an internet connection.
While this type of application of this method is really convenient, it is not the way that allows you to permanently preserve videos or use them beyond the YouTube app.
2.ย Desktop โSoftware for Downloading YouTube Videos
For more convenience, go for third-party software. With these apps, you can download footage from a diversity of formats and resolutions, for example, 4K and 8K.
Some of the best choices include:
4K Video Downloader+
- Price: Free (with limitations) or $15/year for a lifetime license.
- Features: Downloads videos up to 8K resolution, supports playlists, channels, and subtitles. It also extracts audio to MP3.
- How to Use: Copy the YouTube video URL, paste it into the software, and choose your desired format and quality.
- Supported Platforms: Windows, macOS, Ubuntu Linux, Android.
VideoProc Converter
- Price: Free trial or $25.95/year for a full license.
- Features: Downloads 4K videos from over 1,000 sites, including YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook. It also offers video editing and conversion tools.
- How to Use: Paste the video URL, select the format, and download.
- Supported Platforms: Windows, macOS.
FlixGrab
- Price: Free (donation-based).
- Features: Downloads videos from YouTube, Facebook, and other platforms. Simple interface with no ads.
- Supported Platforms:
3.ย Online YouTube Video Downloader Websites
If you are not into installing software, websites for the online downloader will be best suited for you. These sites are made so that you can paste the YouTube video URL, and the video will be downloaded immediately. Still, be mindful, as many of these sites are heavily loaded with ads and could be carrying malware.
Popular YouTube Video Downloader Websites:
- Y2Mate
- net
- cc
How to Use:
- Copy the YouTube video URL.
- Visit the downloader website.
- Paste the URL and select your desired format (MP4, MP3, etc.).
- Download the video.
Note: Always use antivirus software and avoid clicking on suspicious ads or pop-ups.
4.ย Browser Extensions for YouTube Video Download
Web browser extensions can make it easy to save YouTube videos. However, due to Google’s strict restrictions, most of these extensions do not work directly with YouTube on Chrome.
Read More: How to Access the YouTube TV Channel Guide (Quick Guide)
Here are some reliable options:
YouTube Video Downloader (Addoncrop)
- Supported Browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, Opera.
- Features: Adds a download button below YouTube videos, supports up to 8K resolution and converts videos to MP3.
Video DownloadHelper
- Supported Browsers: Firefox, Edge.
- Features: Downloads videos from multiple sites, including YouTube (via Firefox).
5.ย Mobile Apps for Downloading YouTube Videos
Taking a video from YouTube on mobile becomes very intricate because of the restrictions of the platform. Here is the information about how to do it:
Android
- InsTube: It is a third-party application, which can be really useful when downloading YouTube videos and music both. Get the APK file from the official website and install it manually.
- YouTube Premium: The official app is for downloading files and listening offline.
iOS
- Documents by Readdle: This app will help you to download videos with the help of online downloader websites. available on the app store
- AnyTrans: You can use a desktop tool that will help to send a video download from the computer to the iPhone.
6.ย Using Python to Download YouTube Videos
Python is an effective and secure tool for those who are interested in technology. The yt-dlp library is the most effective and popular download method.
Steps to Download Videos Using Python:
- Install Visual Studio Code and Anaconda.
- Started a Jupyter notebook in VSC.
- Install the yt-dlp library using the command-line interface by typing! pip install yt-dlp.
- Use the command! yt-dlp [YouTube URL] to download the video.
This manually downloading method can be used to download high-quality movies, and it works on more than a thousand websites.
Read More: The Best Free Screen Recorders of 2024: Top Picks for Every Need
Final Thoughts
It’s a great way; you can download YouTube videos yourself, but be certain that you are respecting the law. Keeping to private use, being aware of copyright laws, and helping out content creators are the best things to do. You may be asking your questions on what is the best way to download music on YouTube. Well, here is a solution. Choose YouTube Premium, third-party software, or online tools, and this is a unique process for everyone. Have a great time getting all the files you need!
