YouTube has become a go-to platform for streaming and sharing videos. However, downloading videos for offline viewing or sharing isn’t always straightforward, as YouTube doesn’t offer an official download option. Luckily, in 2024, there are several effective ways to download YouTube videos quickly and easily.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to download videos but aren’t sure where to start, you’re in the right place. This guide will cover three popular methods to download YouTube videos in just seconds, allowing you to enjoy them offline anytime. Let’s dive in!
Method 1: Download YouTube Videos with YouTube Premium
YouTube Premium is an all-in-one solution for ad-free viewing and downloading directly from YouTube. With this service, users can download videos in up to 1080p quality and watch them offline. You also get access to YouTube Music and YouTube Kids. However, you must use the YouTube app and be logged into your Premium account to take advantage of these features.
Steps:
- Open the YouTube app or visit the site in your browser.
- Sign in to your YouTube Premium account.
- Find the video you want to download.
- Click the three dots next to the video and select Download from the dropdown menu.
- Your video will be saved to your downloads, and ready for offline viewing.
Method 2: Download YouTube Videos Online
For those who don’t want to install additional software or sign up for subscriptions, using an online video downloader is a great option.Y2Mate is one of the most reliable tools for downloading YouTube videos for free.
Steps:
- Choose the video you wish to download from YouTube. Copy the video’s URL from your browser.
- Open a new tab and navigate to the Y2mate video downloader website.
- Paste the copied URL into the input box.
- Click Start Now to begin the download process.
- Choose your preferred video quality and format.
- Click Download and your video will be saved to your device in seconds.
Method 3: How to Download YouTube Videos with Third-Party Software
If you prefer using third-party software to download YouTube videos, there are several YouTube downloaders available depending on your device. Here’s a guide on how to download YouTube videos using VLC Media Player across different platforms.
Download YouTube Videos on Windows with VLC Media Player
VLC Media Player is a popular, open-source multimedia player that not only plays various video formats but also allows you to download videos from YouTube. It’s available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile devices.
Steps:
- Open the YouTube video you want to download and copy its URL by pressing Ctrl + C.
- Open VLC Media Player.
- In Windows, click Media > Open Network Stream. On Mac, navigate to File > Open Network.
- Paste the copied YouTube URL into the text box under the Network tab, then click Play.
- Once the video starts playing, go to Tools > Codec Information.
- At the bottom of the pop-up, copy the video’s URL from the Location field.
- Open your web browser, paste the copied URL into the address bar, and hit Enter.
- When the video starts playing, right-click on it and select Save As to download the video to your device.
Why Download YouTube Videos?
There are several good reasons to download videos from YouTube:
- Offline Viewing: If you’re traveling or will be without internet access, downloading videos ensures you can watch them anytime, anywhere.
- Preserving Content: Some videos may disappear from YouTube, and downloading them can help preserve rare or valuable content.
- Easier Reaction Videos: Reaction videos are popular, and having the videos saved on your device allows you to play them without the risk of buffering or lag.
- Creating Compilations: If you’re working on video compilations, downloading the necessary clips is the first step in creating your masterpiece.
- Adding Subtitles or Captions: Downloading videos can make it easier to add subtitles or captions, which is important for accessibility and clarity.
Final Thoughts
While downloading YouTube videos can be incredibly useful, it’s important to respect copyright laws. Whether you’re using official tools or third-party software, always ensure you’re following copyright guidelines. For content creators and YouTubers, downloading videos can enhance your workflow and support your creative process. However, it’s essential to use this content responsibly, keeping copyright rules in mind.
While editing your videos, repetitive tasks like adjusting the timeline can become time-consuming. To streamline your editing and focus more on your creativity, tools like TourBox can be a valuable addition to your setup.