The Web can be a scary place when it comes to finding methods for downloading YouTube videos. Check out our how-to guide to help make downloading YouTube videos a snap so you can watch them whenever and wherever, free of an Internet connection.
It’s an understatement to say that YouTube is kind of a big deal. Since the launching of its first video in 2005 (the riveting “Me at the Zoo”), the site has grown to be a phenomenon, bolstered by its passionate community and accessed by hundreds of millions of people each day. However, how do you watch YouTube videos when you leave your network behind? Maybe you just absolutely need to watch the music video for “Gangnam Style” or Bieber’s “Baby” while on the go, without eating up all your cell phone data. Or maybe you just want to compile those cute, cuddly, can’t-get-enough-of-them cat videos for your personal enjoyment when your Wi-Fi is on the fritz.
Should you decide to trudge the grey area that is downloading YouTube videos for your untethered enjoyment, let us be your guide. Tempting? Yes. Legal? Not necessarily. Either way, here’s everything you need to know to about downloading YouTube videos.
Choose the software
While YouTube is undertaking a pilot project to allow content owners the ability to make their content legally downloadable for free or for a small fee, the bulk of videos on the website are not as fortunate. Luckily there are a handful of software programs – from popular browser add-ons to stand alone programs – that will allow you to download videos regardless of whether the content owner has made the video available.
NOTE: See disclaimer below for the legality of downloading YouTube videos.
Some websites, browser add-ons, and programs simply take the URL associated with a particular video and download the videos in their original Flash format (FLV). However, most will convert the files into a more accessible format such as AVI or MP4 so you’re able to play them in the media player or device of your choice. The following are some of our top contenders and suggestions for the ultimate YouTube video downloader.
aTube Catcher (Windows/Free)
This software shines among the arsenal of the free downloaders for multiple reasons. First off, it allows you to download videos from YouTube, Comedy Central, Dailymotion, Google, and a plethora of other sites with ease. Secondly, the videos can be directly converted into more than 20 formats, from WAV to MP3, all from within the program. The software also hosts a variety of other built-in features including a voice recorder, a screen recorder, and a DVD burner. Oh, and did we mention the software is completely devoid of ads? That’s always a plus in our book.
MacX YouTube Downloader (Mac/Free)
MacX YouTube Downloader is one of the better downloaders exclusively for the Mac. The program is simple to install, navigate, and use. The default settings are great for beginners, but there is also a level of flexibility and customization that gives more experienced users a bit more to play with. The downloader is quick, efficient, and offers a variety of formats and resolution choices for playback on everything from Android phones to Apple iPads. It also sports a sleek interface as well as the ability to simultaneously download and preview multiple videos at once. It’s definitely worth a look if you tend to stray from Windows-based software.
Easy YouTube Video Downloader (Web-based/Free)
The Mozilla Firefox extension is the go-to option when it comes to video-downloading browser add-ons. While Google Chrome and Safari both offer similar extensions, Easy YouTube Video Downloader is the most integrated and straightforward. The download and conversion speed is admirable and the HD video download option is a nice a touch – not to mention the extension works right within the YouTube page instead of utilizing external software.
KeepVid (Web-based/Free)
There doesn’t seem to be a clear winner when it comes to video downloading websites, but KeepVid tries its best. The website is compatible with all standard browsers and allows users to download videos from YouTube, Vimeo, Metacafe, and others. It also provides a variety of formats and quality options to choose from. The drawback? It’s a bit slow and chock full of commercial advertisements.
Check system requirements and download
This one is a no-brainer, but it can easily be overlooked. Once you’ve chosen the software you wish to use, make sure the system requirements are met before you attempt installation. Some only work for Windows operating systems. Some only work on Mac OS X. Be sure to do a quick check before you proceed.
Find that YouTube link
Most YouTube video downloaders simply want you to provide the URL address for the video you wish to download. Simply cut and paste or copy and paste the YouTube link in the specified field. Pasting the URL may not be necessary if a browser add-on has the download function built directly into the YouTube website.
Choose the format and quality level
Choosing a file format is a matter of personal preference as well as convenience. While those gorgeous, HD videos may look great on your tablet or smartphone, they will cost you a good deal more in space and download time. The bulk of YouTube video downloaders have a drop-down menu from which to choose a format type and quality level. Many programs also show the corresponding media players and devices associated with the different formats for further clarity.
For instance, if you want to download a video for your iPhone or iPod Touch, there is an option for “IPOD TOUCH/IPHONE MPEG-4 320×240” when downloading and converting videos using aTube Catcher.
Download and save
Now just click the download button and specify a place to save the resulting file. Some downloaders will save the converted file to a default folder they’ve created. Others will ask you where you would like the file to be saved. Just make note of where the end result is going either way.
Enjoy
Sit back and relish in your own personal copies of your favorite videos. Most will open automatically when they finish downloading. Others require you to open the file manually. From here, you can upload them to different devices or watch them directly on your desktop or laptop.
Disclaimer
It is generally legal to share and embed YouTube videos on the Internet, but downloading them for your own personal use offline is a different story. Downloading videos or using an external application to download videos that lack an official button or similar link is a violation of the YouTube Terms of Service and the video owner’s copyright. Proceed at your own risk.
Source : digitaltrends[dot]com
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