Do you enjoy YouTube but sometimes want to watch it later? Follow these easy steps to download YouTube videos
The internet has revolutionalised the way we watch movies, TV shows and stream our favourite episodes. With platforms like Instagram, Vimeo, Facebook, and YouTube, you not only get to watch shows for free but you can watch them from any device. Since these platforms are compatible with most devices, you can watch them anywhere at any time.
In today’s post, we want to help you learn how to download YouTube videos and save it so that you can watch it later on. This is a very handy, yet easy tip to familiarise yourself with because you can use it when you have no data or wifi access.
The low-down on YouTube before learning how to download YouTube videos
What is YouTube?
Simply put, YouTube is a video sharing platform where users can create a unique user account and upload videos.
YouTube can be seen as a modern-day television option for online video viewing. You don’t need to have an account in order to stream videos. Simply search what you’re looking for whether it’s DIY hacks, video gaming content, tutorials or the funnies, you’ll find it all on YouTube.
The platform also offers viewers the option to subscribe and receive notifications whenever there’s a new post uploaded.
YouTube account holders have the opportunity to generate income if they meet certain criteria.
In addition, small businesses can take advantage of the platform by using it to grow their social media following and building brand awareness.
Video downloader tools that you could use to download YouTube videos
Tools to help you download a YouTube video
You can select from a number of online tools to help you download and save the videos that you want from YouTube. You can check out these popular tools that you could use for your videos:
VLC
VLC is a popular and very reliable video tool that allows most video formats and is suitable for Android devices, iOS, and Windows computers. You can save the video by using VLC (offline) for later viewing.
How to use VLC to download a YouTube video?
Step 1
Download VLC if you don’t already have it on your computer or your mobile device.
Step 2
After downloading the tool, select “open media”. In the “network” option, paste the URL of the YouTube Video that you want to be downloaded.
Step 3
Select the “codec” info in your Windows computer. For Mac, it’s called “media information”.
Step 4
The information retrieved will display in the information bar at the bottom of VLC. You need to copy this URL information and paste it into the PC browser. This will create an MP4 video version in your browser which you can add to your desktop or use another file to save.
YouTube Clip Converter (5K Player)
Clip Converter is another excellent tool to help you download YouTube videos and save them. Clip Converter is also 5K Player and is simple to use and enjoy downloading and converting files.
How to download YouTube videos using Clip Converter
Here’s an easy way to do so…
Step 1
After downloading Clip Converter, you need to run it on your computer. Click onto the YouTube button to download the tool’s interface
Step 2
In another browser, open the video’s URL that you want from YouTube. Paste the URL into the “paste URL and Analyse” space. It will automatically activate the video analysis process.
Step 3
The next step is to click on the option to “download video”
Step 4
Select your conversion option for the video format that you need and the process will automatically run its course.
Another great thing about Clip Converter is that you can also download videos from Vimeo, Daily Motion and other video platforms. It is this a great and very versatile option.
How to download YouTube videos using Kapwing
Kapwing is a nice tool to help you convert and download your favourite YouTube videos. You can use it whether you’re looking to save music videos or simply want to watch some funny cat videos and have a laugh.
Follow these super easy steps:
Step 1
Open Kapwing’s converter selection. The YouTube videos will be in Mp3 or Mp4.
Step 2
Select the type of file you prefer (Jpeg, gif, MP3 and MP4).
If you don’t want a specific file other than MP3 or MP4 then you can still opt to “trim” the file which will then only download part of it.
Step 3
After Kapwing processes the video, you can then go ahead and click the download option to save the video file to your device.
This step is different for iOs users. Instead of clicking “download” you can copy and paste the link to the iPhone or iPad device via the Kapwing app for iOs. It will save onto the phone after having copied the URL.
MP4 Downloader Pro
If you need many videos downloaded at once, then this is a nice tool as it allows for several downloads to run simultaneously. This tool also allows you to download from other video sites like Vimeo which adds to its versatility. You can also convert your files into another format.
Freemake Video Downloader
Freemake Video Downloader supports many features of YouTube and is ideal for avid YouTube users. The tool allows the user to save channels and create playlists. Just like the other video downloaders, it supports various formats to make things easy.
4K Video Converter
4K Video Converter is compatible with all devices including Windows and Apple. Just like competitive rivals, this app is also compatible with various video sites and supports many formats.
NetVideo Hunter by FireFox
This is a feature with Firefox that helps you to download videos. The extension comes with a button that automatically lights up/flashes when you highlight the video URL you’d like to download. Click the flashing button to start the download.
MacTubes
MacTubes desktop video downloader tool is dedicated to Mac. It will seamlessly synchronise and make downloading and converting videos and audio simpler.
Pros and cons of video downloaders when looking at how to download YouTube videos
Pros
- It is often a case of plug-and-play
- It is simple to use
- You can enjoy your videos any time
- You don’t need a wifi connection to view your videos
- Most online video downloader tools are free (some have premium packages)
- Most are compatible with all devices including computers
- You can share content through multiple platforms
- To some extent, you can stay up to date with the latest shows and movies
Cons
- Download and conversions can be slow
- They may not support all formats
- You need to know which one will work best
- Some are not user-friendly and may require a series of steps
- Not all tools work the same on all software interfaces like iOS and Android
It’s always good to have a downloader tool handy because you can then use it whenever you want and always save the videos as you need.
**Bonus audio download file from YouTube with GenYouTube
We’ve added this bit of how to download an audio file from YouTube because we’ve all been there and that is that songs are just hard to find. If you don’t have money to subscribe or purchase them then you can try this next option:
Using GenYouTube you can download and convert audio from a video. This is how you can achieve this.
- Find your video with the music that you want
- In that video’s URL type the letters “gen” in front of the name YouTube.
- Scroll down to see the format you want (M4A, MP4, MP3)
- Choose MP3 and start the download
You can use the GenYouTube to download audio via your phone as well.
The Takeaway
If you learn how to download YouTube videos, it means you’re not limited to watch videos only when you have an internet connection. Instead, you can enjoy your videos on the go even without zero data. Many of these online video downloader tools are free and offer many options and extras to make things a bit easier for you.
You’ll also, notice that many of these tools and video converters are user–friendly and works efficiently. Just be sure that you use a video downloader tool that is trusted and safe. Also, check whether it is compatible with your mobile and or computer. Some tools don’t support all formats.
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