HOW TO DOWNLOAD YOUTUBE VIDEOS?

 

How to download YouTube videos for offline viewing

YouTube has a lot of excellent and super helpful content, including visual aides, tutorials, and DIY videos. In fact, it’s one of the best places to go learn something new or learn a little more about a subject you’re interested in. There are also a lot of fantastic user-generated videos, indie documentaries, and fan films that warrant repeated viewings. There’s just one problem. You have to be online to watch YouTube videos and content. So, if you’re going on a long flight, for example, or visiting somewhere remote, you may be out of luck if you’re hoping to kick back and watch some YouTube. That is, unless, you know how to download YouTube videos.

You should know that Google generally frowns upon users downloading YouTube content, and even expressly forbids doing so in its terms of service for YouTube except under limited conditions. That said, when it comes to copyright terms, it should be alright as long as you’re doing it for your own, personal and offline use, and not redistributing the content in any way.

Nevertheless, if you’re looking to watch YouTube videos offline, here’s how you can go about downloading them, even for free in some cases.

YouTube Premium DownloadsJesse Hollington / Digital Trends / YouTube

While it’s not free, YouTube Premium, the paid version of the online service, does allow users to download videos for offline viewing. But there are some important distinctions to make here. Anything you download is limited to 1080P full-HD quality or lower — so no 4K content. Moreover, the way downloads work for YouTube Premium is similar to something like Netflix or Hulu’s mobile apps. The streaming video is saved to your local device storage in a proprietary format and you can only use the YouTube app to watch it. Downloads will remain available for up to 30 days at a time before you have to reconnect to the internet to renew the license.

If you’ve never signed up for YouTube Premium before you may be in luck. There is a YouTube Premium free trial, which allows you to use the service for an entire month without paying a dime. After the 30 days are up, you’ll have to pay $12 per month if you want to stay subscribed.

When you’re ready, the quick guide below will walk you through downloading your first YouTube videos.

How to download videos with YouTube Premium

On desktop:

To download YouTube videos on a desktop, do the following:

In a browser, navigate to the main page of the video you want to download.

Click the Download button just below the video.

At any time, you can see the videos you’ve downloaded by selecting the menu button (three lines) in the top left and choosing Downloads. You can also visit your YouTube Downloads Feed here.

On mobile:

To download YouTube videos from a mobile device using the app, do the following:

From the Home tab within the YouTube App tap the menu button (three dots) next to the video you want to download.

Select Download video from the list of options

That’s it! You can access any videos you’ve downloaded by opening the Library tab and selecting Downloads. Remember, they will only be available to watch from within the YouTube app.

How to download YouTube videos for free

If you want to know how to download YouTube videos for free, outside of YouTube Premium, you’ll need to use a third party tool. Available for Windows, Mac, and Linux, ClipGrab is a free downloader and conversion tool for use with YouTube, Vimeo, and Facebook videos (now Meta). After installing the app, downloading YouTube videos is pretty simple. Just copy the web address of the video, insert that into ClipGrab, and then select the video format and quality you want for the output file. You can save YouTube videos in MPEG4, MP3, WMV, OGG Vorbis, OGG Theora, or native formats, which, depending on the source, will be in MPEG4, FLV, or WebM file types.

It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s free, but, of course, it’s only available on a desktop, not mobile devices. However, you should be able to transfer the output files to your mobile to watch anywhere after the files have been downloaded.

YouTube stands as a digital universe teeming with a diverse range of content, from educational lectures and DIY tutorials to entertainment and vlogs. For a beginner stepping into this vast world, the ability to download and access these videos offline can be a game-changer. This guide aims to introduce novices to the process of downloading YouTube videos, a task made simpler with tools like the y2mate video downloader. Whether for educational purposes, content creation, or personal enjoyment, this guide will navigate you through the basics of downloading YouTube videos.

Understanding YouTube’s Offerings

YouTube is a treasure trove of content, offering something for everyone. The platform is home to millions of videos, including educational content for students and professionals, how-to guides, music videos, movie trailers, and user-generated content. Many users find themselves wanting to download these videos for various reasons, such as having the ability to view them offline, for educational purposes, or to use them as a reference in content creation.

The Basics of Downloading YouTube Videos

Downloading a video from YouTube is a straightforward process, but it’s important to do so responsibly. The basic steps typically involve copying the video’s URL and using a download tool to save it to your device. However, it’s crucial to understand the legal considerations involved. Users should respect copyright laws and ensure they only download videos for personal use unless they have explicit permission from the content creator.

Tools and Software for Downloading

There are numerous tools and software options available for downloading YouTube videos. From browser extensions to websites like y2mate, and standalone applications, the choices are abundant. When selecting a tool, consider factors like safety (avoiding malware), ease of use, and the quality of the download it offers. It’s advisable to use reputable and well-reviewed tools to ensure a smooth and secure downloading experience.

Step-by-Step Guide to Downloading

For beginners, a step-by-step guide can demystify the process of downloading from YouTube. Let’s consider a simple tool like a browser extension: first, install the extension; next, navigate to the YouTube video you wish to download; click on the download button provided by the extension, usually located near the video; then select your preferred format and quality. The video will start downloading and be saved to your device. Visual aids like screenshots can be particularly helpful in guides like these.

Managing Downloaded Content

Once you’ve downloaded videos, managing them effectively is key. Organize your videos into folders based on categories or topics. Be aware of different file formats – some might require conversion for compatibility with your devices. Tools for converting video formats are widely available and can be easily used to ensure your videos play smoothly.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

The legal and ethical considerations of downloading YouTube videos cannot be overstated. While downloading videos for personal use generally falls within legal boundaries, using these videos for commercial purposes can lead to copyright infringement. Always adhere to YouTube’s terms of service and respect the intellectual property of video creators. Understanding the concept of fair use is also crucial in navigating these legal waters.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

New users might face common issues like download failures, poor video quality, or format incompatibility. These problems can often be resolved by ensuring a stable internet connection, selecting the appropriate video quality during download, or using a reliable video format converter. If issues persist, consulting FAQs or help forums related to the downloading tool can provide solutions.

Advanced Tips and Tricks

For those who have mastered the basics, exploring advanced tips can enhance the downloading experience. Learning how to download videos in different resolutions or file formats, using download managers for bulk downloads, or setting up automated downloads can save time and effort. Experimenting with these advanced features can significantly improve the efficiency of building your YouTube video library.

Conclusion

In conclusion, downloading videos from YouTube can be an invaluable skill for anyone looking to access content offline, create a personalized media library, or use videos for educational purposes. By following this beginner’s guide and using tools like the y2mate video downloader responsibly, you can unlock the full potential of YouTube. Remember to stay informed about legal guidelines and respect the content creators, ensuring a positive and ethical downloading experience. As you delve into the world of YouTube, let these downloads enhance your access to the vast wealth of content the platform offers.