Need to know how to download a YouTube video to your computer?
Why would I want to download a YouTube video to my computer?
YouTube videos can be downloaded for many reasons. Maybe you want to watch your favorite videos offline without using data, or maybe you want to edit or share video clips. Maybe you just want to make sure you have a backup copy of a video that you might not be able to access in the future. Whatever your reason, downloading YouTube videos is a simple task that can be completed in just a few clicks.
How to download a YouTube video to my computer
Using a YouTube downloader website
One of the easiest ways to download YouTube videos is to use a YouTube downloader website. These websites allow you to enter the URL of the video you want to download, and they will then provide you with a link to download the video file.
Some popular YouTube downloader websites include:
- Savefrom.net
- Y2mate.com
- Keepvid.com
These websites are all free to use, and they do not require you to install any software.
Steps:
- Open YouTube and locate the video you wish to download.
- Copy the video’s URL from the address bar.
- Visit a YouTube downloader website, such as Savefrom.net.
- Paste the video’s URL into the search bar on the website.
- Click the "Download" button.
- Choose the desired video format and quality.
- Click the "Download" button again.
- The video will be downloaded to your computer.
Using a browser extension
Another way to download YouTube videos is to use a browser extension. Browser extensions are small software programs that can be installed in your web browser. Once installed, these extensions will add a "Download" button to YouTube videos.
Some popular browser extensions for downloading YouTube videos include:
- Video DownloadHelper (Chrome, Firefox, Opera)
- YouTube Video Downloader (Chrome, Firefox)
- Flash Video Downloader (Chrome, Firefox, Safari)
These extensions are all free to use, and they are very easy to install.
Steps:
- Open the Chrome Web Store and search for YouTube Video Downloader.
- Click the "Add to Chrome" button.
- Click the "Add extension" button.
- The extension will be installed in your browser.
- Open YouTube and locate the video you wish to download.
- Click the "Download" button that has been added to the video.
- Choose the desired video format and quality.
- Click the "Download" button again.
- The video will be downloaded to your computer.
Other ways to download YouTube videos
There are also a number of other ways to download YouTube videos. These methods are generally more complicated than using a YouTube downloader website or a browser extension, but they may be necessary if you are unable to use either of those methods.
Some other ways to download YouTube videos include:
- Using a command-line tool
- Using a video capture software
- Using a screen recorder
These methods are not as user-friendly as using a YouTube downloader website or a browser extension, but they can be useful if you are unable to use either of those methods.
Steps:
- Open a command prompt or terminal window.
- Type the following command:
youtube-dl - Press enter.
- The video will be downloaded to your computer.
Using a video capture software:
- Open a video capture software program.
- Click the "Record" button.
- Start playing the YouTube video that you want to download.
- Stop recording when the video is finished.
- The video will be saved to your computer.
Using a screen recorder:
- Open a screen recorder program.
- Click the "Record" button.
- Start playing the YouTube video that you want to download.
- Stop recording when the video is finished.
- The video will be saved to your computer.
Comparison of YouTube video downloaders
The following table compares the most popular YouTube video downloaders:
| Feature | Savefrom.net | Y2mate.com | Keepvid.com | Video DownloadHelper | YouTube Video Downloader | Flash Video Downloader |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free to use | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| No software installation required | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Supports multiple video formats | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Supports multiple video qualities | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Easy to use | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Overall rating | 9/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 | 9/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 |
Conclusion
Downloading YouTube videos is a simple task that can be completed in just a few clicks. There are a number of different methods that you can use to download YouTube videos, so you can choose the method that is most convenient for you.
If you are looking for a quick and easy way to download YouTube videos, then I recommend using a YouTube downloader website or a browser extension. These methods are very user-friendly, and they do not require you to install any software.
If you are unable to use a YouTube downloader website or a browser extension, then you can use one of the other methods that I have described in this article. These methods are more complicated, but they may be necessary if you are unable to use either of the other methods.
I hope this article has been helpful. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.
Other articles you may find interesting:
FAQ about How to Download a YouTube Video to Your Computer
1. What is the easiest way to download a YouTube video?
P: Use an online video downloader website like Savefrom.net.
A: Paste the YouTube video URL into the downloader, select the desired format and quality, and click the download button.
S: Quick and straightforward, without the need for software installation.
2. Can I download YouTube videos without using a website?
P: Use a browser extension like Video DownloadHelper.
A: Install the extension in your browser, play the YouTube video, and click the download button that appears.
S: Convenient and integrated directly into your browser.
3. How do I download YouTube videos in high quality?
P: Use a dedicated video downloader software like YTD Video Downloader.
A: Install the software, paste the YouTube video URL, select the desired resolution and format, and click the download button.
S: Offers more advanced features and customization options.
4. Is it legal to download YouTube videos?
P: No, it is generally not legal to download YouTube videos without the copyright holder’s permission.
A: However, there are exceptions for fair use, archival purposes, and other limited scenarios.
S: Respect copyright laws and consider alternatives like embedding or streaming.
5. How can I download only the audio from a YouTube video?
P: Use an online audio extractor website like Flvto.biz.
A: Paste the YouTube video URL into the extractor, select the "MP3" format, and click the download button.
S: Convenient for obtaining the audio track only.
6. Can I download YouTube videos on mobile devices?
P: Yes, there are apps available for both iOS and Android devices.
A: Search for "YouTube video downloader" in the respective app store and install a reputable app.
S: Allows for easy video downloading on the go.
7. How do I convert a downloaded YouTube video to another format?
P: Use a video converter software like HandBrake.
A: Import the downloaded video into the converter, select the desired output format, and click the convert button.
S: Useful for compatibility with different devices or editing purposes.
8. Where can I find the downloaded YouTube videos on my computer?
P: The location depends on your browser or downloader settings.
A: Typically, it is either in the "Downloads" folder or a user-specified location.
S: Check your settings or search for "Downloaded files" in your operating system.
9. Can I download YouTube videos in bulk?
P: Use a dedicated video downloader software or website that supports bulk downloading.
A: Input a list of YouTube video URLs or use a specific search query to download multiple videos at once.
S: Saves time and effort when downloading large collections.
10. What are some tips for choosing the best YouTube video downloader?
P: Consider features like quality options, batch downloading, conversion capabilities, and user-friendliness.
A: Read reviews, compare features, and try different downloaders to find one that meets your specific needs.
S: Ensure a reliable, secure, and convenient video downloading experience.
