How to download YouTube videos?

Asked by Stephen•Jan 15, 2025

Downloading YouTube videos allows you to watch them offline, which is especially useful in areas with poor internet connectivity or when conserving mobile data. However, downloading videos from YouTube is subject to copyright laws and YouTube's terms of service, so ensure you have the necessary rights or permissions. You can use official tools, such as YouTube Premium, or third-party methods for personal use.

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1 Answers

Answered by Stephen•Jan 15, 2025

Here are some common methods to download YouTube videos:

1. Using YouTube Premium (Official Method)

  • Subscribe to YouTube Premium.
  • Open the YouTube app on your mobile device.
  • Find the video you want to download.
  • Tap the Download button below the video.
  • Choose the desired quality and wait for the download to complete.
  • Access downloaded videos in the Library > Downloads section.

2. Using Third-Party Tools (Personal Use Only)

Note: Ensure you comply with local copyright laws before using these tools.

  • Online Video Downloaders:

    • Websites like Y2Mate, SaveFrom, or SnapDownloader allow you to paste the video URL and download it.
    • Visit the site, paste the video link, choose the format (MP4, MP3, etc.), and download.

  • Software Applications:

    • Tools like 4K Video Downloader or ClipGrab can be installed on your computer.
    • Copy the YouTube video URL, paste it into the software, and select your preferred download quality.

  • Browser Extensions:

    • Some browser extensions, like Video DownloadHelper, integrate with your browser to make downloading videos easier.

3. Mobile Apps (For Android)

  • Use apps like NewPipe or TubeMate to download videos directly to your Android device.
  • These apps often require installation from third-party sources, so download them from trusted sites.

Updated Answer with yt-dlp Method:

Here’s an additional method using yt-dlp, a popular open-source command-line tool for downloading YouTube videos:

4. Using yt-dlp (Advanced Method)

What You Need:

  • A computer with Python installed (optional for some precompiled versions).
  • yt-dlp installed.

Steps:

  1. Install yt-dlp:

    • Open a terminal (Command Prompt or shell) and run: 
      pip install yt-dlp

  2. Download the Video:

    • In the terminal, type: 
      yt-dlp "VIDEO_URL"
      Replace VIDEO_URL with the link to the YouTube video you want to download.

  3. Choose Video Format (Optional):

    • To see available formats, run: 
      yt-dlp -F "VIDEO_URL"
    • Select the desired format code and download it using: 
      yt-dlp -f FORMAT_CODE "VIDEO_URL"

  4. Save to Specific Directory (Optional):

    • Use the -o option to specify a folder and filename: 
      yt-dlp -o "~/Downloads/%(title)s.%(ext)s" "VIDEO_URL"

Why Use yt-dlp?

  • Supports downloading playlists.
  • Allows for advanced options like subtitles, audio-only downloads, or throttling speeds.