How to Download YouTube Videos for Free
YouTube is one of the most popular video-sharing platforms in the world, with billions of users watching and uploading videos every day. Whether you want to watch music videos, tutorials, documentaries, comedy sketches, or anything else, you can find it on YouTube.
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But what if you want to watch a YouTube video offline, or save it on your device for later viewing? Maybe you have a limited data plan, or you want to watch a video without ads or interruptions. Or maybe you just want to have a backup copy of your favorite video in case it gets deleted or blocked.
In this article, we will show you how to download YouTube videos for free using online tools that can convert and save any video from YouTube in various formats. We will also explain the benefits and risks of downloading YouTube videos, and give you some tips and tricks on how to do it faster, safer, and easier.
What You Need to Download YouTube Videos
A YouTube Video URL or Keyword
The first thing you need to download a YouTube video is the URL of the video, which is the web address that appears in your browser's address bar when you watch a video. For example, the URL of this video is
To copy the URL of a YouTube video, you can either right-click on the video and select "Copy video URL", or highlight the URL in the address bar and press Ctrl+C (or Command+C on Mac).
If you don't have the URL of the video, you can also search for it by keyword using a YouTube converter and downloader tool. For example, if you want to download a video about cats, you can type "cats" in the conversion box and the tool will show you a list of videos related to cats. You can then choose the one you want to download.
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A YouTube Converter and Downloader Tool
The next thing you need to download a YouTube video is a YouTube converter and downloader tool, which is an online service that can convert any YouTube video into a different format and save it on your device. There are many tools available on the web, but they all work in a similar way.
A YouTube converter and downloader tool can convert a YouTube video into various formats, such as MP4, MP3, AVI, MOV, WMV, FLV, etc. Depending on the format you choose, you can watch the downloaded video on different devices, such as your computer, smartphone, tablet, TV, etc. You can also choose the quality of the downloaded video, such as 1080p, 720p, 480p, 360p, etc. The higher the quality, the larger the file size and the longer the download time.
A Device with Enough Storage Space and Internet Connection
The last thing you need to download a YouTube video is a device with enough storage space and internet connection. You need to have enough space on your device to store the downloaded video file, which can vary depending on the format and quality you choose. You can check how much space you have on your device by going to Settings > Storage (or similar) on your device.
You also need to have a stable and fast internet connection to download a YouTube video. The speed of your internet connection will affect how long it takes to download a video. You can check your internet speed by using an online speed test tool, such as [Speedtest by Ookla - The Global Broadband Speed Test]. The faster your internet speed, the quicker the download process.
How to Use a YouTube Converter and Downloader Tool
Step 1: Paste the YouTube URL or Enter the Keyword in the Conversion Box
Once you have found and copied the URL of the YouTube video you want to download, or searched for it by keyword, go to a YouTube converter and downloader tool website, such as [YouTube Converter & Downloader - Convert to MP4, MP3, AVI]. You will see a conversion box where you can paste the URL or enter the keyword. For example:
Alternatively, you can drag and drop the URL from your browser to the conversion box.
Step 2: Choose the Format and Quality You Want
After pasting the URL or entering the keyword in the conversion box, click on "Convert" or "Search" button. The tool will analyze the video and show you a list of available formats and qualities to choose from. For example:
Select the format and quality that suit your needs and preferences. You can also preview the video before downloading it by clicking on "Play" button.
Step 3: Click Download and Wait for the Process to Finish
After choosing the format and quality you want, click on "Download" button. The tool will start converting and downloading the video for you. Depending on the size and length of the video, this may take a few seconds or minutes. You can see the progress of the download on the screen. For example:
Do not close the browser tab or window until the download is complete.
Step 4: Enjoy Your Downloaded Video on Your Device
Once the download is complete, you will see a message that says "Download finished". You can then click on "Download file" button to save the video file on your device. For example:
You can also click on "Open file" button to play the video on your device's default media player. You can also transfer the video file to other devices or share it with others.
Congratulations, you have successfully downloaded a YouTube video for free!
How to Choose the Best YouTube Converter and Downloader Tool
Features to Look for in a Good Tool
There are many YouTube converter and downloader tools available on the web, but not all of them are reliable, safe, and efficient. Some of them may have hidden fees, malware, ads, or limitations that can affect your experience and security. Therefore, it is important to choose a good tool that meets your needs and expectations.
Here are some features to look for in a good YouTube converter and downloader tool:
Speed: A good tool should be able to convert and download videos quickly and smoothly, without any delays or errors.
Security: A good tool should be able to protect your privacy and data, without any viruses, spyware, or malware. It should also respect the YouTube terms of service and the copyright laws.
Compatibility: A good tool should be able to support various formats and qualities, such as MP4, MP3, AVI, MOV, WMV, FLV, 1080p, 720p, 480p, 360p, etc. It should also be compatible with different devices and browsers, such as Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.
Ease of use: A good tool should be easy to use and understand, without any complicated steps or instructions. It should have a simple and user-friendly interface that allows you to convert and download videos with just a few clicks.
Top 3 YouTube Converter and Downloader Tools in 2023
To help you choose the best YouTube converter and downloader tool for your needs, we have compared and contrasted the pros and cons of three popular tools in 2023: [YouTube - Apps on Google Play], [YouTube Converter & Downloader - Convert to MP4, MP3, AVI], and [Youtube to Mp3 Converter - Youtube Video Downloader]. Here is a table that summarizes the comparison:
Tool Pros Cons --- --- --- [YouTube - Apps on Google Play] - Official app from YouTube that allows you to download videos offline within the app.- Supports various qualities and resolutions.- Free and secure.- Easy to use. - Requires a YouTube Premium subscription ($11.99/month) to download videos offline.- Only works on Android devices.- Cannot convert videos to other formats.- Cannot transfer or share downloaded videos outside the app. [YouTube Converter & Downloader - Convert to MP4, MP3, AVI] - Supports various formats and qualities.- Free and fast.- Compatible with different devices and browsers.- Allows you to preview videos before downloading them. - Contains ads and pop-ups.- May have malware or viruses.- May violate YouTube terms of service or copyright laws.- May have limitations on file size or length. [Youtube to Mp3 Converter - Youtube Video Downloader] - Supports various formats and qualities.- Free and secure.- Compatible with different devices and browsers.- Allows you to download playlists or channels. - Slow and unstable.- Does not support subtitles or captions.- Does not allow you to preview videos before downloading them.- May have limitations on file size or length. Based on this comparison, we recommend using [YouTube - Apps on Google Play] if you have an Android device and a YouTube Premium subscription, as it is the most official, secure, and easy way to download YouTube videos offline. However, if you want to convert videos to other formats or transfer or share them outside the app, you may want to use [YouTube Converter & Downloader - Convert to MP4, MP3, AVI] or [Youtube to Mp3 Converter - Youtube Video Downloader], as they offer more options and flexibility. However, be careful of the ads, pop-ups, malware, viruses, and legal issues that may come with these tools.
Tips and Tricks for Downloading YouTube Videos
How to Download YouTube Videos Faster
If you want to download YouTube videos faster, here are some tips you can follow:
Use a fast internet connection: The speed of your internet connection will affect how long it takes to download a video. If possible, use a wired connection instead of a wireless one, or use a Wi-Fi network instead of a mobile data network. You can also try to download videos at off-peak hours, such as late at night or early in the morning, when there is less traffic on the internet.
Choose a lower quality or resolution: The higher the quality or resolution of the video, the larger the file size and the longer the download time. If you don't need a high-quality video, you can choose a lower quality or resolution option, such as 480p or 360p, which will reduce the file size and the download time.
Close other tabs or apps: Having too many tabs or apps open on your device can slow down your internet speed and your device's performance. To speed up the download process, close any tabs or apps that you are not using, especially those that consume a lot of bandwidth, such as streaming services, online games, or social media.
How to Download YouTube Videos Safely
If you want to download YouTube videos safely, here are some tips you can follow:
Use a reputable tool: Not all YouTube converter and downloader tools are trustworthy and reliable. Some of them may contain malware, viruses, spyware, or other harmful software that can damage your device or steal your data. To avoid these risks, use a reputable tool that has good reviews, ratings, and feedback from other users. You can also use an antivirus or anti-malware program to scan the tool and the downloaded files before opening them.
Respect the copyright laws: Downloading YouTube videos may violate the YouTube terms of service or the copyright laws of your country. These laws protect the rights and interests of the creators and owners of the videos. If you download a video without their permission or consent, you may face legal consequences, such as fines or lawsuits. To avoid these risks, only download videos that are in the public domain or have a Creative Commons license that allows downloading and sharing. You can also use the videos for personal use only and not for commercial purposes.
How to Download YouTube Videos Offline
If you want to download YouTube videos offline, when there is no internet connection available, here are some tips you can follow:
Use the YouTube Premium feature: If you have a YouTube Premium subscription ($11.99/month), you can download videos offline within the YouTube app on your Android device. To do this, tap on the "Download" button below the video and choose the quality and resolution you want. The video will be saved in your "Library" section under "Downloads". You can watch the video offline for up to 30 days.
Use an offline downloader app: If you don't have a YouTube Premium subscription, you can use an offline downloader app that can download videos from YouTube without an internet connection. These apps work by caching the videos when you have an internet connection and saving them on your device for later viewing. Some examples of these apps are [VidMate - HD video downloader], [TubeMate YouTube Downloader], and [SnapTube - Video Downloader]. However, be careful of the ads, pop-ups, malware, viruses, and legal issues that may come with these apps.
Save videos for later viewing: If you don't want to download videos offline but still want to watch them later when there is no internet connection available, you can save them for later viewing within the YouTube app on your device. To do this, tap on the "Save" button below the video and choose "Watch Later". The video will be added to your "Library" section under "Watch Later". You can watch the video offline for up to 48 hours.
<h2 Conclusion
Downloading YouTube videos for free is possible and easy with the help of online tools that can convert and save any video from YouTube in various formats. However, you need to be careful of the benefits and risks of doing so, such as the speed, security, compatibility, ease of use, and legality of the process. You also need to have a YouTube video URL or keyword, a YouTube converter and downloader tool, and a device with enough storage space and internet connection to download a video. By following the steps and tips we have provided in this article, you can enjoy watching your favorite YouTube videos offline, or save them on your device for later viewing.
We hope you found this article helpful and informative. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. And if you liked this article, please share it with your friends and family. Thank you for reading!
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers related to downloading YouTube videos:
How can I download YouTube videos without any software?
If you don't want to use any software or app to download YouTube videos, you can use a web browser extension that can do the same thing. A web browser extension is a small program that adds extra features to your web browser. Some examples of web browser extensions that can download YouTube videos are [Video DownloadHelper], [SaveFrom.net Helper], and [YouTube Video Downloader]. However, be careful of the ads, pop-ups, malware, viruses, and legal issues that may come with these extensions.
How can I download YouTube videos on my iPhone or iPad?
If you want to download YouTube videos on your iPhone or iPad, you can use a third-party app that can do that. A third-party app is an app that is not made by Apple or YouTube, but by another developer. Some examples of third-party apps that can download YouTube videos on iOS devices are [Documents by Readdle], [MyMedia - File Manager], and [Video Saver PRO+]. However, be careful of the ads, pop-ups, malware, viruses, and legal issues that may come with these apps.
How can I download YouTube videos with subtitles?
If you want to download YouTube videos with subtitles or captions, you can use a tool that can do that. A tool that can download YouTube videos with subtitles is a tool that can extract the text from the video and save it as a separate file. Some examples of tools that can download YouTube videos with subtitles are [4K Video Downloader], [Y2mate.com], and [KeepVid]. However, be careful of the ads, pop-ups, malware, viruses, and legal issues that may come with these tools.
How can I download YouTube playlists or channels?
If you want to download YouTube playlists or channels, which are collections of videos made by a user or a topic, you can use a tool that can do that. A tool that can download YouTube playlists or channels is a tool that can download multiple videos at once. Some examples of tools that can download YouTube playlists or channels are [YouTube Playlist Downloader], [YouTube Multi Downloader Online], and [DVDVideoSoft Free YouTube Download]. However, be careful of the ads, pop-ups, malware, viruses, and legal issues that may come with these tools.
How can I download YouTube videos in 4K or HD?
If you want to download YouTube videos in 4K or HD, which are high-resolution formats that offer better quality and clarity than standard formats, you can use a tool that can do that. A tool that can download YouTube videos in 4K or HD is a tool that can support these formats and qualities. Some examples of tools that can download YouTube videos in 4K or HD are [WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe], [VidPaw Online Video Downloader], and [iTubeGo]. However, be careful of the ads, pop-ups, malware, viruses, and legal issues that may come with these tools. 44f88ac181