How to Download YouTube Videos on Desktop for Free
There are many reasons why you might want to download a YouTube video. Maybe you want to watch it offline, share it with someone who doesn't have internet access, or use it in a project. Luckily, there are plenty of free ways to download YouTube videos on your desktop. Here are a few of the most popular methods:
Using Online Downloaders
1. Online Video Converter:
- Many websites offer free YouTube video downloaders. These websites generally require you to paste the YouTube video URL and then choose a format (like MP4, MP3, or AVI) for your download.
- Pros: Simple, quick, and usually don't require any software installation.
- Cons: May contain ads, potential privacy concerns, and sometimes the quality of the downloaded video might be lower than the original.
2. Ytmp3:
- A popular website that allows you to download YouTube videos as MP3 audio files.
- Pros: Easy to use, fast download speeds, and doesn't require software installation.
- Cons: Only downloads audio, not the video.
3. Keepvid:
- Offers a wide range of formats and resolutions for downloads.
- Pros: Supports downloading entire playlists, allows for batch downloads, and also supports other platforms like Vimeo and Dailymotion.
- Cons: Can be slow, potentially contains ads, and might not be as user-friendly as some other options.
Using Browser Extensions
1. Video DownloadHelper:
- A popular browser extension for Chrome and Firefox that allows you to download videos from various websites, including YouTube.
- Pros: Offers a wide range of video formats and resolutions, downloads entire playlists, and also supports other platforms.
- Cons: Can be resource-intensive, might not be compatible with all websites, and some features require a paid version.
2. Savefrom.net helper:
- A user-friendly browser extension that adds a download button directly to YouTube videos.
- Pros: Simple to use, fast downloads, and supports multiple formats and resolutions.
- Cons: Can be prone to issues with updates, and might not work with all YouTube features, like live streams.
Using Desktop Software
1. 4K Video Downloader:
- A free and popular desktop app available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. It allows you to download videos, entire playlists, channels, and subtitles.
- Pros: Offers a variety of download formats and resolutions, supports downloading from other platforms like Vimeo and Facebook, and also includes a built-in audio converter.
- Cons: Requires installation, and some features require a paid version.
2. VLC Media Player:
- A versatile media player that can also download YouTube videos.
- Pros: Free and open-source, offers a wide range of features including streaming, audio/video conversions, and playback on various devices.
- Cons: The download process might be more complicated than using dedicated downloaders.
Important Note:
- Always check copyright and licensing: Downloading videos from YouTube for commercial use might violate copyright laws. It's important to ensure that you have permission from the copyright holder before using any downloaded videos for any commercial purpose.
- Respect YouTube's Terms of Service: Avoid using any tools or methods that may violate YouTube's Terms of Service.
Remember, the best method for downloading YouTube videos will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Experiment with different options and choose the one that works best for you.
