How to Download YouTube Videos？
Have you ever come across an amazing YouTube video and wished you could incorporate some of its footage into your own creation? While your creative ideas may be flowing, it's crucial to download YouTube videos safely and legally before integrating them into your projects.
- Author: Shine
- Update: Dec 03, 2024
Some free options to download YouTube videos: ClipGrab
I must give credit to ZDNET's managing editor for introducing me to this program a few years ago. I've been using it ever since.ClipGrab is a free application compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux users. Although the developer claims it is open source, the source code is only accessible for Linux. Regardless, ClipGrab is an excellent tool.
How to use ClipGrab to download YouTube videos for free
Video-sharing platform for watching, sharing, and creating content.
1.Visit ClipGrab.org.
Direct your browser to ClipGrab.org and click on the "Show All Download Options" link. There, you will find download links for Mac, Windows, and Linux. In this article, I will demonstrate the Mac version, but the interface is nearly identical across all three platforms.During the installation process, ClipGrab may request permission to download a helper application. This tool typically assists with some of the video processing tasks it performs. It is advisable to allow this, as it is part of the download package, even though it isn't included within ClipGrab itself.
2.Copy the YouTube video link
Copy the link of the YouTube video(s) you want to download. You can do this by either using the URL bar in your browser or by clicking the Share button located beneath the video itself.
3. Choose the video format
On ClipGrab, you can also adjust various options.For instance, you can select the format in which you want the video to be saved on your computer. I typically choose "Original," but I will opt for a different format if that doesn't work.Additionally, you can choose the download resolution. Depending on the video's original quality, you can either download the full-resolution video or lower the resolution to save space.
4.Customize
Finally, clicking on the Settings tab allows you to customize the location where ClipGrab saves your newly downloaded videos.
Another free option
ClipGrab continues to be my preferred choice for straightforward and hassle-free YouTube downloading. However, if you're looking for a YouTube downloader that can be upgraded into a comprehensive suite for video format conversion and management, consider the WinX/MacX applications.Produced by Digiarty Software, known for its DVD ripping software brand WinXDVD, WinX Video Converter (for Windows) and MacX Video Converter (for Mac) are powerful video conversion tools available in a freemium model. What makes them particularly noteworthy is that the trial version (for both Windows and Mac) includes a YouTube downloader that can be used indefinitely for free.
How to download YouTube videos using YouTube Premium
YouTube Premium provides a straightforward method for downloading YouTube videos, featuring a direct download option. Priced at $12 per month, it offers an ad-free viewing experience along with access to YouTube Music and YouTube Kids. For more details, you can check our comprehensive review of YouTube Premium.When you download videos through YouTube Premium, you can view them offline; however, the downloaded content is only accessible on the device used for the download within the YouTube app.Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to download and watch YouTube videos using YouTube Premium:
1.Launch the YouTube app or access YouTube via a browser, ensuring you're signed in and subscribed to YouTube Premium.
2.Locate the desired video, then click on the three-dot menu located beneath the video. From the dropdown options, select Download.
Use 4K Video Downloader+to download YouTube videos for free
Available for free, or $15 for a one-year subscription, and $25 for a lifetime license, this software is compatible with Windows, macOS, Ubuntu Linux, and Android.
K Video Downloader Plus (4KVD) is a multi-lingual application that receives regular updates and provides clear download links on its website, free from ad traps. The software effectively fulfills its promises through an intuitive interface, allowing users to download videos in resolutions up to 8K and in various formats. To begin, simply copy a YouTube URL and click the "Paste Link" button. 4KVD also has the capability to download subtitles, entire playlists, and all videos from subscribed channels.While it supports major platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, and Facebook, the selection is somewhat limited to these well-known sites. The free version does display a prominent banner advertisement and restricts users to 30 downloads per day.
VideoProc Converter
Available for free with limited features, or for $25.95 for a one-year license covering up to 3 PCs; $45.95 for a lifetime license on 1 PC; and $57.95 for a family plan that supports 3 to 5 PCs. Compatible with Windows and macOS.
Digiarty's VideoProc is a robust software that offers both an editing edition and a converter, which includes editing features and effects, along with extensive downloading capabilities. It supports 4K downloads from over 1,000 websites, including TikTok. With hardware acceleration, it promises enhanced speed for processing. Digiarty frequently provides discounts, and the price for a one-year license has significantly decreased to just $25.95.
What is the safest way to download YouTube videos?
