Have you ever been faced with the question of how to watch a YouTube video when you don’t have an internet connection? Be it an inspiring tutorial, your favorite music video, or a viral moment you just can’t get enough of, the ability to save YouTube videos to watch offline is a lifesaver.
But the sheer number of tools available can make it hard to find one that’s free and relatively secure. Not to fret we’ve got your back! Read this guide to learn how to do YouTube video download for free through safe and legit ways.
Important Features to Consider with YouTube Video Download Methods
The following is a list of the best features you should use to find out how to download youtube videos.
1. Security and Privacy
Steer clear of dubious sites or tools that may harbor malware.” Stick to well-known sources to prevent device corruption.
2. Compatible with Multiple Formats and Resolutions
Find a tool that lets you save videos in high resolutions (like 1080p or 4K) and common formats such as MP4 or AVI. Advantages Of Downloading The MP3 For Music Videos!
3. Device Compatibility
Whatever tool you choose, make sure it works with your PC, Mac or smartphone.
4. User-Friendly Interface
Intuitive tools make it easy to work, especially if you’re not a tech expert!
5. Make Youtube Video Downloading Safe And Secure
Here’s how to keep your downloads safe and worry-free:
1. Website and Extension Unknown
To be safe, stick to the above mentioned popular tools.
2. Use Antivirus Software
Scan downloaded files with antivirus before opening to avoid malware.
3. Read User Reviews
Ensure that the tools you are using have ratings and reviews.
Is Downloading YouTube Videos Legal?
Before we get into all the different downloading options, let’s tackle the big question — is downloading YouTube videos even legal?
YouTube’s Terms of Service prohibits the action of YouTube video download unless otherwise permitted by YouTube via a download button or feature. This generally means that it is only legal to download videos for offline use if:
You are a YouTube Premium user, which includes offline downloads in its subscription.
The author has allowed downloads of this work.
Please remember to respect content creators’ rights, and only download things ethically and for personal use! Be sure to check YouTube’s guidelines and do not share downloaded videos without permission.
Top Free Methods for YouTube Video Download
The simplest way to download videos from YouTube is through online tools. Here are two trusted options:
A. Y2Mate
Easily download videos in multiple resolutions by pasting YouTube video links using Y2Mate.
Steps to Use Y2Mate:
1. Get the Link of the YouTube Video
2. Go to Y2Mate’s website.
3. Just paste the link and choose your resolution.
4. Download the video instantly.
There is another simple and effective method of youtube video download that is free and easy to utilize.
SaveFrom.net
It is a simple and fast downloader for you and you can download without comments. Simply paste your link, select a format, and hit download.
B. Free Software/Apps
For people who download videos often, software and apps provide more powerful tools:
4K Video Downloader
This is a well known tool for downloading the HD quality of videos and playlist. It also allows downloads for 3D videos.
How to Use:
Step 1: Download and Install the Software
Head over to 4K Video Downloader’s official site and download the tool on your PC or Mac.
Step 2: Obtain the URL of the YouTube Video
Open YouTube and navigate to the link of the video you wish to download and copy in the address bar.
Step 3: Add the URL to the Downloader
Launch 4K Video Downloader, press the “Paste Link” button, and let the program analyze the video.
Step 4: Pick Your Preferences
Choose the quality and format you want to download (e.g, MP4, 1080p).
Step 5: Download
Press “Download” and there you go, offline video directly loaded into your device!
C. Browser Extensions
If you’d like to keep things simple, browser extensions can make the process smoother
Video DownloadHelper (Chrome, Firefox)
This browser extension allows you to download videos directly from YouTube.
Tip: Only install from a trusted web store to prevent malicious extensions from compromising your browser.
D. YouTube Premium
Not free, granted, but YouTube Premium is the safest, most foolproof way to download videos directly for offline viewing. The subscription offers:
Ad-free viewing.
Background play when using other apps.
Offline downloads, right in the YouTube app—fast, secure and 100% legal.
Without permission, downloading videos runs inflict of copyright law. But if you’re using official YouTube methods or downloading public domain, Creative Commons, or public attribution videos that are free to reuse, you’re in the clear.
Having run through the basics, let us now consider simple, practical means by which to download videos from Youtube.
Step 1. Officially Claim YouTube Premium
YouTube Premium is the easiest and most dependable method for downloading YouTube videos. And here’s an additional reason YouTube Premium is an ideal option:
Integrated & Secure: No fear of malware or shifty third-party apps.
No Advertisements: An experience free from online and offline interruptions.
Cross-Device Access: Download videos and watch on your phone, tablet and desktop (through the YouTube app).
YouTube Premium: How to Download Videos
Subscribe to YouTube Premium
- Go to YouTube’s Premium page, and subscribe.
Open Video You Wish to Download:
- Go to the YouTube app, locate your video, and hit it.
- Hit the Download Button:
There will be a “Download” link underneath the video. Tap it and the video will download for offline view, inside the YouTube app.
- Watch Offline:
To find your saved videos, visit the app’s “Library” or “Downloads” section.
Pro Tip:
Speaking of downloads, you can even choose your download quality (like Standard or High Definition) to save space or have the clearest playback possible!
Step 2. Leverage Free YouTube-Approved Content
If the idea is to download videos from youtube without a Youtube Premium data subscription, the best option is, content specially allowed for Download by Youtube:
- Filter with the Creative Commons license to search for videos.
- Use the YouTube app to download these videos for offline playback with the same “Download” button.
This is especially effective for educational content, tutorials or creative works where creators voluntarily share their work.
Additional Tips to Improve Your Offline Experience
But now that you’ve downloaded those cherished videos, get the most out of your offline library:
Try folders for topics or themes.
As your watching movies, it is better to wear quality headphones or speaker.
Store externally to a removable drive (USB, SD) to clear memory on your device.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are you asking about legally downloading YouTube videos?
Yes, but only with options like YouTube Premium or if the creator enables it on the platform.
2. What is the best free Youtube video download tool?
Y2Mate and 4K Video Downloader are the most popular tools for downloading free and safe videos.
3. What can I do in order to keep my device safe when downloading videos?
Stick to known tools, steer clear of unfamiliar sites and scan files with antivirus software before opening them.
Following Safe and Ethical Downloading Practices
The best sites for youtube video download for FREE and SAFE. You can opt for online tools, 3rd party software, browser extensions or YouTube Premium but do remember to take ethical approaches to video downloading and device security.
Favorite method for downloading YouTube videos? Let everyone know your suggestions in the comments below! We would love to hear what works best for you.
