In an age of digital media, YouTube has an abundance of video content. By clicking on it, we can stream various content. YouTube contains not only tutorials, documentaries, and music videos but also various forms of entertainment. There have also been people who wished to offline view video content.
So, in this guide, we will show you how to save YouTube videos legally in a more efficient way while you are using the right tools and formats.
Understanding the Need to Save YouTube Videos
By now we all know the glorious resource that is YouTube but what do you do when you don’t have any network connectivity and would love to catch up on your favorite content? Maybe you are on a train or simply don’t want to use any data on your mobile – whatever the case, having videos downloaded and at your disposal can be a surprisingly simple way to ensure that your bread-and-butter clips are all in one place when you need them the most.
Is It Legal to Save YouTube Videos?
It’s a question frequently asked when people are thinking about ripping something from YouTube. The right answer is not simply yes or no, and depends on precisely how you’re going about doing this, and for what.
YouTube’s Terms of Service
Downloaded without the explicit permission of YouTube or its content creators, downloading videos is specifically prohibited in YouTube’s Terms of Service. Even though YouTube wants you to enjoy streaming its content, this sort of downloading may be copyright infringement. Always bear this in mind before hitting the download button.
The Legal Alternatives
If, however, it’s legality that’s of concern, the good news is that YouTube itself already offers a legitimate way of saving: YouTube Premium. For $11.99 per month, you too can download videos to watch offline within the YouTube app.
Reasons Why People Save YouTube Videos
There are plenty of practical reasons to save videos on YouTube, especially for those who often use it.
Offline Viewing
If you’re on a plane with no Wi-Fi, offline viewing is a lifesaver. With saved videos, you can playback videos without an internet connection. Saved videos make sure that you don’t miss out on your favorite show or your video lesson.
Creating a Personal Archive
Nowadays, lots of people usually create a database of video clips (informational or entertaining) for personal use to view or even rewatch whenever they wish to. It can be a source of inspiration for future purposes.
Sharing Without Internet
When you’re in an area without Wi-Fi, it’s handy to share a video with your friends or family if you’ve downloaded the video beforehand. You can share the clip or movie with or without an internet connection.
How to Save YouTube Videos Using Built-In YouTube Features
YouTube itself offers built-in features for saving videos, especially for premium users.
YouTube Premium
YouTube Premium is the site’s subscription service which offers offline downloads on Android and iOS devices – ensuring you’re staying within the confines of YouTube’s terms of service.
How to Use YouTube’s Offline Feature
Save YouTube videos offline using the app’s built-in offline feature is simple. If you don’t have a YouTube Premium subscription, you might have overlooked it. Just download videos by tapping a single button, but those downloads will only play from within the app itself.
Steps to Save Videos for Offline Viewing
- Open the YouTube app and find the video you want to save.
- Tap the “Download” button located below the video.
- Choose the desired video resolution (higher resolutions take up more space).
- Took a while to download the video. Will be able to see it in ‘Library’ under ‘Downloads’.
Third-party apps and Websites to Save YouTube Videos
For those without a YouTube Premium subscription, there are several third-party tools for saving YouTube videos.
Popular Video Downloading Tools
Programs such as 4K Video Downloader, Y2Mate, and ClipGrab have become popular because they provide an easy-to-use interface – all you need is a video URL, which you copy and paste into their interface, and you can download the video.
How to Use Video Downloaders
The way this usually goes is by right-clicking on the YouTube video link and copying it before pasting it into the downloader, like so:
- Copy the URL of the video you want to save.
- Open the video downloader of your choice.
- Paste the URL into the designated box.
- Choose your desired format and resolution.
- Download the video and save it to your device.
Recommended Apps and Websites
- 4K Video Downloader: Offers high-quality downloads and multiple format options.
- Y2Mate: Known for its simplicity and fast downloads.
- ClipGrab: Great for beginners and those seeking straightforward solutions.
The Best Formats and Resolutions for Save YouTube Video
Therefore, choosing an appropriate format and resolution if downloading YouTube videos from the web is important for watching them.
Understanding Video Formats (MP4, AVI, etc.)
Different extensions enable different advantages. For example, MP4 is the most common extension these days, widely used and compatible with most devices while AVI (for Audio Video Interleave) is a large-sized file with higher quality, but less portable as it is not compatible with small devices like cell phones and others. On the other hand, MKV (for Matroska Multimedia Container) is another format that is also portable and supports better reproduction compared to MP4.
Resolution Options for Different Devices
This will depend on where you view the clip: 1080p (and 4K) are for large screens such as TVs or laptops, while 720p (and 480p) are suitable for smartphones.
Save YouTube Videos on Different Devices
The way you save YouTube videos depends on what laptop, tablet, or phone you use.
Saving on a PC or Laptop
There are three different methods to save YouTube videos for desktop users: browser extension and software actions.
Using Browser Extensions
YouTube videos can be downloaded by browser extensions such as Video Download Helper for Chrome or Firefox. This plug-in enables users to save YouTube movies directly from the browser. It also saves space on the dashboard. These types of extensions are easy to install and come with intuitive interfaces that work smoothly with the YouTube screen.
Using Download Software
Dedicated applications such as 4K Video Downloader or Freemake Video Downloader give you more options for video quality and format.
Saving on Smartphones (iOS and Android)
The process to save YouTube videos may differ slightly between Android and iOS devices.
Android Video Downloading Apps
There is often various software like TubeMate available to download videos directly to Android devices. VidMate is yet another such app with different formats and resolutions.
iOS Solutions
Unfortunately for iOS users, options are limited by Apple’s prohibitions. You can download YouTube videos indirectly through an app like Documents by Readdle, a self-described ‘file manager’ that includes a web-based downloader.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Saving YouTube Videos
Downloading videos from YouTube comes with its share of challenges.
Beware of Malware
Some third-party video downloaders facilitate malware. You could inadvertently infect your device if you download from untrustworthy sources.
Copyright Infringement
If you download video content without the copyright owner’s permission, you may have a problem with the law – make sure you have the right to download and use the video.
Quality Loss During Download
Some tools throw away quality, compressing the files to make them smaller. Instead, select a downloader that retains the original quality of the videos (that is, it retains the file size and format of the original).
FAQs About Saving YouTube Videos
Can I save YouTube videos for free?
Yes, but only through third-party tools or services that don’t violate YouTube’s terms.
What is the best video format for downloading YouTube videos?
MP4 is the most versatile and widely compatible format.
Are third-party video downloaders safe?
Stick to well-known and reputable tools like 4K Video Downloader to ensure safety.
How much storage do saved YouTube videos take up?
This depends on the duration of your video and whether it is recorded in standard definition (480i, 480p) or high definition (720p, 1080p, 4K).
Is YouTube Premium worth it for saving videos?
Yes, if you regularly download videos and want a legal, hassle-free experience.
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