There are multiple ways to download a video from YouTube however in this article I want to give you the 4 easiest and fastest methods I’ve come across on the Net.
Before you begin downloading a video check YouTube’s Terms of Service so you don’t get into hot water.
Here’s an excerpt from their Terms of Service Agreement:
Content is provided to you AS IS. You may access Content for your information and personal use solely as intended through the provided functionality of the Service and as permitted under these Terms of Service. You shall not download any Content unless you see a “download†or similar link displayed by YouTube on the Service for that Content. You shall not copy, reproduce, distribute, transmit, broadcast, display, sell, license, or otherwise exploit any Content for any other purposes without the prior written consent of YouTube or the respective licensors of the Content. YouTube and its licensors reserve all rights not expressly granted in and to the Service and the Content.
What this means is that it’s legal to share and embed YouTube videos on the Internet, however using an external application to download videos that lack an official button or similar link is a violation of the YouTube Terms of Service and the video owner’s copyright. So use the methods below at your own risk or make sure they are creative commons videos (copyright free).
So why would you want to download a YouTube Video?
Here are 3 reasons:
1. Save a copy of your own YouTube videos in case Google shuts down your account in which case you’ll lose all the videos you uploaded. Alternatively someone elses account may have got shut down due to copyright infringement so you’ll no longer have access to the good content you found.
2. Download and save creative commons videos for your personal use.
Here are some creative commons resources
Creative Commons Videos
Creative Commons on YouTube
Creative Commons On Vimeo
3. Burn copies of videos you like onto a CD for personal consumption and fits better with your needs. If you store videos on a CD or DVD so you don’t have to rely on an Internet connection or perhaps you want to store them on your phone to show it to your friends.
Here are 4 Ways To Easily Download a Video From YouTube
1. Firefox Add-on:
Easy YouTube Video Downloader 6.8
This is the fastest, easiest & most reliable free YouTube downloader. It contains the highest sound quality available with M4A, MP3, MP4, AAC, FLV and HD formats. You simply install the add-on then with a single click it and downloads the video directly from YouTube.
If you use the FireFox browser you can install this extension whether you’re using a PC or MAC.
Check out my tutorial How To Download A Video From YouTube To Computer Or Laptop
2. VideoGet
http://nuclear-coffee.com/VideoGet
Works with Internet Explorer, Mozilla FireFox or any other browser. Easily converts YouTube videos to AVI, MPEG1, MPEG2, WMV, FLV, 3GP, MP3, etc. You’ll not only be able to view your video, but also put it on your iPod, iPhone, PSP, mobile phone or any other portable device.
Internet Explorer
Browse to the YouTube video you’d like to download
Click the “VideoGet” quick download button in Internet Explorer
Click the Download button to start downloading
That’s it! Your video from YouTube is downloaded and converted.
Firefox
Browse to the YouTube video you’d like to download
Click the VideoGet quick download button in FireFox.
Click the download button to start downloading
That’s it!
Trial Limitations:
The trial version of VideoGet allows only 20 video downloads after first install.
Paid Version
The paid version costs $24.95. There is also a way to get VideoGet for FREE with TrialPay
3. Fetchvideo.com
How to download your video in 3 easy steps:
- Copy-and-paste a video URL into the form box and hit “Download”
- If it’s your first-time, a warning box may pop-up – just select “Run” to continue. This is perfectly safe and will not install software.
- A list of download links will appear. Right-click on the format you want and select “Save As…” to start your download. That’s all!
Note: Ads will be displayed to pay for the cost of the service.
Alternatively, add “kiss” in front of YouTube URL like this: http://www.kissyoutube.com/watch?v=RDbfmBozzpU. It will open a new window where you can download your video.
4. Savefrom.net
- Enter your URL in the form box and click the big yellow download button.
- Alternatively add “ss” in front of your YouTube URL like so: http://www.ssyoutube.com/watch?v=USqyePjn4-I
- A window will pop-up from savefrom.net with your video URL already displayed in the box
- Click the big yellow download button
If you know of other methods for downloading a video from YouTube place them in the comment box below.
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