Downloading YouTube videos used to be tricky, with lots of sketchy youtube video downloaders. Fortunately, there are now easy and legitimate ways to save videos you like.
In this article, we’ll explore 5 safe and reliable methods to download YouTube videos for free. They range from the browser extension and the online youtube video downloader to desktop software and mobile apps. We’ll also look at the legality of downloading from YouTube, so you can stay on the right side of the rules.
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How to download YouTube videos: Legality
Google’s terms of service for YouTube is shown below.
“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.”
However, the legality is complex.Open-source tools have been reinstated after takedown notices, since they can be used for fair purposes like journalism and education.
Non-copyrighted content like public domain media and personal videos may be downloaded responsibly.
Individuals should exercise judgment and download videos at their own risk. This article provides general information but does not guarantee accuracy or completeness.
How to download YouTube videos for free and safe: 5 methods for October
There are several ways to youtube video downloaders legally and safely. Here are 5 of the best methods to download YouTube videos for free in October 2023:
Method 1: SaveFrom.net
SaveFrom.net is a commonly used online YouTube video downloader. It is easy to use and free. You don’t require any software installation.It works by generating a download link for the YouTube video you want, then you simply click to download the video file.
HOW TO START
- Copy the Youtube Video URL
- Paste URL on SaveFrom
- Select HD Format
- Click on Download
- SaveFrom Downloads Video
- Find in Downloads Folder
Advantages:
- SaveFrom.net is completely free to use with no limits on downloads.
- It is very fast and easy to use – just copy, paste, and click download.
- It supports downloading videos in different quality formats up to 4K.
Disadvantages:
- The interface is a bit dated and basic compared to some downloader tools.
- It only works for downloading individual videos, not playlists or channels.
- You may sometimes get a “Too many requests” error if downloading multiple videos.
Ratings:
SaveFrom.net is highly rated by users with 4 out of 5 stars on most review sites.
Price:
Free
Method 2: Browser extensions
Browser extensions are add-on programs that integrate into web browsers like Chrome and Firefox to add extra functionality. There are many good YouTube video downloader extensions available.
Some popular options are VideoDownloadHelper for Chrome and Firefox, FastestTube for Chrome, and Ninja Download Manager for Firefox. These extensions are completely free.
HOW TO START
Ｏpen your browser and search for the extension you want. Such as SaveFrom helper.
Install the browser extension. Remember to restart the browser to active the extensions.
Then open the YouTube site and you’ll see the extension’s icon on the toolbar.
Click it on any video page and it will detect the video and provide a download link automatically.
Advantages:
- Browser extensions allow one-click downloading right from YouTube in your browser.
- They are fast, easy to use, and completely free.
- The downloads are high quality with multiple format options available.
Disadvantages:
- Some extensions contain more ads compared to standalone downloader tools.
- You have to keep the browser open during the entire download which can slow your computer.
- Extensions may not work if you clear cookies or switch browsers.
Ratings:
The top video downloader extensions have 4+ star ratings from thousands of users.
Price:
Free browser extensions. Just install and use.
Method 3: Youtube Premium
YouTube Premium is YouTube’s paid subscription that provides an ad-free experience and offline downloads. Therefore, subscribing gives you a seamless way to download videos directly within the YouTube app.
The advantage is that Premium downloads are integrated into the official YouTube app. In addition, the downloads work offline once completed so you can watch anywhere. Moreover, Premium includes extras like background play and ad-free viewing.
On the other hand, disadvantages include the monthly charge for Premium after the trial ends. Furthermore, you can only store up to 500 downloaded videos per device at a time. Lastly, any downloaded videos expire after 30 days and must be renewed.
Method 4: SSyoutube
SSyoutube is a handy online Youtube video downloader for downloading YouTube videos without any software required. It is free to use but has ads on the site.
SSyoutube works by converting YouTube videos into downloadable files that you can then save to your device. No account or registration is needed.
HOW TO START
Go to ssyoutube. Find the target video and paste the URL of the YouTube video you want. Hit enter and the page will load with download options. Select the video quality, format, and other settings, then click “Download” to start the download.
Advantages:
- Completely free to use for downloading videos.
- Supports a wide range of formats and high quality.
- Very fast and easy to use with no account needed.
Disadvantages:
- The site contains popup, banner, and video ads.
- Limited to downloading one video at a time.
- May occasionally fail to download or download incomplete videos.
Ratings:
SSyoutube has a 3.5 out of 5 star rating based on user reviews.
Price:
Free to use but contains ads.
Method 5: RipYoutube desktop software
RipYoutube is a very popular Youtube Video Downloader desktop program available for Windows and Mac that downloads videos from YouTube and many other sites.
It’s one of the best YouTube downloaders available with no ads, subscriptions, or shady software bundles.
HOW TO START
First, download and install RipYoutube on your computer. Launch the app and copy/paste the link to the YouTube video you want. Customize the download settings like format and quality in the sidebar. Finally, click the “Download” button and RipYoutube will save the video file to your computer.
Advantages:
- Downloads entire YouTube playlists and channels with one click.
- Supports a huge range of output formats and up to 8K quality.
- Settings to automate renaming, organizing, and exporting downloads.
Disadvantages:
- RipYoutube is only available for desktop, not mobile.
- The free version lacks some advanced features like scheduling.
- It cannot convert downloaded files into different formats.
Ratings:
RipYoutube earns outstanding reviews, averaging 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Price:
Free version available with paid upgrades for more features.
Last word for downloading YouTube videos
In summary, there are many legal and safe ways to download YouTube videos for free such as browser extensions, Youtube video downloader tools like SaveFrom.net, and programs like RipYoutube. Just be sure to avoid illegal download methods, re-uploading videos without permission, and unsafe sites riddled with ads. As long as you follow these guidelines, you can enjoy downloading videos from YouTube.