How to download YouTube videos for free: 5 methods in 2024

Have you seen an epic YouTube video and want to use some of the footage in a video creation of your own? While your creative mind might be buzzing, it’s important to download YouTube videos safely and legally before you start adding them to your own video.

Whether you want to download YouTube videos for your personal library or to edit and share on social media, getting your hands on a usable video file can be a hassle. That’s why we’ve curated some trustworthy tools and websites to help you solve this problem.

5 reliable ways to save YouTube videos in 2024

Method 1. YouTube Premium

Considering a hassle-free and lawful way to download YouTube videos? Subscribing to YouTube Premium might be your golden ticket.

• Benefits: It grants you the privilege to legally download videos via the “save offline” feature and ensures a premium ad-free viewing experience. There are individual, family, and student plans, but you can get a one-month trial to see for yourself before deciding to subscribe.
• How to use: Sign up to the YouTube Premium free trial and follow these steps.
• Tip: However, there’s a little catch: videos saved this way are tailored specifically for the YouTube app. So, while you can enjoy them offline within the app, they aren’t free like a standard video file format. This means uploading these videos into a video editing software is a no-go.

Method 2. 4k Video Downloader

4k Video Downloader has a reputation as one of the easiest ways to download online videos.

• Benefits: It has an app for Mac, Android, PC, and even Linux. This tool is totally free to use for up to 30 video downloads in a day. If you want to download all of Mr. Beast’s YouTube playlist in one sitting, you can sign up for the paid premium offering. You can also grab the YouTube URL of a previously live-streamed video, and it will download just like a regular video.
• How to use: Visit their site and download the app using any web browser. Once installed, go to the YouTube video you want to download, copy the URL, go into the 4K Video Downloader, and click “paste link.” Choose where the file should save to, and you’re ready to go.
• Tip: You can download a video at the highest quality settings in the free version (how great is that?), but if you want to save space, you can always select a lesser quality setting. In addition, regularly check for software updates; they often come with enhanced features and bug fixes.

Method 3. Savefrom.net

Another popular free online downloader is Savefrom, which offers a web-based method to download YouTube videos.

• Benefits: It can do most of what 4K Video Downloader delivers (including HD quality downloads), but it has no video download limits, AND it has a web browser version, so no install is necessary (although it does have an Android app version as well).
• How to use: Copy the video URL of your favorite YouTube videos, paste a YouTube link into the empty field on their homepage, and click “download”.
• Tip: While Savefrom has a good reputation, we recommend ensuring your system security is up to date and you’re running ad blockers. Don’t click any ads that look suspicious. You can never be too careful when downloading from the web.

Method 4. Browser extensions

Wouldn’t it be convenient to be able to download YouTube videos straight from your browser, with no external site needed? If you find the right browser extension/plugin, that’s precisely what you can expect.

• Benefits: Browser extensions are like the express lane on a highway. This extension integrates directly into your browsing experience, allowing you to download videos without detouring to other websites or applications.
• How to use: Search for YouTube video downloader extensions in your browser’s store or marketplace. Once installed, these extensions typically add a “Download” button beneath the YouTube video, making the process incredibly streamlined.
• Tip: Read user reviews before installing any extension. They often reveal the extension’s efficiency and safety. Be cautious; if an extension has a limited number of downloads and reviews, think twice about rolling the dice. Also, ensure your browser is updated to maintain compatibility with extensions.

Method 5. VLC Media Player

VLC isn’t just for playing videos; it can also help you download them. The VLC media player on your PC is a secure, accessible, and great alternative to downloading YouTube videos.

• Benefits: It’s a two-in-one solution for those who already have this versatile player installed. It’s a bit trickier than the other solutions, but VLC is a trusted name, so there are no security concerns with this option.
• How to use: Open VLC, go to the “Media” tab, select “Open Network Stream,” paste the YouTube link, and then select “Play”- once the video begins playing, select “Tools” and then “Codec Information.” Copy the URL next to ‘location’ and paste it into your browser window. Once the video starts playing, right-click on the video and “Save As” to download your video.
• Tip: Ensure you have the latest version of VLC for the best experience. VLC allows for format conversion, so you can convert YouTube videos to a format best suited to your needs.