Have you watched a really good YouTube video and want to include some of the footage in a different kind of film? Even though you might be bursting at the seams to create your own film, make sure you get YouTube videos legally and safely first.
Getting your hands on a useful video file can be a hassle, whether you want to edit and share on social media or save YouTube videos for your own library. For this reason, we've selected a few reliable resources and websites to assist you in resolving this issue.
5 reliable ways to save YouTube videos in 2024
Method 1. YouTube Premium
Are you looking for a legal and hassle-free method to download YouTube videos? Purchasing a YouTube Premium subscription might be your best option.
Advantages: It provides you with the ability to lawfully download videos using the "save offline" function and guarantees an excellent, ad-free watching experience. Plans for individuals, families, and students are available, but before choosing to subscribe, you may try it out for yourself with a free trial.
How to use it: Follow these instructions to sign up for the free trial of YouTube Premium.
A word of caution though: videos saved in this manner are customized for the YouTube app. Therefore, unlike other video file formats, they are not free, even though you can play them offline within the app. It is therefore not recommended to submit these videos to video editing applications.
Method 2. 4k Video Downloader
4k Video Downloader has a reputation as one of the easiest ways to download online videos.
Advantages: There is an app for Linux, Mac, Android, and PC. You can download up to 30 videos with this tool for free each day. You can subscribe to the premium plan if you'd like to download Mr. Beast's whole YouTube playlist at once. A previously live-streamed video can also be downloaded using its YouTube URL, just like any other kind of video.
How to apply: Use any web browser to visit the company's website and download the app. After installation, open the 4K Video Downloader, copy the URL from the YouTube video you are interested in downloading, and select "paste link." Once you select the location for the file to save, you can proceed.
Advice: Although the free version allows you to download videos at the greatest resolution possible, you may always choose a lower quality level to conserve space. Additionally, keep an eye out for software upgrades, as they frequently include bug fixes and improved features.
Method 3. Download from Savefrom
Savefrom is another well-liked free online downloader that provides a web-based way to download YouTube videos.
Benefits: It includes all the features of 4K Video Downloader, including the ability to download videos in high definition. However, it doesn't have any download limits and can be used directly through a web browser, eliminating the need for an installation (though it does have an Android app version as well).
How to apply: Select your preferred YouTube videos, copy their URL, then click "download" after pasting it into the space provided on their homepage.
Though Savefrom has a solid reputation, we nevertheless advise making sure your system security is current and that you have ad blockers installed. Avoid clicking on any suspicious-looking adverts. It's always advisable to use caution when downloading via the internet.
Method 4. Browser Extensions
Wouldn't it be easy to download YouTube videos directly from your browser, eliminating the requirement for an additional website? That's exactly what you should anticipate if you locate the appropriate browser extension or plugin.
Advantages: Browser extensions are comparable to a highway's express lane. With this extension, downloading videos is possible without taking you to other websites or apps—it just works with the way you browse.
How to apply: Go to the marketplace or store on your browser and look for extensions that download YouTube videos. After installation, these extensions usually offer a "Download" button underneath the YouTube video, which greatly simplifies the procedure.
Advice: Before installing any extensions, read user reviews. Their effectiveness and safety are frequently made clear by them. Use caution; don't roll the dice on an extension if it has a small number of downloads and reviews. To keep your browser compatible with extensions, make sure it is updated as well.
Method 5. VLC Media Player
VLC can assist you with downloading videos in addition to playing them. You may download YouTube videos safely, conveniently, and with greater quality by using the VLC media player on your PC.
Benefits: For those who already have this flexible player installed, it's a two-in-one solution. Although it's a little more difficult than the other options, there are no security issues because VLC is a reputable brand.
How to apply: Enter the YouTube link, open VLC, pick the "Media" tab, choose "Open Network Stream," and press "Play." After the video starts playing, choose "Tools" and then "Codec Information." Paste the URL that is next to "location" into your browser window after copying it. When the video begins to play, right-click it and select "Save." to download your video.
Advice: For optimal results, make sure you are running the most recent version of VLC. Because VLC supports format conversion, you can change the format of YouTube videos to one that's more appropriate for you.
Recognizing the law: downloading and altering YouTube videos
The answer to the question "Can I legally download videos from YouTube?" is a resounding yes! You can download those videos lawfully if you have a YouTube Premium membership in your possession. However, be advised that deviating from the recommended download procedures may put you in legal hot water. Even if YouTube hasn't filed a lawsuit over this, it's a good idea to abide by their copyright policies whenever you download anything.
It's important to be informed of the legal ramifications before downloading YouTube videos or using their content for personal or business use.
The terms of service for YouTube: According to YouTube's terms of service, users are not permitted to download content from the platform unless the content creator has granted permission or unless YouTube has made a download button or link plainly visible. The purpose of this regulation is to safeguard authors' rights to their intellectual property.
Copyright Laws: In short, downloading or repurposing the video could violate copyright laws if you don't own the content or if you haven't gotten the owner's express consent. This may result in the removal of your video, a copyright strike on your account, or even possible legal action being taken against you.
Fair use: Although copyright laws may appear stringent, many nations, including the United States, have a notion known as "fair use." For purposes like criticism, commentary, news reporting, teaching, and research, you may be able to use copyrighted content without obtaining permission thanks to fair use laws. Fair use, however, is a complicated legal concept that is used case-by-case.
How to avoid copyright issues on YouTube
Ask creators for permission: Obtaining express consent from the person who created the original content is the safest method to use their work in a video. Usually, a written consent or license agreement is used for this.
Make advantage of royalty-free media: Some content producers grant Creative Commons licenses for their videos, allowing third parties to utilize their work subject to certain restrictions. Furthermore, there are venues where producers post videos—often referred to as "royalty-free" videos—that are intended for public use without restriction. Before employing such content, always make sure the licensing information is correct.
YouTube Videos Downloaded. What next?
It's now easier than ever to save a YouTube video download for offline viewing or editing. Now, anyone may download videos from the internet using a dedicated piece of software or a quick web application.
If a track from a YouTube video catches your attention? Consider creating a podcast out of a lengthy interview so that listeners may do so while on the road. Check out our helpful article on how to save YouTube audio if you want that song or audio file.
After obtaining your movie, how about importing it into Clipchamp to experience the simplicity of video editing? Clipchamp is a simple online video editor with professional capabilities that will help you realize your video ideas, regardless of your level of experience.
