YouTube is the most popular video platform on the internet. People use it for education, work, and entertainment. A constant influx of new content makes users return to the platform every day and check new videos from their favorite channels.
However, with all the good that YouTube has to offer, one still cannot be certain about their favorite videos remaining on the platform all the time. And it is not just YouTube itself that may take down a video. Some Youtubers may decide to delete a particular video or even their whole channel.
Not having access to some of your favorite videos is not the best feeling. Thus, you should take some precautions and download videos directly to your device. This article will tell you the ways to do that.
Way #1 – Install Reliable Desktop Software
Getting a youtube downloader app is one of the best available options. You will have control over picking video quality and format that other options may not provide.
VLC is a good example of desktop software to download videos from YouTube. This free video player has a number of neat features, including a means to get YouTube videos (though it is worth mentioning that the whole process is a bit convoluted).
4K Video Downloader is another popular choice, particularly given how the lifetime license costs only 15 dollars. The software works on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Also, in addition to extracting videos, 4K also allows its users to transform YouTube videos to MP3 files, meaning that you get a two-in-one.
Other software is available as well. However, if you decide to pick a different downloader, do your thorough research or get recommendations from someone you know or trust. Taking a risk that may infect your computer with malware and viruses is not worth it.
Way #2 – Download Videos to Smartphone or Tablet
Smartphones and tablets are trickier than computers. First of all, Android users will not have clear access to an app that downloads YouTube videos because Google prevents that due to having the same owners as YouTube. As for iOS, restrictions exist as well.
Nevertheless, despite these obstacles, you can still find a workaround. People who have iPhones or iPads can use Documents by Readdle, an app that you can combine with Safari to download videos.
Android owners can get InsTube. Visit the official website and download the Android application package. Keep in mind that some devices may not accept InsTube that easily, and you will need to enable “Unknown sources” in the security settings.
Way #3 – Get Browser Extensions
Similar to Google Store, Chrome web browser users are likely to deal with problems if they want to download a browser extension. Google is aware of these developments and tends to stop YouTube downloader extensions from taking off on their platform.
Thankfully, you have alternative internet browsers. Microsoft Edge, Safari, Firefox, and Vivaldi are some of the available options. Check which of these browsers have the extension available. After all, switching to another browser to download a YouTube video should not be an issue, right?
Way #4 – Use Downloader Websites
Downloader websites are one of the simplest solutions to the problem. Go to Google and type in “download YouTube videos” in the search bar, and you will see a plethora of different websites.
The number indicates how in-demand video converter websites are. And for the most part, sites at the top are usually a good choice. And if you need to download multiple videos and run out of available videos to convert, you can switch to another website.
The process is relatively simple. You need to copy an URL of a video and paste it into the conversion tab. Then, click the “convert” button and wait for it to finish. It should not take too long unless the video is long or the website is poorly-optimized.
Once the site finishes converting the video, you should have a couple of video format options. Pick one that you want.
Overall, converting videos on internet websites is probably the best option. You do not have to download third-party software or install additional tools.
Way #5 – Subscribe to YouTube Premium
People working at YouTube are no fools, and they understand that people want to download videos from their platform. While not providing these services fully, they came up with a compromise that some people are happy to accept.
YouTube Premium subscribers can enjoy various perks, and that includes video downloads. The downside is that you can only watch videos on the device you download. Transferring it to external storage is not available.
Conclusion
To conclude, the five ways to download YouTube videos to your device mentioned in the article should provide you with enough options. Pick one that you think is the best, and try it. If you find something lacking, move on to the next option until you find one that suits you.
