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How to Download YouTube Videos

Are you looking for a way to download your favorite YouTube videos easily? Downloading YouTube videos can be a great way to enjoy content offline or to create a personal collection of your favorite videos.

There are multiple ways to easily download YouTube videos, but the easiest way is to use a free YouTube video download tool.

Online Youtube video downloaders are convenient tools that allow you to download YouTube videos without the need to install software on your device. VideoGrab is one of the free and most popular options.

3 reliable ways to download Youtube Videos

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.

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: Using Online Video Downloader like VideoGrab

Our YouTube video downloader will now make such a purpose easier and less complicated. You can use this powerful tool to save any YouTube video – including YouTube shorts content – to your computer or mobile devices.The best part is that you don’t have to install extensions or download software.

Step-by-step Guide on how to download YouTube videos using VideoGrab:

  1. Find the Video: Open YouTube and navigate to the video you want to download.
  2. Copy the URL: Highlight the video’s URL in the address bar and copy it.
  3. Go to VideoGrab: Go to a reputable online video downloader site like VideoGrab.
  4. Paste the URL: In the downloader’s input field, paste the copied URL.
  5. Select the Format: Wait a few moments, and the website will show you different options for the same video at different qualities. Hence, you will be able to choose between all the qualities available for the original media.
  6. Click on  ‘Download Video’: in the quality option of your preference, and the download will start.

As you can see, it is extremely easy to download YouTube videos online using our YouTube video downloader tool. All videos will be downloaded in mp4 format, which means that most (if not all) devices will be able to play them without problems. Now you can save your favorite YouTube moments within a few clicks!

Method 3: 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.

Step-by-step Guide on how to download YouTube videos using VLC:

  1. Open VLC
  2. Go to the “Media” tab, select “Open Network Stream,”
  3. Paste the YouTube link, and then select “Play”
  4. Once the video begins playing, select “Tools” and then “Codec Information.”
  5. Copy the URL next to ‘location’ and paste it into your browser window.
  6. 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.

Troubleshooting download issues

When attempting to download YouTube videos, you might encounter several common issues. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you navigate these challenges smoothly:

Issue 1: Incompatible File Formats

One of the most common issues is that the format you’re trying to download may not be compatible with your device. Most tools download videos in MP4 format, which is widely supported. However, if you run into format problems, consider using a video converter to change the file type post-download.

Solution: After downloading, if you can’t play the video, use software like HandBrake or any other reliable converter that supports a range of formats.

Issue 2: Slow Download Speeds

If your download speeds are slower than expected, consider a few factors that might be impacting the process. This could include your internet bandwidth or server overload of the downloader you are using.

Solution: Try switching to a different internet connection, pausing other downloads or streaming activities, and using a different downloader that may be less crowded.

Issue 3: Invalid or Expired Links

Sometimes, the link to a YouTube video may become invalid or the content may have been removed from YouTube.

Solution: Verify the link for accuracy.

Tips for ensuring quality video downloads

When downloading YouTube videos, quality should be a priority. Here are some proven tips to ensure your downloads are of the highest quality possible:

Choose the Right Downloading Tool

Not all YouTube downloaders are created equal. Some tools offer superior quality downloads than others. When selecting a downloader, look for one that explicitly advertises support for HD (high-definition) video and allows you to choose your preferred resolution, such as 1080p or 4K.

Recommendation: Popular downloaders like VideoGrab are commonly praised for their quality and ease of use. 

Select High-Quality Settings

When given the option, opt for higher-resolution downloads. Many downloaders allow you to select between multiple resolutions and qualities. Always choose the highest option available to ensure that the final product maintains its laser-sharp clarity.

Tip: If you plan to view the video on a large screen, downloading in 4K might be worth the extra time and storage space.

Confirm your internet speed

A sluggish internet connection can frequently result in delays and interruptions.

YouTube videos downloaded. What next?

Saving a YouTube video for offline enjoyment or editing has never been simpler. With a variety of quick online tools and dedicated software available, anyone can now download videos effortlessly. Are you interested in extracting a favorite song or audio clip from a YouTube video? Perhaps you want to convert a lengthy interview into a podcast for easy listening on the move. For those audio needs, be sure to explore our comprehensive guide on how to save YouTube audio. 

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