Simple and Free Methods of Downloading YouTube Videos on Your PC

YouTube is one of the most popular video-sharing platforms in the world. It’s home to a vast collection of videos, including music videos, tutorials, vlogs, and more. While it’s convenient to watch these videos online, there are times when you might want to download them to your computer for offline viewing.

In this blog post, we’ll show you four simple and free methods of downloading YouTube videos to your PC. We’ll also discuss why it’s important to use free and legal methods to avoid any legal issues down the line.

Overview of why you might want to download YouTube videos

There are several reasons why you might want to download YouTube videos to your PC:

• You want to watch a video offline without an internet connection.
• You want to save a video for future reference or research.
• You want to edit a video for personal or professional use.

Explanation of why it’s important to use free and legal methods

It’s crucial to use free and legal methods when downloading YouTube videos to avoid any potential legal issues. YouTube’s terms of service prohibit downloading videos unless the video’s owner has explicitly given permission. Therefore, downloading copyrighted content without permission can lead to legal trouble. To avoid this, we’ll only be discussing free and legal methods in this blog post.

Method 1: Using a Free Online Video Downloader

One of the easiest and most straightforward ways to download YouTube videos to your PC is by using a free online video downloader. Here’s how:

Step-by-step instructions on how to download YouTube videos using an online video downloader

1. Copy the URL of the YouTube video you wish to download.
2. Visit a free online video downloader website, such as YouTubNow or Savefrom.net.
3. Paste the YouTube video URL into the input box on the website.
4. Select your preferred video format and quality.
5. Click the download button to start downloading the video.

Pros and cons of this method

Pros:

• It’s free and straightforward to use.
• You don’t need to install any software.
• You can choose from various video formats and qualities.

Cons:

• The download speed may depend on your internet connection.
• Some online video downloaders may have ads.

Method 2: Using a Browser Extension

If you use Google Chrome or Firefox as your primary web browser, you can use a browser extension to download YouTube videos. Here’s how:

Step-by-step instructions on how to download YouTube videos using a browser extension

1. Install a browser extension, such as Video DownloadHelper or Easy YouTube Video Downloader Express.
2. Visit the YouTube video you want to download.
3. Click the download button provided by the extension.
4. Select your preferred video format and quality.
5. Click the download button to start downloading the video.

Pros and cons of this method

Pros:

• It’s free and straightforward to use.
• You don’t need to leave your web browser.
• You can choose from various video formats and qualities.

Cons:

• You need to install a browser extension.
• The download speed may depend on your internet connection.

Method 3: Using VLC Media Player

VLC Media Player is a popular open-source media player that can also be used to download YouTube videos. Here’s how:

Step-by-step instructions on how to download YouTube videos using VLC Media Player

1. Download and install VLC Media Player if you don’t have it already.
2. Copy the URL of the YouTube video you wish to download.
3. Open VLC Media Player and select “Open Network Stream” from the Media menu or use the shortcut CTRL + N.
4. Paste the YouTube video URL into the network URL box and click Play.
5. Right-click on the video screen and select “Save” to save the video to your PC.

Pros and cons of this method

Pros:

• It’s free and straightforward touse.
• VLC Media Player is a well-known and trusted software.
• You can choose from various video formats and qualities.

Cons:

• You need to install VLC Media Player.
• The download speed may depend on your internet connection.

Method 4: Using the YouTube App

If you prefer using the official YouTube app on your computer, you can download YouTube videos for offline viewing through the app itself. Here’s how:

Step-by-step instructions on how to download YouTube videos using the YouTube app

1. Download and install the YouTube app on your PC if you don’t have it already.
2. Open the YouTube app and sign in with your Google account.
3. Visit the YouTube video you want to download.
4. Below the video player, click the “Download” button.
5. The video will be downloaded to your PC and can be accessed from the “Downloads” section of the YouTube app.

Pros and cons of this method

Pros:

• It’s free and straightforward to use.
• You’re using the official YouTube app, ensuring a smooth experience.
• You can download videos directly from the app without needing additional tools.

Cons:

• You need to install the YouTube app.
• The download speed may depend on your internet connection.
• Video format options may be limited compared to other methods.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several simple and free methods available for downloading YouTube videos to your PC. In this blog post, we discussed four of them: using a free online video downloader, a browser extension, VLC Media Player, and the YouTube app. Each method has its pros and cons, so it’s essential to choose the one that suits your needs the best.

Remember, when downloading YouTube videos, always make sure to only download content that is legal to download and use. By following the methods mentioned above, you can enjoy your favorite YouTube videos offline without any legal concerns.