YouTube — the leading video platform hosting movies, educational materials, music videos, and reviews. However, in Russia, online viewing can be difficult due to the service slowing down. So how can you save videos for offline viewing?
In this article, we will look at safe and free methods to download content from YouTube to your computer or phone so you can enjoy your favorite programs without the internet.
How to download YouTube videos by link
Downloading videos from YouTube by link is a simple and convenient method that does not require installing programs or extensions. All you need is a link to the video.
How to get the video link?
- In the browser.
Open YouTube, find the desired video, and copy the link from the address bar. - In the YouTube app.
Launch the app on your smartphone, click "Share" under the video and select "Copy link".
Top 3 online services for saving videos
ssYouTube
A popular service for downloading videos. Extremely easy to use.
- Go to the ssYouTube website (link: https://ssyoutube.com/).
- Paste the copied address into the field on the main page.
- Click "Download".
Formats: MP4 (360p, 1080p).
Savefrom.net
Site for fast download from YouTube and other sites.
- Go to Savefrom.net (link: https://savefrom.net/).
- Paste the link into the designated field.
- Click "Download".
Formats: MP4 (360p), video without sound (480p, 720p, 1080p).
Y2Mate
Universal service for video and audio.
- Open the Y2Mate website.
- Paste the video link.
- Click "Start".
Formats: MP4 video (from 144p to 1080p), MP3 audio.
How to download videos using browser extensions
Browser extensions are a great tool for those who frequently download content from YouTube. They allow you to download videos directly from the page without going to third-party sites.
Why use extensions?
- Convenience.
No need to copy links and search for third-party services. - Speed.
The download begins instantly after pressing the button. - Availability.
Most extensions are free and compatible with popular browsers.
Popular extensions overview
Video DownloadHelper
Supports YouTube and other platforms.
- Install the extension from the Chrome store.
- Open the desired recording on YouTube.
- Click on the extension icon in the upper right corner of the browser.
- Choose the desired quality and format (MP4, MP3, and others).
Savefrom.net
Works as an online service and browser extension.
- Install the extension from the store.
- Open what you want to save on YouTube.
- Click the "Download" button under the video.
- Select quality and format.
Youtube4KDownloader
Allows downloading videos in high quality, including 4K.
- Install the extension from the extensions directory. For Google Chrome, you need to download the archive from the service website and install the extension manually.
- Open the video recording on YouTube.
- Click on the extension icon and choose quality (from 144p to 4K).
Programs for downloading videos from YouTube
Special programs allow saving videos to a computer in high quality. One of the best tools is 4K Video Downloader, which provides a simple and fast download process, supporting various formats and resolutions.
How to install and use the program?
- Download 4K Video Downloader through the app store or official website (link: https://www.4kdownload.com/). Install the program following the on-screen instructions.
- Find the desired video on YouTube and copy its link from the browser's address bar.
- Open 4K Video Downloader, click "Paste Link," and the program will automatically detect available formats. Choose the video quality (e.g., 1080p or 4K).
- Click "Download," and the file will be saved to your computer.
There are other programs, ClipGrab or Videoder. However, unlike 4K Video Downloader, they cannot be downloaded from the app store. This often leads to the installation of unnecessary additional software, such as browsers and antivirus. The applications are difficult to completely remove from the computer as they leave traces in the system. Therefore, for safety and convenience, use extensions or online services.
How to save videos to a phone
Downloading videos from YouTube to a phone is as easy as to a computer.
The first two methods — downloading via services and using mobile browser extensions — are also available on the phone.
Another convenient tool is Telegram bots. For example, via the bot @Gozilla_bot, you can quickly download videos in the desired format. Just send the link to the desired content to the bot and download the file in the desired quality.
Why is it convenient to use Telegram bots?
- Do not require additional app installations.
- Work quickly and support different formats.
- Suitable for both phones and computers.
Cannot download videos. What to do?
Due to the slowdown of services in Russia, methods may work unstably. However, there is a simple and effective solution — screen recording.
For this, you can use programs like OBS or Record Screen, available in stores. But be sure to use a stable VPN so that the connection is not interrupted and there are no large pauses.
Conclusion
We have discussed how to download YouTube videos quickly, for free, and safely.
- Online services — save recordings without installing programs.
- Browser extensions — download from the browser.
- Applications — download in high quality.
Each of these methods is uncomplicated, choose the one that suits you.
It is worth saving videos only for personal viewing to not violate copyright. Distributing content without the author's permission entails legal consequences.
Do not use unknown programs and extensions to avoid downloading malware to the device.
Choose the appropriate method, follow the instructions, and watch the videos anytime!
