There might be a time that you would like to download a video from YouTube to view later while offline but unfortunately YouTube does not allow saving or downloading videos directly. In order to download a YouTube video we would either need to install software that can download the video or make use of an online service. This article covers downloading a YouTube video without using software or without paying anyone a fee.
How To Download Youtube Videos For Free Without Software
The simplest way to download a YouTube video is to go to the YouTube video that you prefer to download, then insert "SS" in the url before the YouTube part.
Example:
I want to download this YouTube video to my computer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBgOG1zzLjw&ab_channel=ServerGuru
Insert SS after the www. bit but before the "youtube" bit like this: https://www.SSyoutube.com/watch?v=NBgOG1zzLjw&ab_channel=ServerGuru
Then hit enter.
Your web browser will automatically be redirected to "savefrom.net"
Now, click on the "Download MP4" button next to the video. Do not click any other button.
*You DO NOT need to install the Savefrom.net helper extension.
The YouTube video will now download. If it doesn't and the video you chose to download plays instead, then click on the three dots to the right, then click on "download".
Is It Legal To Download Videos From YouTube?
Just incase you were wondering 🙂 No, it is not legal. YouTube terms of service state the following:
"Permissions and Restrictions
You may access and use the Service as made available to you, as long as you comply with this Agreement and applicable law. You may view or listen to Content for your personal, non-commercial use. You may also show YouTube videos through the embeddable YouTube player.
The following restrictions apply to your use of the Service. You are not allowed to:
access, reproduce, download, distribute, transmit, broadcast, display, sell, license, alter, modify or otherwise use any part of the Service or any Content except: (a) as expressly authorized by the Service; or (b) with prior written permission from YouTube and, if applicable, the respective rights holders;
circumvent, disable, fraudulently engage with, or otherwise interfere with any part of the Service (or attempt to do any of these things), including security-related features or features that (a) prevent or restrict the copying or other use of Content or (b) limit the use of the Service or Content."
Download YouTube Videos The Legit Way
YouTube doesn't allow downloading videos for free unless you have a YouTube Premium account, this allows the account holder to download videos for offline watching. This is the only legal way.