How to Download YouTube Videos: Step-by-Step Methods

This tutorial explains how to Download YouTube Videos using various YouTube Downloaders and how to save them locally:

There are countless reasons as to why one would be interested in downloading videos from YouTube.

For starters, it is one of the most popular and widely used content platforms online. It is literally the home to all sorts of content you would like.

From new videos to old, from music videos to news, YouTube has it all. Suffice to say, you want to enjoy these videos offline.

You may be an independent creator on YouTube and want to download videos to create transformative content of your own or you simply want a tool that can help you save videos for offline viewing as your internet connection is slow.

Download YouTube Videos

Well, downloading videos from YouTube is incredibly simple, provided you have the right tool to assist you. In this tutorial, we will tell you all about the different tools that help you to download videos from YouTube and also instruct you on how to easily undertake the process by following a simple step-by-step guide.

List of Top YouTube Downloaders

Here is the list of popular tools to Download YouTube Videos:

1. By Click Downloader
2. 4K Video Downloader
3. Leawo Video Downloader
4. CleverGet
5. Gihosoft TubeGet
6. Viddly
7. Videoder
8. Y2mate
9. KeepVid
10. Any video Converter
11. Airy
12. Snaptube
13. SnapDownloader

Comparing Best Tools to Download YouTube Videos

Let us review each YouTube Downloader in detail:

#1) By Click Downloader

Type: Desktop-based (Compatible with Windows)

By Click Downloader is a tool for downloading videos from all sites like YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, etc. It supports HD & 4K quality to download videos. You can download very long videos with this tool.

It has capabilities to download YouTube subtitles, channels, playlists, private Facebook videos, etc. Mp3s downloaded through YouTube By Click Downloader get the artist name & title attached to it. You can simultaneously download multiple videos with this tool.

Steps to download videos from By Click Downloader: YouTube By Click Downloader facilitates a one-click download mode. Hence you can download videos in just one or two steps. We will see the steps for using the tool in different scenarios:

#1) Download by One-click: Open the web browser and enter the video page you want to download. You will see the below message on the screen. You can download a video or mp3 by clicking the appropriate button.

#2) Download Private videos from YouTube or Facebook: For this case, By Click Downloader will ask you to fill in the user name and password.

#3) Downloading YouTube Playlists:

Step 1: Open the application ‘By Click Downloader’.
Step 2: Enter the YouTube Playlist link. You will see the below Playlist window.

Step 3: Select the tracks to download.
Step 4: Select the format and quality.
Step 5: Click the ‘Download’ button.
Step 6: You can track the status of downloads through the status bar as shown in the below image.

#4) Downloading the YouTube Subtitles:

Step 1: After you start the download, you can right-click the download row as shown in the below image.

Step 2: Click the ‘Download Subtitle’.

Step 3: Select the language and click the ‘Download’ button.

#2) 4K Video Downloader

Type: Desktop-based (Compatible with Windows and Mac)

4K Video Downloader is one of the finest tools when it comes to downloading videos from everyone’s favorite content platform. As the name suggests, it is more than capable of downloading ultra-high definition videos in 4K and 1080p quality directly from YouTube.

Moreover, it allows users to download 360-degree videos as well. Apart from its near-perfect video downloading feature, you can use the tool to extract audio from a YouTube video, download subtitles from online videos, and save them in SRT format in over 50 languages.

4K downloader is incredibly smart and can download an entire playlist, and download videos in batches at remarkable speeds, provided you have a good internet connection.

Steps to Download Videos from 4K Video Downloader

Downloading videos on 4K is simple and fun. As it is a desktop-based application, you are first required to download it from the website.

#1) Upon Download, click on the application file and click ‘install’ to begin the installation process.

#2) Once you open the tool, you will be greeted to an interface that invites you to choose between two options to download videos

• You can either select the Paste link option to copy and paste the link of the YouTube video you want to download,
• Or select the smart mode to download videos in bulk.

#3) Additionally the tool can automatically read the video you play on YouTube and keep it ready for you to proceed with the download.

#4) Once you have the video link, you simply have to select the video quality/resolution and the destination folder you would like to download the video in.

#5) Your downloaded videos will be available to you for offline viewing in your designated folder on the device.

Price: Free, Personal – $15, Pro Version – $ 45

#3) Leawo Video Downloader

Type: Desktop-based (Compatible with Windows and Mac)

Leawo Video Downloader can download videos, music videos, and live streaming videos from more than 1000 websites. You can download the live streaming videos in two ways, by entering the direct live video URL or through the live video M3U8 link. It provides 6X higher speed. It supports downloading of videos in 720P/1080P resolutions.

Leawo Video Downloader provides precise video information so that you can download the video with the right parameters. It includes the information of its name, size, format, etc.

It offers some smart settings like deleting the browsing history and setting the directory for downloaded videos. For ease of use, it has a built-in video player to play the downloaded videos.

Steps to download videos from Leawo Video Downloader: To download the videos, you have to go to the “Download” tab.

Step 1: Enter the URL of the video you want to download in the address bar. The source online video will be loaded with the help of an internal browser.

Step 2: Click the “Download” button to download the video. You can see the videos that are getting downloaded by clicking the button “Downloading” as highlighted in the below image.

Step 3: According to your requirement, you can change the resolution. You can manage the downloaded videos easily.

#4) CleverGet

Type: Desktop-based (Compatible with Windows and Mac)

CleverGet helps you download can help you download videos from over 1000 sites. This also includes YouTube. The software can help you download an entire playlist and even channels from YouTube. Its batch-processing capabilities are exceptional, allowing you to download multiple videos simultaneously to save time. 

The software does a good job of also downloading live streams from YouTube. The software can do so without any M3U8 links. The software also shines because of its built-in browser. The browser helps you search for YouTube videos and download them without leaving the CleverGet interface. The software is also one of those rare tools that facilitates lossless 8K video downloads. 

Steps to download videos from CleverGet:

#1) To start downloading, you’ll first need to download the software on your Windows or Mac system.

#2) Once done, copy the YouTube URL of the video you wish to download and paste it on CleverGet. 

#3) Choose your download option. 

#4) Once done, hit the download button to save the video on your system.

#5) Gihosoft TubeGet

Type: Desktop Based Application (Compatible with Windows and Mac)

Gihosoft is yet another phenomenal desktop application that allows you to download videos from YouTube in quality as high as 8k. You also get to download videos that come in a 360-degree format, 3D, and 60 frames per second run rate.

The tool also allows users to download videos in bulk or download entire playlists with just one click. Apart from YouTube, Gihosoft is also capable of downloading videos from other popular content platforms like Vimeo, Facebook, Twitter, etc.

Gihosoft doesn’t stop at just being a remarkable tool to download videos online. It also supports video conversion and can help you convert your video or audio files into multiple output formats in a very comprehensive manner.

Steps to Download YouTube Video from Gihosoft TubeGet

You are first required to download and install Gihosoft’s application in your system.

#1) After opening the installed application, simply copy and paste the link of the YouTube video you would like to download in the application.

#2) Then select the resolution or output quality of the video.

#3) Press the ‘Download’ button to save the video in your desired folder path on your PC.

Price: Free, Personal Edition – $25 for lifetime, Family Edition – $75 for lifetime.

Website: Gihosoft TubeGet

#6) Viddly

Type: Desktop Based Application (Compatible with both Mac and Windows OS)

Viddly distinguishes itself from other tools of its nature by being lightweight, and super fast because of it. It doesn’t occupy a lot of space on your system, boots incredibly fast, and captures videos to download in a heartbeat.

You can easily download videos in HD, 4k, and 1080p quality from YouTube. You can also extract audio files and convert videos in multiple format outputs, depending on your preference. Plus, you can also download playlists with just one click.

Despite being free, the tool does not assault its users with annoying adware. You can smoothly navigate your way through its simple interface and get your videos downloaded in a matter of minutes.

Steps to Download Videos from YouTube using Viddly

To download videos with Viddly, you need to first download and install the application from the Viddly’s website.

#1) Once installed on your device, you can directly find the video you would like to download from the application itself without opening your browser.

#2) Once you’ve found your video, click on it, and the download option will appear beneath the selected video file.

#3) Select your desired format and resolution option before clicking the ‘download’ button. You also get the option to download the video in its audio format by selecting the ‘download mp3 button’ right beside the video downloading option.

#4) Your saved video will be saved on your device for your offline viewing pleasure.

Price: Free, $17.99 per year, $59 lifetime.

Website: Viddly

#7) Videoder

Type: Desktop Based (Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Android Devices)

Videoder is a beautiful looking downloader that can help users download videos from over 1000 sites online. It is jam-packed with features that either make YouTube download easy or compliment the downloading process.

Videoder boasts of the ability to download 4K and ultra HD videos up to 10 times faster than other tools of its caliber. The application comes equipped with an intuitive interface and automatically detects the video you want to download, albeit once you paste its link on the application.

Videoder enables users to download videos in bulk or download entire playlists with just one click, extract audio and subtitles as well as convert videos to provide a satisfying experience to its users.

Steps to Save YouTube Videos with Videoder

To initiate video downloading, you first have to download and install the tool on your Android or Windows device.

#1) To make things simpler, Videoder comes with its own search bar, wherein you can search for the YouTube video you would like to download. Alternatively, you can simply opt to copy-paste your desired YouTube URL in the application.

#2) Once you have your chosen file, select the resolution you would like to download the video in. You get an option to select from 144p to 4K UHD for your final output.

#3) Once selected, simply click the ‘download’ button and your video will be saved in your designated folder path on the device.

Price: Free

Website: Videoder

#8) Y2mate

Type: Online Tool (Compatible with all devices)

Y2mate greets its users with a home page that encourages users to paste the URL of a YouTube video they would like to download. It follows a simple three-step procedure to make downloading superfast and considerably more convenient.

The tool downloads videos in virtually any format available and does it without costing a dime to the user. Users can use this tool to their heart’s content, downloading an unlimited number of files on the go, in resolutions that go up to 1080p in quality.

Y2mate also comes with a chrome browser extension that bypasses the copy-paste procedure and allows users to capture download links straight from YouTube itself.

Steps to Download YouTube Videos with Y2mate.

#1) Copy and paste the link of the video you would like to download in Y2mate’s textbox.

#2) Once pasted, you will be presented with download options that allow you to choose your desired resolution and format output. Select the option you wish.

#3) Simply click the download button once you have your options sorted. Your video will be saved in your chosen path on the device.

Price: Free

Website: Y2mate

#9) KeepVid

Type: Online Based Application (Compatible with All OS)

KeepVid is a simple yet powerful tool to quickly get your YouTube videos saved on your device. You can easily download videos that go as high as 1080p in resolution at remarkable speeds from this online tool.

Apart from YouTube, the tool also works phenomenally well to download videos from a number of other content platforms online, mainly Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

You can also easily download your YouTube videos in audio-only format by selecting the format option during the download process.

Steps to download YouTube videos with KeepVid

#1) Copy-paste the link of the YouTube video you would like to download in the text box appearing on KeepVid’s home page.

#2) Choose your desired resolution and output format.

#3) Click on the ‘download’ button to start the process. Your video will be saved in your destination folder.

Price: Free

Website: KeepVid

#10) Any Video Converter

Type: Desktop Based Application (Compatible with Mac and Windows)

Although Any Video Converter likes to position itself primarily as a video converter, it does offer a very powerful video downloader that is super fast, easy to use, and completely free. The tool enables users to download videos in resolutions as good as 4K UHD.

Plus, it is very simple to download videos in bulk or download the entire playlists with the help of Any Video Converter. Its most remarkable feature is the search bar that allows users to directly look for a YouTube video they would like to download, instead of opening a browser.

The tool works on almost all devices, mobile and PC combined. Despite being free to use, you will seldom find ads or any sort of malware interrupting your experience.

Steps to Download YouTube video with Any Video Converter

#1) You can search for the video you would like to download in the application window itself and select the one you would like to save. Alternatively, you can copy-paste a URL of the YouTube video you like to save.

#2) Select from a number of resolution and format outputs before selecting the download button. The resolutions you get to choose from will depend on the video you choose to download.

#3) Once selected, simply click on the download button. Your video will be saved in your destination folder.

Price: Free

Website: Any Video Converter

#11) Airy

Type: Desktop Based (Compatible with Windows and Mac)

As a YouTube downloader, Airy is too simple as it gets for users who like to download videos for offline viewing. It is a simple, efficient tool that quickly captures the videos you want to download, in the formats you want to download them in.

The tool can help users download videos that range from 4K UHD to 8K in quality. You can also easily extract audio from any YouTube video online, by simply shifting your format preference on the options it offers you during the process.

Moreover, Airy easily integrates with your browser to make the downloading process all the more convenient. You can bypass the copy-paste procedure to just capture videos from YouTube itself – thanks to the ‘download’ icon you will find hanging above or below your YouTube video every time you play it online.

Steps to Download Videos Using Airy

You are first required to install the tool on your device.

#1) Once installed, copy-paste the YouTube URL you would like to download. Alternatively, you can use the browser integration to download videos directly from YouTube.

#2) From the drop-down menu, select the resolution and output format available to you for that particular video.

#3) Once settled, click the ‘download’ button and your video will be downloaded and saved in your chosen destination folder.

Price: Personal License – $19, Family Pack – $39.95

Website: Airy

#12) SnapTube

Type: Mobile Based Application (Compatible with Android and iOS)

SnapTube tries to cater to a wider user base by offering a tool that is predominantly mobile-based. Whatever model you prefer it in, it is still a powerful YouTube Downloader that performs the same function in the same manner on both the desktop and mobile variants.

The tool works much better when installed on a smartphone, and can easily integrate with your mobile system to download any YouTube video you like in simple steps. One major downside of this tool is that it does not allow you to select resolutions, instead of letting you choose the format output before leaving you to download the videos.

Anyways, the tool is still pretty agile and smooth for a YouTube downloader on your smartphone.

Steps to Download YouTube Videos with SnapTube

#1) Copy-Paste the URL you want to download on the text box appearing on SnapTube’s home page.

#2) Select an Output format (Mp3 or Mp4)

#3) Click the download button to save your video.

Price: Free

Website: SnapTube

#13) SnapDownloader

Type: Desktop based application (Compatible with Windows and Mac OS)

SnapDownloader is yet another YouTube downloader that helps you save high-quality videos in a matter of minutes once you have it installed on your PC. You get to download videos that can range from 1080p to 8K in resolution.

Although prominently used for YouTube, SnapDownloader is capable of capturing videos from 900 different platforms online, which include websites like Facebook, Vimeo, and Instagram among many others.

Apart from the above salient features, you can also employ SnapDownloader to enable bulk downloads, schedule your downloads to start downloading at your desired time, extract audio and convert videos among a plethora of useful functions.

Steps to Download from SnapDownloader

Install the tool before you begin the download process.

#1) Copy-Paste the video link you want to download. Alternatively, take advantage of the search bar in SnapDownloader to find the video you would like to save.

#2) Select the resolution and output format.

#3) Click on the ‘download’ button once you have your options sorted.

Price: Free, Personal License – $19.99 for 1 computer, Family License – $39.99 for 3 computers.

Website: SnapDownloader

FAQ About Downloading Video From YouTube

Conclusion

The tools available on a variety of platforms and devices have made downloading videos considerably more convenient and easy than before. All the above-mentioned tools follow the same tried and tested formula to ensure that even the most novice users know how to download YouTube videos.

Suggested reading =>> Different methods to cite a YouTube video

As for our recommendation, if you want a full-service experience that is intuitive and advanced, then do opt for 4K video downloader. For a relatively more lightweight and simple tool, you can go for Gihosoft TubeGet or Viddly instead.

Further reading => How to watch blocked YouTube Videos

Whatever choice you make, all the above-mentioned tools have something or the other to offer and are available for free with limited features so that you can take them for a test drive. Suffice to say, you will find what you’re looking for with regards to a satisfactory YouTube downloading experience here.