3 Ways to Download YouTube Videos for Free in 2024

Looking for a quick and smooth way to download YouTube videos for free in 2024? It can feel like you're wading through an endless sea of tools — some great, some…not so much. But don’t worry! We’ve done the heavy lifting for you. We’ve rounded up the top YouTube video downloaders for 2024, including desktop software, websites, and browser extensions. Let’s dive into the best of the bunch!

Free YouTube video downloader Fildown is hands down the MVP in the game. With lightning-fast download speeds, multiple format options (including MP4 and MP3), and compatibility with over 1,000 sites, it’s your one-stop shop for snagging YouTube videos in seconds. The best part? It’s 100% free and ridiculously easy to use — just copy, paste, and you’re golden. Say goodbye to buffering and hello to high-quality downloads!

Free YouTube Video Downloader — Fildown

• Free downloads of 2 videos per day.
• Supports downloads from 1,000 platforms, covering YouTube, TikTok, Twitter, and Vimeo.
• Direct MP3 extraction from YouTube videos.
• Downloads YouTube videos in 1080p and even higher resolutions.

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How to Download YouTube Videos with Fildown

Step 1: Copy the link of your YouTube video, paste it into the search box, and hit "Search." Alternatively, you can use the in-built browser to find the video you want.

Step 2: Click the “Video” button to download.

Step 3: Download complete! You can watch it with its built-in player.

Are you trying to get free YouTube videos without having to install any software? Website-based downloaders promise exactly that: a quick and hassle-free solution. Just paste your video URL, select your preferred format, and you're all set. It sounds like a dream for those who prefer not to clutter their devices with extra programs.

These websites' convenience does, however, come with a set of limitations. Here’s why you might want to think twice before relying on them:

• Risks of malicious ads or redirects to shady pages.
• Frequent downtime or sudden site closures.
• Annoying pop-ups and intrusive advertisements.
• Potential changes to the site’s focus or the introduction of unwanted software.
• Frequent URL changes or discontinuation of services.
• Possible legal issues due to questionable operational practices.

But if you’re determined and trust your antivirus and browser, you might still want to give these three free YouTube downloaders a shot. They’ve been tested and proven free and functional as of the time this article was published:

1 Cobalt.tools

Although it may experience occasional glitches, Cobalt.tools is a still-functional video downloader from YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and other 17 social and media platforms. It has a clean user interface and promises users zero ads and trackers. If you need an online tool for downloading YouTube videos, this is your top choice.

2 Ytmp3s.nu

Ytmp3s.nu is a nice platform for downloading YouTube videos as audio or video. It also offers a browser add-on, compatible with Firefox and Opera. While you’ll get decent results from this converter, be prepared for some annoying ads and redirects along the way.

3 ssyoutube.online

SSYouTube.online is an easy way to grab YouTube videos online. It’s simple to use but often limited in quality and plagued with redirects. Like most other video downloaders, you just need to copy and paste.

For the ultimate convenience, browser extensions can be your best friend. No need to visit third-party websites — just grab what you need directly from your browser. However, such an approach carries downsides of limited features or risks of adware, malware, and viruses. Here are a few picks:

1 Addoncrop

Addoncrop is easy to install and even easier to use. But watch out — it comes with some sneaky, malicious pop-ups that can mess with your browsing experience. On the bright side, it works like a charm on a wide range of browsers, including Google Chrome, Safari, Vivaldi, Opera, Mozilla Firefox, Edge, Yandex, and Brave.

2 Airy

Airy is a breeze to use and works smoothly with browsers like Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Firefox, and Opera. But here’s the catch—it requires installation, and while it does get the job done, it only supports downloading YouTube videos in lower quality.

For the tech-savvy crowd, yt-dlp offers a more customizable, hands-on approach. While it's not for everyone, those who are comfortable with a little coding can unlock a ton of advanced features for batch downloads and more. I won't go into details on how to master it, but you can head over to GitHub for a complete guide on using yt-dlp.

1. Are there any websites to download YouTube videos for free on an iPhone?

The same video-downloading website can offer a completely different experience when used on a PC compared to an iPhone. In my experience, savefrom.net is the best option.

2. Can YouTube videos be downloaded for free?

Yes, using tools like Fildown and browser extensions, you can download videos for free, but always ensure they’re used within legal limits.

3. What is the most reliable software for downloading long YouTube videos?

Fildown is the top choice for long YouTube videos, offering stability, speed, and high-quality downloads without interruptions.

In 2024, there are plenty of options to download YouTube videos for free, but choosing the right tool is key. From reliable platforms like Fildown to browser extensions and software options, you have plenty of ways to snag those must-have videos. Just be mindful of the risks with website-based downloaders and always opt for trusted tools to ensure a smooth and safe experience.