7 Ways to Download YouTube Videos Online [2024]
Ever found yourself wanting to download YouTube videos online, but not sure where to begin? Whether you’re looking to create a video mash-up out of them or to save a talk show for a plane flight, there are a few tried-and-true methods to help you turn a YouTube video into an MP4 file. Let's look at four fantastic ways to keep those YouTube gems at your fingertips without any fuss!
Enjoy ultra-fast downloads with Fildown.
In this article:
1. Subscribe to YouTube Premium
If you love convenience, YouTube Premium, the paid version of YouTube, is a solid option. This paid service gives you access to offline downloads, ad-free viewing, background playing, and a few extra perks. But here’s the real question: Is YouTube Premium worth the price?
If supporting your favorite creators is a priority, then absolutely.
However, if your main goal is to enjoy videos without ads, you might want to think twice before committing to a monthly fee. Why? Because there are plenty of other ways out there to watch ad-free YouTube videos for free, without having to open your wallet.
Another downside is that the download feature in YouTube Premium doesn’t grant you permanent access to the videos — they’re only available within the app. You can’t play them on external players like VLC or Plex, so your control over the content is pretty limited. Check out how to download YouTube videos without Premium.
2. Use Browser Extensions
For those who prefer a more seamless option, browser extensions are a simple and handy tool. But you’re bound to hit some roadblocks when trying to download videos from YouTube, especially if Chrome is your default browser. Its strict policies on downloading extensions for YouTube videos make the process a bit trickier than you'd expect. But don’t worry, I’ve got a few reliable alternatives that are worth checking out:
1 Addoncrop YouTube Video Downloader
This is a feature-rich browser extension that integrates seamlessly with your browser (compatible with Google Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, Vivaldi, Opera, Mozilla, Brave, and Yandex.) You can choose different formats and qualities, including 1080p and MP3.
Pros
- Easy and free to use.
- Delivers high video quality.
- Provides a one-stop solution for converting videos to MP3 and cutting videos.
Cons
- Not available for YouTube video downloads when used on Chrome.
- May collect personal data.
- Contains pop-ups and adware, and could potentially install spyware.
2 Locoloader
Locoloader is another excellent browser extension for Firefox and Chrome that simplifies downloading videos from YouTube. It also supports downloading music and photos from platforms like TikTok and Twitter with a wide range of resolutions to choose from.
Pros
- Safe to use.
- Gets 2 free downloads every 6 hours.
Cons
- Not available for YouTube video downloads when used on Chrome.
- Supports a limited number of video sites.
3 Airy
Airy is your go-to tool for seamless YouTube video downloads. With Airy, you can effortlessly download videos without any delays or interruptions. It can be added to various browsers including Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Firefox, and Opera.
Pros
- User-friendly interface.
- Ability to download entire playlists at once (with a paid license).
Cons
- Video quality may be lower.
- Limited features, even with the paid version.
- Audio files are only available in 256Kbps MP3 format.
Google Chrome is the only browser that explicitly asks for your consent before installing browser extensions. Adding new functionality to Chrome's alternatives can sometimes expose you to browser hijackers that may steal your data or install malware on your device.
3. Use Online Download Websites
If you're not a fan of installing software, online downloader websites have got you covered. They are free and functional (for the time being). Simply drop in the YouTube or other site’s video link, let it parse for a moment, and voilà — you're ready to download!
However, proceed with caution — many of these sites are swarming with annoying ads or hidden malware. Not the safest path to take! Here are several choices for you to consider:
1 Wave.video
Wave.video's online YouTube to MP4 converter allows you to download videos in resolutions like 1080p, 720p, 480p, and more. One of the standout features of this platform is its clean interface, free from pop-up ads and redirects, setting it apart from the majority of free online YouTube video downloaders available today.
Pros
- Beyond downloading, it offers editing tools for trimming, resizing, and enhancing videos.
- The interface is intuitive.
Cons
- Supports only about 100 video sites.
- Video quality can’t go higher than 1080p.
2 Y2mate
One of the most well-known online YouTube downloaders, Y2Mate supports fast and free downloads. Just paste your video link, and you can choose from different video resolutions or audio formats.
Pros
- No need to log in.
- Supports various formats.
Cons
- Ad-heavy downloading experience.
- Potential security risks, including viruses and malware.
3 Converto.io
Converto.io offers an easy-to-use interface where you can download YouTube videos in MP4 or MP3 formats. It even allows you to edit the filename and select parts of the video before downloading.
Pros
- Free to use.
- Clean user interface.
- Automatically adds ID3 tags to audio files.
Cons
- Has lots of ads.
- Downloads can be unreliable at times.
- Can’t select audio quality.
4. Safest Way for YouTube Video Downloads - Fildown
When it comes to safety, speed, and simplicity, YouTube video downloader Fildown reigns supreme. It offers a smooth, virus-free experience and blazing-fast downloads in a range of formats. Whether you want to save your videos in high-quality MP4 or strip the audio to MP3, Fildown gets it done in seconds — without the shady pop-ups!
Best YouTube Video Downloader — Fildown
- Provides lightning-fast downloads from YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, and beyond.
- Saves videos in HD quality.
- Quick and easy installation.
- No ads, no virus, and no bundled malware.
1286733 Users Downloaded
| Fildown | Other Video Downloaders | |
|---|---|---|
| Download Speeds | Stably fast | Unstable |
| Batch Downloads | ||
| Ad-Free | ||
| Security | ||
| Built-in Browser and Player |
How to Download YouTube Videos with Fildown
Step 1: Copy and paste the YouTube link into the search box, and hit "Search."
Step 2: Click the “Video” button to parse and download.
You can also use the in-built browser to find the video you want.
Step 3: Download complete! You can watch it with its built-in player.
1120838 Users Downloaded
5. FAQs about Online YouTube Video Download
1. What is the best way to download YouTube videos for free?
There are several free tools to download YouTube videos, such as and ssyoutube.online, but be careful about viruses. Yes! The best way to download YouTube videos for free is to use a trusted online downloader like Cobalt.tools or browser extensions like Airy. For a balance of functionality and ease of use, Fildown stands out as an excellent option. It offers fast downloads, high-quality video, and a user-friendly interface.
2. What's a safe website to download YouTube videos?
Fildown is the safest, offering secure, virus-free downloads with no annoying ads or redirections.
3. How to download videos from YouTube onto my computer?
Tools like Fildown let you easily convert and download YouTube videos in MP4 format by simply pasting the URL. >> Check out the user guide of Fildown.
4. Is it safe to download YouTube videos through an online video downloader?
Downloading YouTube videos through online video downloaders can be safe if you choose reputable websites such as CnvMP3 and Wave.video. Ensure that the site you use has a good track record and employs robust security measures. However, it is recommended to use a video downloader like Fildown.
Conclusion
Downloading YouTube videos online can be a breeze if you know where to look! While there are plenty of options, sticking with safe, user-friendly tools like Fildown ensures your experience is fast, efficient, and totally risk-free. Why waste time on sketchy sites when you can get your videos in top-notch quality with ease? Grab your favorite videos today and keep the fun going offline!
Enjoy fast and safe YouTube videos download with Fildown.