The Best YouTube Video Downloader for Free in 2024
Downloading YouTube videos can be incredibly useful for watching content offline, saving favorite videos, avoiding removed videos, building video libraries, video editing projects, and entertainment on long trips without internet access. This guide will cover everything you need to know about the best YouTube video downloader tools for 2024.
Why Download YouTube Videos? Key Benefits
Here are some of the main reasons people download YouTube videos:
- Watch videos offline – Download videos to view later without an internet connection. Great for trips, commutes, and planes.
- Save favorite videos – Download special videos you want to keep before they get removed or deleted.
- Avoid losing access – Videos you love can disappear anytime if creators remove them. Downloading lets you keep a permanent copy.
- Build video libraries – Collect and organize educational, entertaining and informative videos into your own customized libraries.
- Video editing projects – Download videos to include clips and segments in videos you edit yourself.
- Entertainment on long trips – Load up your device with videos to stay entertained on long flights, road trips, or commutes without wasting data.
How Do YouTube Video Downloaders Work?
YouTube video downloader tools work by identifying and extracting the video file from YouTube’s servers when you provide the URL.
The software or browser extension downloads the video file in different formats and resolutions you select. You can download individual videos or full YouTube playlists.
Download speeds will vary based on your internet connection and the size of the video. The process circumvents YouTube restrictions that prevent downloading straight from the site.
Key Features to Look for in a YouTube Downloader
When choosing the best YouTube video downloader, here are the key features to look for:
- Fast download speeds – Software that downloads videos quickly without compromising quality.
- User-friendly interface – Simple, easy-to-use designs for finding, downloading, and managing videos.
- Multiple format options – Ability to download videos in MP4, AVI, MOV, and other formats.
- Playlist downloading – Option to download full YouTube playlists, not just individual videos.
- HD quality downloads – Downloader that retains high definition quality, up to 4K.
- Circumvents restrictions – Allows downloading even from blocked videos and locations.
- Safe and legal – No viruses, malware, or illegal video sharing.
- No bloatware – Just a simple, clean video downloader without unnecessary extras.
The Best YouTube Video Downloader Tools for 2024
Based on the key features above, here are the top recommended YouTube video downloader tools for 2024:
1. 4K Video Downloader
4K Video Downloader is one of the most popular and highly-rated choices for downloading YouTube videos.
Pros:
- Downloads at fast speeds up to 8x faster than playback
- Supports ultra HD 4K, 1080p, and 720p quality
- Offers MP4, MKV, M4A, and other formats
- Easy-to-use interface for beginners
- Channels, playlists, subtitles, and comments downloading
Cons:
- Lacks some advanced configuration options
- Must download videos individually, no batch downloading
2. WinX YouTube Downloader
WinX YouTube Downloader is a great free option for downloading videos from YouTube and 1000+ sites.
Pros:
- Totally free with no ads or limits
- Supports downloading whole YouTube playlists
- Fast downloading with up to 16x speed
- Downloads 1080p & 720p HD, MP3 audio
- Lightweight and easy to use
Cons:
- No 4K or Ultra HD quality downloads
- Limited configuration and customization options
3. Any Video Converter
Any Video Converter is a versatile tool for downloading and converting YouTube videos.
Pros:
- Fast batch downloading for multiple videos
- Supports 4K, 1440p, 1080p HD quality
- Advanced video editing and conversion tools
- Downloads subtitles, comments and metadata
- Rips audio into MP3 format
Cons:
- Dated, less intuitive interface
- Requires Java installation to use
- Contains some bloatware during install
Overall, 4K Video Downloader is the best option for most users’ YouTube downloading needs, with WinX as a great free alternative, and Any Video Converter providing the most advanced tools.
Step-by-Step Guide to Downloading YouTube Videos
Using 4K Video Downloader, here is a simple step-by-step guide to download videos from YouTube:
- 1. Install and Open the Software
- Go to 4kdownload.com and click “Free Download” to install 4K Video Downloader. Open the downloader application on your computer.
- 2. Copy the YouTube Video URL
- Go to the YouTube video page you want to download. Copy the URL from the address bar.
- 3. Paste the YouTube URL
- In 4K Video Downloader, click “Paste URL”. Paste the YouTube video URL into the box.
- 4. Select Download Options
- Choose the video format (MP4, MKV, etc.) and quality (1080p, 720p, etc.). Enable subtitles and audio if desired.
- 5. Start Download
- Click the “Download” button. Select a download location on your computer to save the video file.
- 6. Access the Downloaded Video
- Open the folder location you selected to find and watch the downloaded YouTube video!
That’s all there is to it! You are now able to easily download videos from YouTube to watch offline on any device.
YouTube Video Downloader FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about downloading YouTube videos:
Is it legal to download YouTube videos?
Yes, it is legal to download videos from YouTube for personal use. However, it is illegal to download videos you do not own for commercial use or public distribution without permission.
Is downloading YouTube videos safe for my device?
Downloading from safe, verified sites with trusted software like 4K Video Downloader will not harm your device or contain any viruses or malware.
What types of YouTube videos can I download?
You can download any video marked as public on YouTube, including original uploads, shorts, live streams, and more. Private and age-restricted videos cannot be downloaded.
What is the difference between downloading vs. streaming?
Downloading saves a permanent file to your device that can be accessed offline. Streaming plays the video directly from the internet and requires you to be online.
Why does my downloader not work sometimes?
Connection issues, website changes, restrictions, banned IP addresses, or software problems can prevent downloading. Try using a VPN, updating software, or switching downloaders.
Conclusion
Downloading YouTube videos for offline use is a great way to build permanent libraries of your favorite content and watch videos anytime without internet.
The best YouTube video downloader tools like 4K Video Downloader and WinX YouTube Downloader make it easy to download HD quality videos from YouTube and other sites that can be viewed on any device.
Follow the step-by-step process outlined above to start downloading videos from YouTube today using the top recommended software!