YouTube downloader applications greatly simplify storing videos to view sans internet. A few swift clicks rapidly rescue content from YouTube’s servers straight to your personal device storage. With an abundance of tools promising this utility however, the choice paralysis looms large. So what distinguishes a truly solid YouTube media grabber? This guide covers the best free YouTube video downloader apps and steps to use them.
Why Use a YouTube Downloader App?
There are a few key reasons to use a dedicated Youtube downloader app instead of copying and pasting YouTube URLs:
- Save videos for offline viewing: You can stockpile entire videos locally to peruse offline anytime, avoiding interruptions from spotty connections. With your library on hand, streaming is no longer a prerequisite for uninterrupted playback.
- Control quality and format:Curate your content just as you like it – select video quality, format, size etc tailor-made to sync flawlessly across your gadgets. Take charge of optimizing for your storage needs and device capabilities.
- Access embedded videos: Certain tools enable downloading embedded videos from sites like Twitter that can’t be pulled directly from YouTube.
- Faster performance: Specialized apps fetch and convert online videos quicker than browser-based converters.
- Make memes and clips: Edit downloaded videos how you want and extract clips out without restrictions.
- Avoid losing favorites:Downloading and archiving YouTube videos ensures you have permanent access to beloved content, safeguarding you from the disappearance of media you wish to revisit.
How can you choose the best YouTube Video Downloader for your use?
When picking a YouTube video downloader, make sure to check:
- Download speed: Check if the downloader has limits or throttles speed after a certain number of videos. Faster is better.
- Supported formats: Does it download your preferred file types like MP4, WEBM, or even MP3 audio? Make sure it works with your devices.
- Adware and bloat: Unfortunately some free apps bundle in sketchy ads and software. Opt for clean, reputable ones.
- Mobile app: If you want to download videos on a smartphone or tablet, pick a downloader with mobile apps.
- Annotations: Certain apps bring down annotations, subtitles, descriptions etc so nothing gets lost.
- Playlists and channels: For batch saving a channel or playlist, use a tool that supports full channel downloads.
7 Ways to Download YouTube Videos for Free
Here are the top free downloader picks for saving YouTube videos to watch offline:
1. ByClick Downloader
By integrating support for a vast array of online domains containing video media into a singular service, ByClick Downloader aims to provide a convenient one-stop solution for the automated retrieval and storage of videos located across the internet. Just copy and paste the URL to download in minutes.
Advantages:
- Extremely fast and unlimited speeds.
- Supports downloading entire YouTube playlists or channels.
- No limits on number or length of downloads.
- No ads, malware, or bloatware. Clean simple service.
Disadvantages:
- Only has Chrome extension, no desktop app.
- Limited format selection compared to other tools.
- Cannot edit videos after downloading.
Operation flow:
- Install ByClick Downloader Chrome extension
- Copy and paste YouTube video URL
- Select video format to download
- Click the download button to save file
2. Allavsoft
Allavsoft is a free YouTube downloader that excels at grabbing videos in bulk from YouTube and 1000+ sites. The full-featured software is completely free.
Advantages:
- Downloads with original quality intact.
- Supports a vast array of input and output formats.
- Can download entire YouTube playlists/channels.
- Free version has all key features.
Disadvantages:
- Has ads unless you upgrade to a paid version.
- Large app with extended functionality many won’t need.
- Download speeds throttled compared to other tools.
Operation flow:
- Install and open Allavsoft on your computer
- Copy URL of YouTube video
- Paste URL and configure download settings
- Select output folder and click Download button
3. 4K Video Downloader
4K Video Downloader is specialized YouTube downloading software optimized for grabbing ultra high definition videos up to 8K.
Advantages:
- Downloads YouTube videos in original quality without compression or quality loss.
- Excellent downloading speeds powered by Smart Mode.
- Can download playlists, channels, subtitles and annotations.
- Completely free with no ads or software bundles.
Disadvantages:
- Designed just for YouTube, doesn’t work on other sites.
- Confusing interface with a learning curve.
- Lacks advanced editing features some users may want.
Operation flow:
- Download and launch 4K Video Downloader
- Copy link of YouTube video to download
- Click “Paste Link” and configure download
- Select file format and location to save
4. VideoProc
VideoProc is a free video downloader and converter tool equipped with GPU acceleration for blazing speeds.
Advantages:
- Extremely fast downloading thanks to full GPU acceleration.
- Downloads over 1000 sites including YouTube.
- Studio editor to cut, crop, rotate videos after downloading.
- Library section neatly organizes your downloaded videos.
Disadvantages:
- Mac version costs money unlike Windows and mobile apps.
- Busy interface can seem overwhelming for basic needs.
- Download scheduler feature only in paid version.
Operation flow:
- Install VideoProc on your desktop
- Copy link of YouTube video
- Click Download button, choose format
- Select destination folder to save downloaded video
5. SaveFrom.net
SaveFrom.net is the easiest way to download YouTube videos through their web converter without any software needed.
Advantages:
- No download or installation necessary, uses a simple web converter.
- Extremely fast single video downloads.
- Intuitive clean interface with no learning curve.
- Website is mobile-friendly for downloading directly on smartphones.
Disadvantages:
- No bulk downloading of playlists or channels supported.
- Limited to a small number of output formats.
- Requires copy-pasting URL for each new download.
Operation flow:
- Go to SaveFrom.net in any web browser
- Paste YouTube video URL
- Click green download button
- Select format to download from pop-up
6. DVDVideoSoft
DVDVideoSoft is 100% free YouTube downloader software packed full of features beyond just downloading from an array of websites.
Advantages:
- Excellent download speeds even for 4K and 8K videos.
- Additional video editing tools included alongside the downloader.
- Auto-detects downloadable video and audio streams.
- Safe download manager with no ads or bundles.
Disadvantages:
- Dated and cluttered interface takes getting used to.
- Barebones conversion and editing capabilities compared to suites.
- Lacks ability to grab annotations, thumbnails etc.
Operation flow:
- Download and install DVDVideoSoft on computer
- Launch software and click YouTube link detector
- Paste URL of YouTube video
- Select saving directory and download file
7. EasyWMA
EasyWMA is an open-source downloading tool focused on saving YouTube videos in audio formats like MP3.
Advantages:
- Save YouTube videos specifically as MP3s.
- Configure audio quality, bitrates, metadata etc.
- Lightweight no frills interface simple for music downloading.
- Absolute control over output audio files.
Disadvantages:
- Only outputs to audio formats, no video saving.
- Won’t download playlists or bulk video streams.
- Dated looking interface with no updates.
Operation flow:
- Download and open lightweight EasyWMA
- Copy and paste URL of YouTube video
- Tweak audio encoding settings as desired
- Click “Download” to save as MP3
Comparison of the YouTube Video Downloaders
| Downloader | Websites Supported | File Formats Supported | Ratings |
| ByClick Downloader | YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, 1000+ sites | MP4, WEBM, MP3 | 4.8/5 |
| Allavsoft | YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo, more than 1000+ sites | MP4, AVI, WMV, MOV, more | 4.5/5 |
| 4K Video Downloader | YouTube | MP4, MKV, M4A | 4.7/5 |
| VideoProc | YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, 1000+ sites | MP4, MOV, MKV, GIF | 4.6/5 |
| SaveFrom.net | YouTube, Facebook, Dailymotion, Vimeo | MP4, WEBM, MP3 | 4.3/5 |
| DVDVideoSoft | YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo, DailyMotion, more | AVI, MP4, FLV, 3GP, more | 4.2/5 |
| EasyWMA | YouTube | MP3, OGG, WMA | 3.9/5 |
The key strengths vary across the YouTube downloaders:
- Download speed – ByClick, Allavsoft fastest
- Format support – VideoProc, Allavsoft support most
- Simplicity – SaveFrom.net easiest to use
- Audio focus – EasyWMA for MP3 rips
How to Download YouTube Videos Using the Premium Plan
Premium tools like 4K Video Downloader provide higher speeds and capabilities. Follow these simple steps:
| Step | Action |
| 1 | Copy the YouTube video URL from the address bar |
| 2 | Open 4K Video Downloader and click “Paste Link” |
| 3 | Select desired download quality (1080p, 720p etc.) |
| 4 | Pick output format like MP4, MKV or MP3 |
| 5 | Click the “Download” button |
| 6 | Choose the save folder location |
| 7 | The video file downloads to your computer |
The process stays straightforward even when accessing premium downloader features like:
- 8K and ultra HD resolutions
- Accelerated download speeds
- Enhanced malware protection
- Additional file formats and codecs
Bonus Tips for Downloading YouTube Videos Online
To recap, some top tips for picking and using a YouTube video downloader:
- Check reviews: There are lots of shady downloaders out there. Read trustworthy site reviews before downloading an app to ensure it’s legitimate.
- Test speeds yourself: Download and test sample videos with different connection types to gauge speeds.
- Mind the formats: Double check input format support like YouTube-DL links and output formats match your viewing devices.
- Consider playlists: If downloading lots of videos or entire channels, pick a downloader with full playlist support.
- Go portable: For mobile downloading, use a downloader like VideoProc with Android and iOS apps.
- Use a VPN: When saving copyrighted or region-blocked videos, use a VPN service to bypass restrictions.
- Avoid bloatware: Carefully read through video downloader installers to avoid bundled ads, toolbars and other software.
Wrapping Up
With the top-rated Youtube video downloader picks listed here, finding a reliable way to save YouTube videos is simple. Follow the steps to quickly get videos offline and enjoy them anytime without an internet connection.
Whether you need to compile instructional videos, preserve favorite clips, or prepare entertainment for a trip, a free YouTube downloading utility makes gathering content easy. Download your preferred tool now and start saving YouTube videos to watch offline!
