A Step by Step Approach to How to Download YouTube Videos for Offline Viewing

Introduction

There is hardly any kind of video you will not find on YouTube today. From movies to music videos to original shows to tutorials, YouTube provides an exciting and convenient way to connect visually with the world. However, you need a strong internet connection and a laptop or any mobile device to enjoy these videos.

If you live in an area with a shaky or unstable internet connection, chances are that you might get frustrated with the pauses that occur while watching a video on YouTube. So, you are better off downloading these videos than streaming your way to frustration. 

On the other hand, not everyone lives in a location with poor WiFi. Some people just prefer watching YouTube videos offline. This article will guide you on how to download videos from YouTube. 

How do you use YouTube to Watch Videos?

YouTube is a free video streaming platform with a younger audience. It was established in 2005, and stands as the second largest search engine with its owner Google, occupying the top spot. YouTube allows users to easily download and store videos and share the links to these videos with others. Besides being able to subscribe to YouTube channels, explore, like, dislike, rate, and comment on videos, you can create your channel on the app and share your content with millions of people. It is easy to access the videos posted on the Google-owned app.

All you need to do is to log in to your Google account and use the search bar to find any video of your choice. Like the Google search box, the YouTube search bar provides the "Autocomplete" feature which helps to predict your result. This makes your searches easier and faster.

 It is up to you to subscribe to any channel of your choice. Just click the red ‘Subscribe’ button below the video. This will enable you to receive notifications whenever a new video is uploaded on that channel. You are also free to add a video you are not disposed to watch at the moment to your ‘Watch Later' list. 

However, if you are confused about what to search for, tap on the ‘Explore’ button to see trending videos. Lastly, but certainly not the least of the things YouTube has to offer, its library allows you to watch videos you have downloaded on the app. 

Can I download videos from YouTube?

Yes, you can download videos from YouTube as long as you are signed in to your Google account and you have a YouTube app installed on your phone. If you do not have the app, you can simply download it from Playstore or iTunes. To download the video, you simply need to open the YouTube app, search for the video you want to download and open it. If the video is downloadable, you will see the “download button” under the video title. Click on the button to start your download. In the end, you can view the downloaded videos by clicking the “Downloads” tab from the library. 

 Bear in mind that all videos downloaded on YouTube is only available to watch within 48 hours. If you are wondering why your YouTube videos disappeared, well, it is because you didn’t watch them within the required time. To watch the video offline again, you should download it again from the YouTube app.

However, we know how frustrating this limitation might be. Sometimes you may be carried away by activities that you will not have the time to watch the videos you have downloaded on YouTube. This is why we have written this article – to show you other YouTube downloader alternatives.

The good thing about going for these alternative download methods is that your YouTube videos will be available to watch for as long as you like. There is no pressure to finish watching them within 48 hours. That is not all. You can also transfer the videos to other devices, and watch them with media players.

How to Download YouTube video?

While it is true that YouTube allows you to download its videos, not all of them are downloadable. Plus, from time to time, YouTube refreshes the ones you have downloaded and the videos will be stored on the app and not on your phone or PC, meaning that YouTube still controls your access to them. There are a ton of apps that promise a swift experience in downloading YouTube videos. With them, you can download YouTube videos or movies directly on your phone or PC and you will not have to worry about a weak internet connection.

Here are some of the best of the many among these apps. 

Method 1 – Use Third-Party Software (Highly Recommended)

There are a number of third-party apps you can use to download videos from YouTube. However, StreamFab YouTube Downloader is highly recommended. Kiss your YouTube download problems goodbye with this spectacular app. A sub-brand of DVDFab software, this software is also an All-In-One ultra-video-and-music downloading app available for Windows PC and smartphones. It opens you to the possibility of downloading videos from over 1,000 sites including Amazon Prime, Hulu, Netflix, HBO, and most importantly, YouTube. 

Why StreamFab Downloader is highly recommended for YouTube video download

From the above steps, you can see that StreamFab YouTube Downloader is quite easy and convenient to use. Below are other benefits that come with using this software;

• User-friendly interface:

The app has a simple interface and layout design that gives you a cool and hassle-free experience while navigating.

• Compatible with many sites

StreamFab Downloader allows you to download videos from 1000+ online video streaming websites including YouTube. 

• Comes with an inbuilt browser

Unlike some other software, you do not have to stress yourself with copying and pasting URLs from one tab/app/site to another to download a YouTube video. StreamFab YouTube downloader eases this process. It features an inbuilt browser that allows you to download YouTube videos directly from the browser.

• Enjoy ads-free videos

Ads popping up while you are watching a video on YouTube can be quite annoying. This app promises an ads-free experience while you download a video of your choice. 

• Impressive video quality

Another outstanding feature of StreamFab YouTube Downloader is that it enables you to download videos with a quality of up to 8k and 5.1 sound channels.

• Save the downloaded content as its original format

As the video quality is customized, you can download YouTube videos with a resolution of up to 8k. Various audio formats are also made available to you including up to 320kbps.

• 10x faster speed

Nothing screams a cool download experience than an app that is super-fast. Streamfab YouTube Downloader will download your videos in a jiffy. 

• Background playback and download

It lets you play a video in one tab while you are using another or while your phone screen is off. In other words, it allows you to multitask on your phone or PC.

Save video in your preferred language: Your preferred language might be Spanish, English, French, or even Mandarin. StreamFab YouTube downloader recognizes that you might need to download videos in your preferred language. So, there is a provision for downloading audios and subtitles in the language of your choice. Also, you can either remux subtitles into the video or save them as separate SRT files.

• Downloads a ton of videos simultaneously

You might not have all the time on your hands to download a video one by one. This app creates room for batch-download of multiple videos simultaneously. You can also download an entire playlist.

• Converts YouTube videos to MP3 files

You can download YouTube videos to MP3 files. This is useful especially for converting music videos on YouTube into audio files. 

• Meta-data of Download

StreamFab YouTube downloader provides you with all the necessary information about the file being downloaded.

How Can I Download Videos from YouTube with StreamFab Downloader?

Step 1 - First, download and install the StreamFab YouTube downloader to your computer.

Step 2 - Open the software, and click on the “YouTube” tab. It is located under “Home”. This takes you to the YouTube interface.

Step 3 - Use the search box to find the YouTube video you want to download. It could be a movie, a music video, an original show, a tutorial, or even a documentary. Once you have found it, play it.

Step 4 - As the video plays, you will see a black ‘Download’ button at the top-left corner of the playback screen. Click on it.

Step 5 - A dialogue box appears, urging you to select your desired video output. Pick your preferences from the options available – 720p, 1080p, 4k, or even 8k. Make your choice.

Step 6 - As soon as you have chosen your preferred download option, click on the ‘Download' button at the bottom of this window to begin your YouTube video download.

Step 7 - To monitor the download progress of your video, you should click on the ‘Downloading' tab from the left panel of the software. A piece of detailed download information will appear. More so, you will also see where to pause or resume your download and that is all. 

When your YouTube video is done downloading, you can grab your popcorn and enjoy watching it. You can also download as many other YouTube videos as are available for download. 

Method 2 – Use Browser Extensions

Using browser extensions is also another alternative to downloading videos on YouTube. There are different plugins available for installation on your browser. Below are some of the trendy plugins you can use

• Google Chrome YouTube download-plugin

If you are using Google Chrome, the Easy YouTube Video downloader should be your best bet. This plugin can be downloaded from the Chrome web store. After installation, you can download YouTube videos with just one click. Before downloading the video, you are to choose the output format and quality. The process is quite easy. To save videos with this YouTube video downloader, follow the steps below;

• Visit Google Chrome Web Store. Search for an Easy YouTube video downloader. Click on the “Add to Chrome” button.
• Now, open YouTube and navigate to any video you want to download
• Open the video. You will see a green “Download” button below the video. Click on the button
• From the drop-down menu, select the video output format and quality.

• A dialog box pops up asking you to select the video’s destination folder. You will also have to name the video.
• After that, you can now download your YouTube video
• Firefox YouTube download-plugin

YouTube downloader is another alternative for YouTube users to download their favorite videos. This extension works well on the Firefox web browser. Aside from saving YouTube videos, it allows you to also save the audio file if you don’t need the video. The YouTube downloader plugin can be downloaded from Firefox Browser Add-ons and it is easy to use. On how to download YouTube videos with this plugin, simply;

• Go to Firefox Browser Add-ons and search for “YouTube Downloader”
• When found, click the “Download” button. The plugin is installed in your Firefox browser
• Open a new tab on your browser and search for the YouTube video you wish to download.
• Click on the video. You will see a red “Download” button underneath the video title.
• Click on the download button to choose the video format. This opens up the “Download page”.

The download process is initiated and depending on how steady and fast your internet is, your video will be ready in a few minutes. You can easily locate it in your “Downloads” folder,

Bear in mind that the video will be saved with the name it bears on YouTube. This extension also downloads videos without reducing the quality. Also, there are no additional settings required to save YouTube videos for offline viewing.

• Opera YouTube downloader plug-in

YouTube Downloader Lite is a dedicated plugin for Opera that enables users to download videos from YouTube. The extension is easy to use and supports all types of video resolutions including full HD, 720p, and 1080p. You can also download videos with 4k and 8k resolutions. The best way to use this YouTube Mp4 downloader is-

• Go to Opera Addons from your Opera browser and search for “YouTube Downloader Lite”
• Now, click the “Download” button to install the plugin on your Opera browser
• Open YouTube and search for the video you desire to download
• When you open the video, you will see the “Download” arrow beneath the video title. Click on it
• From the drop-down menu that appears, select the video format you want. Your download will automatically kick off.

Method 3 - Insert "ss" Before "youtube.com..."

Another best YouTube video downloader alternative is to add “ss” before the video’s URL. You will be redirected to a download page where you can easily click the “Download” button to save the video on your smartphone or computer. The best part about this method is that it is straightforward. You don’t need to download or install any software or plugin. To download your favorite YouTube videos with this method, simply follow the guideline below;

• Go to YouTube, search for the video you want to download, and copy the URL
• Now, return to your browser, open a new tab, and type in “ss” before pasting the link you copied. Press “Go”
• You will be redirected to the “Savefrom.net” homepage
• Choose your desired video quality and format and click on the “Download” button to save the video on your device. 

You can view all downloaded videos in the “Download” folder of your smartphone or PC. 

Conclusion

You have been exposed to how YouTube works, and how you can download videos on the platform. However, our top pick, StreamFab YouTube downloader offers a user-friendly interface, an in-built browser, an Ads free download process, high-quality video download, simultaneous and 10x faster download. I hope that this guide will help you download YouTube videos with ease. There is no better time to download the StreamFab YouTube downloader than today. Download and install the software today and kiss all your download problems goodbye!  

Some FAQs

Can I download and save a YouTube video?

Yes, you can download and save a YouTube video using third-party software like StreamFab YouTube downloader. The software is easy to use, compatible with a lot of popular websites and saves videos in their original format. You can also choose to use browser plugins or add “ss” to the video’s URL. If you are a premium member on YouTube, you can also download and save videos on the platform. 

Can people see when you download their YouTube video?

No, people will not know when you are downloading their YouTube videos. However, if someone does not want to make their video available for download, they can easily turn off the option when uploading their videos.

When you download it from YouTube where does it go?

If you downloaded videos with the “YouTube app”, your downloads are stored in the Downloads tab. However, when you use third-party websites to download YouTube videos, the videos are saved in your file manager. 

How many YouTube videos can be downloaded?

You can download as many videos as your phone’s storage can accommodate. Unlike other streaming platforms, there is no download limit.