Want to download a YouTube video without paying for a Premium subscription? Although YouTube doesn’t officially offer this option, there are plenty of alternative solutions for saving your favorite videos. We’ll explore the different tools, formats and legal considerations you need to know about to download YouTube videos with ease.

Tools for downloading YouTube videos

There are many tools available for downloading YouTube videos without a Premium subscription. Here are a few popular and easy-to-use options:

  1. Free YouTube Download: Free software for Windows and Mac. It lets you download videos in high quality, up to 4K and 8K. You can also extract MP3 audio.
  2. Savefrom.net: A handy website that works with several video platforms. No need to install anything, just paste the video URL.
  3. 9Convert: Ideal if you only want YouTube videos in MP4 or MP3. The interface is quick and easy to learn.
  4. Video Downloader Pro: A browser extension that integrates into your daily browsing experience. It works on most video websites.

Each has its own advantages. Choose the one that best suits your needs in terms of ease of use and functionality. Don’t forget to check regularly for updates to these tools, as YouTube sometimes modifies its system, which can affect their operation.

💡 Take advantage of a reduced subscription rate by choosing YouTube Premium subscription sharing via the Sharesub platform. This legal and secure option lets you enjoy all the benefits of YouTube Premium while sharing the subscription with complete peace of mind.

Office software

Desktop software offers a reliable solution for downloading YouTube videos. Among the most popular options are 4K Video Downloader, ClipGrab, VLC Media Player and JDownloader. These programs are generally easy to use and offer advanced functionality.

To get started, download and install the software of your choice from its official website. Once installed, the process is simple: copy the URL of the YouTube video you wish to download, paste it into the software, then choose the desired format and quality. Finally, launch the download.

Each program has its own special features. For example, 4K Video Downloader extracts subtitles, while ClipGrab offers handy conversion options. VLC, on the other hand, is versatile and can be used to play and download videos.

Don’t forget to check regularly for software updates. YouTube sometimes modifies its system, which can affect their operation. With a little practice, you’ll quickly master these tools and get your favorite videos with ease.

Download websites

Download websites offer a convenient alternative to desktop software. They require no installation and work on all devices. Popular options include AceThinker, YT5s and noTube. Using them is simple: access the site, paste the URL of the YouTube video, choose the format and quality, then launch the download.

These online tools have their advantages, but also a few drawbacks. They’re handy for occasional use, but can sometimes run into technical problems. If one site doesn’t work, try another. Also bear in mind that these sites may display intrusive advertising.

Remember that uploading YouTube videos is against the platform’s terms of use. Make sure you have the necessary rights before uploading content.

Browser extensions

Browser extensions offer a practical solution for downloading YouTube videos. They integrate directly into your browser, making them easy to use. Two popular options are Download Video Helper and Video DownloadHelper. These extensions are available for Chrome and Firefox, the most popular browsers.

Their operation is simple. Once installed, they add a button next to the YouTube video. Click on it, and you’ll be presented with various download options. You can choose the quality and format you prefer.

Please note, however, that these extensions can sometimes be removed from browser application stores. If this is the case, look for a reliable alternative or use other methods mentioned earlier in this article.

Available formats and qualities

When you upload a YouTube video, you can choose between several formats and qualities. This is handy, as it allows you to adapt the file to your needs.

When it comes to formats, you’ll generally find : – MP4: the most common, compatible with most devices – MP3: to extract audio only – WEBM: an open format, increasingly in use

For quality, it depends on the original video, but you’ll often have a choice between: – 480p: standard quality, perfect for saving space – HD (720p): a good compromise between quality and file size – Full HD (1080p): for a sharp image on a large screen

Some tools even offer Ultra HD (4K), but beware: it takes up a lot of space! Choose according to your use and the space available on your device.

Downloading risks and precautions

Downloading YouTube videos is not without risk. Here’s what you need to know:

  1. Legality: This is often against YouTube’s terms of use. Make sure you have the right to upload the video (public domain, Creative Commons license).
  2. Security: Beware of dubious tools! They can hide viruses or steal your data. Opt for reputable software like 4K Video Downloader or reliable browser extensions.
  3. Usage: Keep videos for personal use only. Sharing them could get you into trouble.
  4. Quality: Choose a format suited to your needs. 4K takes up a lot of space!

In short, be careful and respectful. If in doubt, take advantage of the videos directly on YouTube.

Legal considerations and copyright

Unauthorized downloading of YouTube videos is prohibited. It’s simple: it’s against the platform’s terms of use. But why?

Well, most videos on YouTube are protected by copyright. By uploading them, you risk violating these rights. It’s like taking someone else’s work without asking permission.

That said, there are exceptions. Some videos are licensed under Creative Commons or in the public domain. For these, downloading is generally authorized. But even in these cases, always check the specific conditions of the license.

What if you download anyway? The risks of prosecution for personal use are low, but they do exist. On the other hand, using these videos for commercial purposes without authorization is a completely different story. In that case, you run into serious legal problems.

Ultimately, the safest thing to do is to enjoy videos directly from YouTube. If you really need to download, make sure you have permission. It’s a question of respect for the creators and the law.

FAQ

1. Is it legal to download YouTube videos?

It is important to note that downloading YouTube videos without the creator’s permission or without using the options offered by YouTube may violate the platform’s terms of use. However, some videos are available for legal download when shared under a Creative Commons license or in the public domain.

2. What free tools are available for downloading YouTube videos?

There are many free tools available for downloading YouTube videos, such as 4K Video Downloader, Y2Mate or ClipGrab. These programs or websites offer the possibility of downloading videos in a variety of formats and resolutions. However, it is advisable to use them with caution, as some may present security risks.

3. Can I download YouTube videos to my smartphone?

Yes, it is possible to download YouTube videos to a smartphone using dedicated apps like TubeMate for Android or Documents by Readdle for iOS. These apps allow videos to be downloaded directly to the device, but they are generally not available on the official stores due to YouTube restrictions.

4. How do I download a YouTube video in MP3 format?

To download only the audio from a YouTube video in MP3 format, you can use online services such as YTMP3 or software such as MediaHuman YouTube to MP3 Converter. These tools extract the audio from the video and download it directly as MP3.

5. Can I download high-resolution videos?

Yes, some download tools allow you to retrieve videos in high resolution (HD, Full HD or even 4K). However, the quality will depend on the original resolution of the downloaded video. Software like 4K Video Downloader offers options for choosing quality before starting the download.

6. Do downloaded videos include subtitles?

Some tools allow you to download subtitles at the same time as the video, if available on YouTube. For example, 4K Video Downloader offers an option to include subtitles in the video file or save them separately in .srt format.

7. What risks are associated with YouTube video download sites?

YouTube video download sites may present risks, such as malware or intrusive pop-up ads. We recommend that you use secure download solutions and avoid providing personal information on these sites.

8. Are there any legal alternatives for downloading YouTube videos?

In addition to YouTube Premium, there are legal alternatives for downloading videos, including apps such as NewPipe for Android, which lets you download royalty-free videos. Some YouTube videos can also be downloaded legally if the creators have activated this option.

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