The Best Free YouTube Video Downloaders in 2023
Is It Free to Download YouTube?
YouTube is one of the most popular and diverse platforms for watching and sharing videos online. Whether you want to watch music videos, tutorials, documentaries, comedy sketches, or anything else, you can find it on YouTube. But what if you want to download some of these videos to your device for offline viewing, backup, or editing? Is it free to download YouTube?
is it free to download youtube
The answer is not so simple. It depends on how you download the videos, what kind of videos you download, and what you intend to do with them. In this article, we will explore the different ways of downloading videos from YouTube, their costs and benefits, and their legal implications.
The Official Way: YouTube Premium
The official way to download videos from YouTube is to subscribe to YouTube Premium. This is a paid membership that gives you access to various features and benefits on YouTube and its related services.
What Is YouTube Premium and What Are Its Features?
YouTube Premium is a subscription service that offers the following features:
Ad-free videos: You can watch any video on YouTube without any interruptions from ads.
Offline playback: You can download videos to your device and watch them later without an internet connection.
Background play: You can listen to videos or music in the background while using other apps or when your screen is locked.
YouTube Music Premium: You can access a dedicated music app that lets you stream millions of songs ad-free, offline, and with the screen locked.
YouTube Originals: You can watch exclusive shows and movies produced by YouTube and its partners.
How Much Does It Cost and How to Sign Up?
YouTube Premium costs $11.99 per month in the U.S., but the price may vary depending on your location and currency. You can also save money by choosing an annual, family, or student plan.
To sign up for YouTube Premium, you need to visit youtube.com/premium and follow the instructions. You will need a Google account and a valid payment method. You can also get a one-month free trial before you pay anything.
The Pros and Cons of YouTube Premium
YouTube Premium has some advantages and disadvantages that you should consider before subscribing. Here are some of them:
Is it free to download youtube videos
Is it free to download youtube music
Is it free to download youtube app
Is it free to download youtube premium
Is it free to download youtube studio
Is it free to download youtube vanced
Is it free to download youtube shorts
Is it free to download youtube kids
Is it free to download youtube offline
Is it free to download youtube playlist
Is it free to download youtube subtitles
Is it free to download youtube converter
Is it free to download youtube downloader
Is it free to download youtube mp3
Is it free to download youtube mp4
Is it free to download youtube audio
Is it free to download youtube songs
Is it free to download youtube movies
Is it free to download youtube tv
Is it free to download youtube live
Is it free to download youtube gaming
Is it free to download youtube go
Is it free to download youtube red
Is it free to download youtube vr
Is it free to download youtube thumbnail
How to download youtube for free
How to download youtube videos for free
How to download youtube music for free
How to download youtube app for free
How to download youtube premium for free
How to download youtube studio for free
How to download youtube vanced for free
How to download youtube shorts for free
How to download youtube kids for free
How to download youtube offline for free
How to download youtube playlist for free
How to download youtube subtitles for free
How to download youtube converter for free
How to download youtube downloader for free
How to download youtube mp3 for free
How to download youtube mp4 for free
How to download youtube audio for free
How to download youtube songs for free
How to download youtube movies for free
How to download youtube tv for free
How to download youtube live for free
Pros
Cons
- You can enjoy a seamless and uninterrupted viewing experience on YouTube.
- You have to pay a monthly or yearly fee that may not be affordable for everyone.
- You can download any video on YouTube for offline viewing, as long as it is available in your region.
- You can only watch the downloaded videos within the YouTube app, not in other apps or devices.
- You can access a large library of music and original content that is exclusive to YouTube Premium members.
- You may not be interested in or satisfied with the music and original content offered by YouTube Premium.
- You can support your favorite creators by generating revenue for them when you watch their videos.
- You may not be able to download some videos due to licensing or other restrictions imposed by the content owners or YouTube itself.
The Unofficial Way: YouTube Downloaders
The unofficial way to download videos from YouTube is to use third-party tools or websites that allow you to save videos from YouTube to your device. These are also known as YouTube downloaders.
What Are YouTube Downloaders and How Do They Work?
YouTube downloaders are software applications or online services that let you download videos from YouTube by entering the video URL, choosing the format and quality, and clicking a button. Some of them also offer additional features such as converting videos to audio, editing videos, or downloading subtitles.
YouTube downloaders work by extracting the video stream from the YouTube server and saving it to your device. They do not require you to have a YouTube account or a subscription to YouTube Premium.
Some Examples of Popular YouTube Downloaders
There are many YouTube downloaders available on the internet, but not all of them are safe, reliable, or legal. Here are some examples of popular and reputable YouTube downloaders that you can use:
: This is a desktop application that lets you download videos from YouTube and other platforms in high quality. It supports various formats and resolutions, including 4K and 8K. It also allows you to download playlists, channels, subtitles, and 360-degree videos.
: This is another desktop application that lets you download and convert videos from YouTube and other platforms. It supports various formats and qualities, including HD. It also has a built-in search function that lets you find videos without opening your browser.
: This is an online service that lets you download videos from YouTube and other platforms without installing any software. It supports various formats and qualities, including MP3 and MP4. It also has a simple and user-friendly interface that makes it easy to use.
: This is another online service that lets you download videos from YouTube and other platforms without installing any software. It supports various formats and qualities, including HD. It also has a browser extension that lets you download videos with one click.
The Pros and Cons of YouTube Downloaders
YouTube downloaders have some advantages and disadvantages that you should consider before using them. Here are some of them:
Pros
Cons
- You can download any video from YouTube for free, as long as it is not blocked or restricted by the content owner or YouTube itself.
- You may violate the YouTube terms of service or the copyright laws by downloading videos without permission or for unauthorized purposes.
- You can watch the downloaded videos on any device or app that supports the video format.
- You may expose your device to malware or viruses by downloading videos from unsafe or untrusted sources.
- You can choose the video format and quality that suits your needs and preferences.
- You may experience slow or interrupted downloads due to network issues or server overload.
- You can convert videos to audio or edit them according to your liking.
- You may lose the video quality or functionality by converting or editing them.
The Legal Way: YouTube Terms of Service
The legal way to download videos from YouTube is to follow the YouTube terms of service. These are the rules and guidelines that govern your use of YouTube and its related services.
What Are the YouTube Terms of Service and What Do They Say About Downloading Videos?
The YouTube terms of service are a legal agreement between you and YouTube that you accept when you create a YouTube account or use any of its services. They cover various aspects of your relationship with YouTube, such as your rights and responsibilities, your content and conduct, your privacy and security, and your disputes and liabilities.
One of the sections of the YouTube terms of service that relates to downloading videos is Section 5.B, which states:
"You are not allowed to... access, reproduce, download, distribute, transmit, broadcast, display, sell, license, alter, modify or otherwise use any part of the Service or any Content except: (a) as expressly authorized by the Service; or (b) with prior written permission from YouTube and, if applicable, the respective righ