How to Download & Keep a YouTube Video

by Adele Eliot
Users can download selected YouTube videos to watch offline.

Users can download selected YouTube videos to watch offline.

Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Getty Images

YouTube is a goldmine of video content for anyone connected to the World Wide Web. Users can search and watch a variety of video clips, including TV shows, music videos and home movies. However, you might want to find a way to store videos on your hard drive to watch offline later. Although most YouTube videos do not support this feature, you can download some videos by some YouTube partners or purchase other clips to download.

Downloading Partner Videos

Step 1

Find the video you want to download. Click on the video from the search results list to open the "watch" page.

Step 2

Click the "Show more" button in the description box underneath the video window.

Step 3

Find the "Download this video for offline viewing" section and click "Download." The file will automatically begin downloading in MP4 format.

Step 4

Wait for the file to finish downloading. You will then be able to watch the clip offline using a player that supports MP4 format videos, such as QuickTime Player or VLC Media Player.

Paying for Downloads

Step 1

Create a Google Checkout account. This keeps your information safe when you purchase videos through YouTube.

Step 2

Find the video you want to purchase on YouTube (remember this function is only available on a selected number of videos). Click "download" and YouTube will direct your browser to Google Checkout.

Step 3

Enter the relevant information, including email address, postal address and card payment details.

Step 4

Check your details are correct and that you are downloading the correct track. Click to confirm and once the transaction is completed, you will see a message saying that the payment has been authorized.

Step 5

Go to your YouTube account and look for the purchased download under "My Videos." Click "Download MP4" and the video will start downloading automatically. Once it is finished, it will be stored on your hard drive and you can watch your downloaded video offline using QuickTime or VLC Player.

Warning

  • You can find downloadable software that claims to let you download any YouTube video online. However, this software breaks YouTube's terms of service and should not be used to download videos from the website.

About the Author

Based in London, Adele Eliot has been a freelance writer since 2009. Having obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English from University College-London, she has written for websites including Latest Gadgets and Learning Huddle. Eliot has also edited online articles and a book entitled "The Accidental Birth of Military Medicine," which was published in 2009.

Photo Credits

  • Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Getty Images