Downloading YouTube Videos

This is technically a bit dodgy, as it contravenes YouTubes Terms & Conditions, but is is illegal? I don't think so, but I'm not a lawyer.

One thing it definitely is, is useful, but before you decide to download video, ask yourself if you really need to.

If all you want to do is share a video, this can be done easily by inserting it into a Google Site.

If you want to only show parts of the video, YouTube already has an option under Share, where you can choose to start a video at a certain point.


You might want to check these sites first, which host great videos, and allow download for educational use:

https://pixabay.com/

https://www.pexels.com/

But if you really need that youtube video.... read on!

The only reason to download it is if you:

  • don't want to rely on WiFi

  • want to 'keep it forever' as some YouTube videos have a tendency to be taken down.

  • want to create a 'mashup' by using and editing video clips together.


If so... here's how to download a YouTube video.

There are websites that will allow you to do this, they tend to have a short life span, as they are regularly taken down by YouTube, but they are also rife with advertising, pop ups, and possible adware and malware... but they do work!

I find using an Add-on in Firefox to work well.

First you need to use Firefox, not Chrome or Safari.

Go to Tools > Add-ons

Now search Extensions with the term 'YouTube download', the extensions that do this come and go, but the one shown below works for me. Install that, and quit and reopen Firefox.

These Add-ons also frequently get blocked, so you will have to try out alternatives from time to time, as of June 2021 Easy Youtube Video Downloader Express is working for me...

That's it, from now on, you can download any video from YouTube (Or YouTube EDU), just by clicking the download button, you should choose MP4, easier for viewing, and easy to edit in QuickTime or iMovie.

If you just want the audio from a video, you can just export that using QuickTime. Open the video to playback > File > Export As > Audio Only

If you want some advice on how to edit these video simply and easily in QuickTime, refer to my blog post here.