In 2019, accessing YouTube videos offline has become a common query, especially for those in areas without internet access. This guide outlines various methods to download YouTube videos on both computers and smartphones, enabling users to watch them without an internet connection. Among the tools available, MiniTool provides a free, ad-free YouTube downloader to facilitate offline viewing.
Given the widespread daily use of YouTube, it is essential to understand how to access content in situations where internet connectivity is limited, such as during travel in rural areas or on flights. Below, three methods are provided to help you download YouTube videos for offline viewing.
Method 1: Download Videos Using YouTube Premium
One of the most straightforward ways to download YouTube videos is through a YouTube Premium subscription. After subscribing, users can download videos directly through the YouTube app or website by selecting the “Download” button located below the video window. Once downloaded, the videos can be accessed in the “Downloads” section of the YouTube account, with features such as playback speed and captions remaining available. However, the stream quality cannot be modified after downloading.
While YouTube Premium is a more expensive option, costing $11.99 per month, it also offers additional benefits such as ad-free viewing, uninterrupted playback when switching between apps, YouTube Music Premium, and exclusive YouTube Originals content.
Steps for downloading YouTube videos using YouTube Premium:
1- Download the YouTube app for Android or iOS and open it.
2- Navigate to the desired video.
3- Select the “Download” button, represented by a gray circle with a down arrow, or tap “More” and choose “Download.”
4-Choose the desired video quality (high, medium, or low), and confirm.
5- Once downloaded, access the video in the “Library” section of the app for offline viewing.
Method 2: Download Videos Using Third-Party Applications
Another way to download YouTube videos is through third-party applications, such as the Y2Mate YouTube video downloader. This online tool allows users to convert and download videos in various formats and qualities, including MP3, MP4, and others. Y2Mate is particularly convenient because it does not require registration and offers free, unlimited downloads from YouTube and other social media platforms.
Steps for downloading YouTube videos using Y2Mate:
1- You must copy the URL of the YouTube video you want to download.
2- Visit Y2Mate’s website and paste the URL into the search box.
3- Select the desired video quality and click the “Convert” button.
4- Once the conversion is complete, click the “Download” button to save the video.
With Y2Mate, users can access downloaded videos in various formats, making it a versatile tool for offline video storage.
Method 3: Download Videos Using a Browser Extension
A third method involves the use of a browser extension, such as YouTube Video Downloader. This extension integrates directly into the YouTube interface, enabling users to download videos with a single click. Features include selecting video resolution, cropping videos before downloading and converting files to MP3 format. The extension is compatible with Chrome, Opera, and Edge browsers, though it is not available through Google’s official extension marketplace.
Steps for downloading YouTube videos using a browser extension:
1- Download the YouTube Video Downloader extension from Addoncrop.
2- Once installed, a download button will appear beneath the YouTube video you are viewing.
3- Choose the preferred video resolution and format, and click to start the download.
This browser extension offers full control over downloading and converting YouTube videos, making it a convenient option for those who frequently save videos for offline use.
Conclusion
Downloading YouTube videos for offline viewing is possible through various methods, each offering distinct advantages. YouTube Premium provides a seamless and legal way to download videos, while third-party applications and browser extensions offer more flexibility in terms of file formats and video quality. Regardless of the chosen method, users can ensure they have access to their favorite YouTube content even without an internet connection.