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How to Download YouTube Videos on PC in 2 Ways

July 20, 2025
•Danny G.
how to-download-youtube-videos-on-pc

You’re scrolling through YouTube, and you stumble upon the perfect video. Maybe it’s a rare interview with your favorite band, or a tutorial that will help you with a project. You click on it, and it’s everything you hoped it would be. But then, you notice that it’s almost an hour long. You’ll want to save this one for later, but how? You could just bookmark it, but what if it gets deleted or taken down? You need a backup plan. 

That’s when you start searching for How to download YouTube videos. And, not to your surprise, there are plenty of options. But which ones are safe? And how do you use them? This article will walk you through the best methods for downloading YouTube videos on PC. You’ll be able to save any video you want in just a few minutes. 

Crayo AI clip creator tool has quickly emerged as a favorite among video creators for its ability to streamline the process of creating and downloading short videos.

Can You Download YouTube Videos

Youtube On PC - How to Download YouTube Videos on PC

If you’re asking, “Can I legally download videos from YouTube?”, the answer is yes! With a YouTube Premium membership in your pocket, you're all set to grab those videos legally. But a heads-up: straying from the correct download methods might land you in murky legal waters. While YouTube hasn't taken anyone to court over this, it's always wise to stay on the right side of their copyright guidelines when downloading content. 

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How to Download YouTube Videos on PC in 2 Ways

A Setup - How to Download YouTube Videos on PC

1. Downloading YouTube Videos on PC: Harnessing Third-Party Software

Third-party applications are the go-to solution for downloading YouTube videos on your computer. Programs like 4K Video Downloader, YTD Video Downloader, and SnapDownloader simplify the process of downloading videos. Just copy the YouTube video URL and paste it into the app. From there, you can choose your desired format, such as MP4, MP3, or MKV, and select the resolution, which can be as high as 8K. 

Typically, these apps are free for basic use and offer additional features such as batch downloading, subtitle support, and the ability to download entire playlists or channels. Using 4K Video Downloader as an example, the steps are straightforward: install the app, paste the link, choose your video quality and format, then click “Download.” These tools are reliable and efficient, providing high-quality downloads. Just remember to use them legally, for personal enjoyment, or for videos you have permission to download. 

2. Downloading YouTube Videos on PC: Using Screen Recording Tools

For a more hands-on method, or if a video cannot be downloaded through conventional means, consider screen recording software. Programs like OBS Studio, Bandicam, and Camtasia enable you to capture any content on your screen, including YouTube videos. Windows 10 and 11 even come with a built-in screen recorder called Game Bar. 

With OBS Studio, you can create a screen capture setup, play your YouTube video in full-screen mode, and record it in real-time. After you finish recording, export the video to your PC in your preferred format. This approach also allows for the recording of restricted or private videos, provided that copyright laws are respected. Plus, keep in mind that the quality of the recording will depend on your screen resolution and playback settings.

5 Best YouTube Video Downloading Tools for PC

Youtube - How to Download YouTube Videos on PC

When it comes to saving YouTube videos directly to your computer, reliable software is essential. Here are the best tools for downloading YouTube videos on PC.

1. Crayo AI: Your Shortcut to Shorts

Crayo AI transforms the creation of short-form content. This tool generates endless videos quickly, complete with captions, effects, and music. Use Crayo to monetize your creativity through platforms like TikTok. Simply outline your idea, customize it with Crayo's templates, and export. Get started with Crayo's free tool—no account needed. 

2. YTD Video Downloader: Simple and Versatile

YTD Video Downloader is a user-friendly program that lets you download videos from YouTube and other sites in high quality. You can convert saved videos into various formats (.mp4, .mov, .wmv, .avi, .mp3, .3gp) for easy playback on any device. YTD Downloader is free and supports thousands of sites. 

3. WinX YouTube Downloader: Trusted and Feature-Rich

WinX YouTube Downloader boasts millions of users for a reason. This software allows quick downloads from multiple video platforms, supporting various resolutions, including 4K. WinX is a free, fast, and reliable software, offering advanced features such as batch downloading and embedded subtitle support. 

4. Y2mate: Fast and Quality Downloads

Y2mate is a popular, free online tool for downloading YouTube videos. Simply paste the video link, select your preferred format (MP4, MP3, etc.), and begin downloading. Y2mate supports various resolutions, including 4K, and requires no software installation or registration. It works on all devices and browsers. 

5. Cobalt.tools: Download with Privacy in Mind

Cobalt.tools is a straightforward online platform for downloading YouTube videos without ads or software installation. Simply enter the video URL, select your preferred format and quality, and download it directly to your device. Cobalt.tools emphasizes user privacy while providing fast download speeds.

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Why Download YouTube Videos

Person Using laptop - How to Download YouTube Videos on PC

1. The Perks of Downloading YouTube Videos for Offline Viewing  

Many users download YouTube videos for later use, particularly when they lack reliable internet. This is especially useful for those in rural areas, frequent travelers, subway or airplane commuters, or anyone who wants to avoid depending on a strong mobile or Wi-Fi network. Offline access guarantees uninterrupted playback with no quality drops or buffering.  

2. Downloading YouTube Videos for Education and Learning  

Lifelong learners, teachers, and students frequently download educational videos, such as lectures, tutorials, or explainer videos, to study at their own pace. By saving videos for offline use, they can revisit lessons without interruptions or distractions, which is especially valuable in schools or institutions with limited internet access.  

3. Downloading YouTube Videos for Work and Professional Use  

In fields such as filmmaking, design, media, or marketing, professionals often download videos to analyze content styles, extract audio for transcription, or reference clips in creative projects or presentations. While this practice should respect copyright rules, creative professionals commonly download videos for internal work or inspiration purposes.  

4. The Travel Advantage of Downloading YouTube Videos  

When traveling, especially internationally or to rural locations, people prefer to download videos in advance for entertainment. This includes documentaries, movies, vlogs, or music videos. By saving videos, they can watch them during long layovers, on airplanes, or in cars without relying on costly roaming data or streaming.  

5. Downloading YouTube Videos to Save Mobile Data  

Streaming videos consumes significant mobile data. To manage limited data plans or reduce costs, users download videos using Wi-Fi at home or in cafes and watch them later without depleting their mobile data allowance.  

6. Downloading YouTube Videos for Rewatching Favorite Content  

Some viewers enjoy rewatching motivational speeches, storytelling videos, music performances, or podcasts regularly. Instead of streaming the same video repeatedly, they download it once and view it anytime without waiting for it to load.  

7. Downloading YouTube Videos to Avoid Content Removal  

Users may download valuable or rare content, like niche tutorials, fan-made edits, or old interviews, to back up in case it becomes unavailable, deleted, or private. A video may be subject to copyright issues or removed by its creator.  

8. Downloading YouTube Videos for Archiving Purposes  

Creators sometimes download their own videos, especially if they have lost the original files. Others may download videos explicitly under Creative Commons licenses or in the public domain for research, remixing, or archiving purposes.  

9. Downloading YouTube Videos for Accessibility and Learning Styles  

Some users download videos to add captions, slow them down, or use accessibility tools that may not work well in live streaming contexts. This helps non-native language speakers, people with hearing impairments, or those with learning disabilities better absorb information.  

Create Viral Shorts In Seconds With Crayo

Crayo AI is a game-changer for short video creators. With Crayo, you can generate unlimited shorts quickly and easily. Just provide a prompt, and Crayo auto creates captions, effects, music, and more. This allows you to focus on creativity rather than tedious tasks. Crayo also offers customization options for style and templates. Try Crayo today and see how it boosts your short video workflow.  

Unlocking Revenue Streams with TikTok Shorts  

Creating TikTok shorts can be a path to viral fame and revenue. The TikTok Creator Fund pays users for popular content, and shorts can drive traffic to your TikTok. Use Crayo to streamline your short video creation. Focus on going viral and monetizing your content, rather than spending hours on production.  

The Future of Video is Short  

Short form video is dominating social media and transforming how we consume content. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram prioritize short clips, making them essential for creators and brands. To stay ahead, experiment with shorts and use tools like Crayo for efficient production. The future is short, so embrace it now.  

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