When browsing online video content, users may encounter YouTube videos that they wish to download for personal use in their own projects. While downloading copyrighted content without permission raises legal concerns, there are websites and applications, commonly known as YouTube video downloader tools, that enable users to save YouTube videos to their devices. A wide selection of YouTube downloader platforms exist, with most available free of charge, and some requiring no software downloads whatsoever – only the video URL. For first-time users, apprehensions may exist surrounding potential malware associated with YouTube video downloader tools. However, reputable options are available. This article will recommend 15 of the top free YouTube video downloader tools to consider in 2024. Additionally, it will provide brief guidelines on the proper and ethical usage of these tools. With an abundance of choice, users can find a trustworthy YouTube downloading solution that suits their needs and mplies with copyright law. Now let us commence reviewing the leading options.
The Best YouTube video downloader tools to Try in 2024
The following YouTube video grabber tools will reign supreme in 2024.
SSyoutube
Let’s start by looking at one of the most commonly used video downloader tools, SSyoutube.
SSyoutube utilizes YouTube’s own APIs and protocols to extract video files in MP4 format. By reverse engineering the request URLs, SSyoutube is able to mimic a video download request from the YouTube client. This allows it to retrieve the video file that is then saved locally.
On a technical level, SSyoutube parses the webpage to extract the necessary video ID and other metadata. It then constructs a download URL using this information and issues an HTTP/HTTPS GET request to initiate the video download. The file is transmitted via chunked streaming before being reconstructed into an MP4 video file on the user’s device.
Besides individual videos, SSyoutube can also parse YouTube playlist pages to identify all video IDs in a playlist. It can then repeat the download process for each video sequentially, allowing full YouTube playlists to be downloaded. Downloads are fast thanks to SSyoutube’s distributed servers. You can also install browser extensions for even quicker downloading directly on YouTube and other sites.
Benefits:
- Supports downloading from 10,000+ sites beyond just YouTube.
- No software to install – works instantly on the SSyoutube website.
- Provides downloads in a wide range of formats and up to 8K resolution.
- Clean, easy to use interface for smooth downloading experience.
- Free to use with no limits, ads, sign ups, or watermarks.
- Plug-ins available for fast 1-click downloads from browsers.
Ripyoutube
Ripyoutube is a client-side youtube video downloader that utilizes iframe injection and URL redirection to download YouTube videos.
For audio conversion, Ripyoutube first downloads the video file then extracts and encodes the audio track into an MP3 locally using client-side libraries like FFmpeg. This avoids relying on a server-side conversion process.
After a quick conversion, your downloaded file will be ready. Ripyoutube also supports entering URLs from many other sites beyond YouTube.
Benefits:
- Extremely fast and easy downloading with minimal clicks.
- No account or software download required – works instantly.
- Enables downloading YouTube videos in MP4 format or extracting and converting the audio into MP3 files.
- Transforms and saves video content from Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and additional platforms.
- Entirely free to use with no restrictions on quantity of downloads.
- Web-application based so it is compatible on any device and web browser.
SaveFrom
SaveFrom is a video downloader tool that utilizes site-specific plugins and libraries to enable downloading from over 1,000 platforms.
The desktop Windows application is built using programming languages like C# and integrates FFmpeg libraries for processing and converting media files. This allows it to parse video streaming sites and extract downloadable links to then reconstruct video files locally.
You can also search for videos within the SaveFrom app. Downloading and conversion happen quickly.
Benefits:
- Works as an Android app so you can download videos directly on your phone or tablet.
- Supports many sites including YouTube, including Facebook, Instagram, and more.
- Downloads videos to MP4, MKV, MP3 formats.
- Allows downloading entire playlists or channels.
- Background downloading and conversion supported.
- Completely free app with no ads or limits.
Snaptube
Snaptube is an Android video downloader that leverages web injection and URL redirection techniques to download videos from YouTube and 50+ other streaming sites.
When a user enters a video URL into Snaptube, it injects an iframe into the page containing the extracted video ID and a custom download URL. This triggers the transmission of the video file through the iframe instead of playing the video.
Benefits:
- Fast multi-threaded downloading and converts files quickly.
- Completely free with no limits, ads, sign-ups required.
- Intuitive app interface makes it easy to find and download videos.
- Supports background downloading and file conversions.
Airy
Airy is a free YouTube video downloader designed for Windows and Mac. To use it, download and install the Airy app, launch it, enter a YouTube or other site URL, select your format and quality, and click download. Airy delivers fast downloading speeds and a clean interface.
Benefits:
- Downloads videos from YouTube and over 50 other sites.
- Allows downloading HD, 4K, and even 8K quality videos.
- Can extract and download just the audio from videos as MP3s.
- Clean, simple, and intuitive interface for quick downloading.
- Completely free tool with no limits, sign-ups, ads, or bloatware.
- Provides fast multi-threaded video downloads.
TubeMate
TubeMate is an additional conventional YouTube downloading application which enables users to obtain preferred videos in MP4 and 4GP formats, as well as audio formats such as MP3 and WAV. The software incorporates its own proprietary video player application and an integrated search function that allows expedient location of videos.
TubeMate is accessible on both the Android and Windows platforms. Downloads and conversions happen quickly.
Benefits:
- Provides high definition and 4K ultra high definition quality options.
- Capable of downloading entire playlists or channel libraries.
- Supports background downloading functionality and media format conversions.
- User-friendly and intuitive interface design.
- Entirely free application with no restrictions or advertisements.
4K Video Downloader
The 4K Video Downloader from 4K Download utilizes a combination of techniques including iframe injection, URL redirection, and reverse engineering of site-specific APIs to enable downloading videos.
For downloading full YouTube playlists and channels, it iterates through video IDs and repeats the process for each video sequentially. Downloaded videos are saved locally in a structured folder system. It also allows searching directly for videos to download.
Benefits:
- Enables downloading videos in high definition, 4K ultra and 8K ultra high definition quality from YouTube and additional platforms.
- Supports prevalent file formats inclusive of MP4, MKV, M4A, and MP3.
- Facilitates downloading full playlists and channel libraries in their entirety.
- Employs rapid multi-threaded downloading functionality for expedient saving of files.
- Entirely free utility with no restrictions or extraneous software modules.
- Accessible as a desktop application for Windows, Mac systems.
YT Cutter
When you only need certain segments of YouTube videos, YT Cutter is a useful free tool to download trimmed clips. It lets you select and download parts of videos in formats like MP4 and even GIF. Though other tools allow trimming and embedding, YT Cutter uniquely enables downloading cut video portions for offline use. This avoids downloading full videos when you just need specific sections.
Benefits:
- Allows downloading only specific segments of YouTube videos.
- Trims and downloads videos in MP4 and MP3 formats.
- Simple web interface requiring no software installs.
- Cuts and downloads videos rapidly.
- Completely free to use with no limits.
- Helpful for removing unwanted sections of videos.
Gihosoft
Gihosoft is a user-friendly YouTube video downloader for Windows and Mac systems. It allows downloading YouTube videos in formats like MP4 and converting downloaded WebM files. The free and paid versions differ only in technical support offerings. With its simplicity, TubeGet works well for those wanting an easy YouTube downloading tool.
Benefits:
- Downloading in MP4, MKV, MP3 up to 8K resolution format.
- Supports downloading entire YouTube playlists or channels.
- Free tool with no ads, limits, or bloatware.
- Available for Windows and Mac.
- Provides options like proxy downloading and URL scheduling.
YTOFFLINE
YTOFFLINE is a straightforward online tool for downloading YouTube videos. To use it, go to the YTOFFLINE website, paste in a YouTube video URL, select your preferred download format, and click the Download button. Downloads are fast with no limits.
Benefits:
- Requires only the YouTube video URL – no other info needed.
- Downloads YouTube videos as MP4s and WebMs.
- Can also extract and download audio as MP3s.
- Completely free to use with no limits, sign-ups, or bloatware.
- Web-based so it works instantly in any browser.
- Clean and simple interface for fast downloading.
VideoProc
VideoProc is an advanced free video downloader and converter tool. To use it, download and install VideoProc, launch the app, paste in a YouTube or other site URL, select your format and quality, and click download. VideoProc also allows editing and recording videos.
Benefits:
- Downloads videos from over 1000 sites in MP4, MOV, MP3 up to 4K
- Advanced editing tools like trimming, cropping, rotating
- Screen recording and video format conversion
- Completely free with no watermarks or time limits
- Desktop app for Windows and Mac systems.
VidMate
VidMate – Download videos from YouTube & 200+ sites. Features integrated downloader for fast speeds. Streams online videos in HD. APK download required as not available on Play Store. Its fast integrated download manager makes it stand out from other downloader apps. Users can also stream videos in HD quality.
Benefits:
- Downloads videos from YouTube, and more sites.
- Downloads with MP4, MKV, MP3 formats in HD.
- Allows downloading multiple videos in parallel.
- Send downloads to TV with Chromecast support.
- Free with no account or sign up required.
- Intuitive and easy to use interface.
- No limits on downloads or conversions.
iTubeGo YouTube Downloader
iTubeGo lets users download YouTube videos and playlists and convert them to MP3 format. It can manage multiple downloads at once. The free version for Windows and Mac provides core features – downloading videos/playlists, MP3 conversion, and multi-download management.
In summary, iTubeGo serves as a free tool for downloading, converting, and managing YouTube video and audio content across platforms.
Benefits:
- Specializes in fast high-quality downloads from YouTube.
- Downloads YouTube videos in MP4 up to 8K resolution.
- Allows downloading entire YouTube playlists.
- Supports MP3 audio extraction from videos.
- Completely free tool with no ads or bloatware.
- Available for Windows and Mac.
- Clean and intuitive interface for smooth downloading.
Softorino YouTube Converter 2
Softorino YouTube Converter 2 is a gratuitous video downloading application intended for utilization on the Macintosh operating system.
To operate it, install the software, initiate the application, insert a YouTube link, configure the desired format and quality parameters, then select the Convert command. The download process is expeditiously completed.
Benefits:
- Specialized free YouTube video downloader for Mac.
- Downloads YouTube videos in MP4 up to 1080p HD.
- Allows downloading full YouTube playlists.
- Extracts audio into M4A format from videos.
- No watermarks, ads, subscriptions, or limits.
- Lightweight app with infrequent updates.
ClipGrab
ClipGrab is a friendly downloader for YouTube,Facebook, Vimeo, and other sites. Its simple design focuses on usability and fast downloads. Despite lacking support beyond Windows, ClipGrab provides capable, quick video grabbing. Despite its straightforward design, ClipGrab is highly capable. It excels in usability and quick video downloads. The tool currently only has support for Windows systems. Easily speaking, ClipGrab is a top choice.
Benefits:
- Downloads videos from YouTube, and more other sites.
- Downloads in MP4, MP3, and more other formats..
- Supports 4K quality video downloads.
- Clean, simple interface for fast hassle-free downloading.
- Completely free with no limits, ads, sign-ups required.
- Active development with frequent updates.
- Long-standing reputation as a reliable downloader.
Is Downloading YouTube Videos Legal?
The legality of downloading YouTube videos depends on your specific use case. In many instances, downloading videos for personal offline viewing falls under fair use copyright principles in the US and similar exceptions elsewhere. However, downstream usage of downloaded content may violate YouTube’s terms, so check your specific situation before downloading.
There are some restrictions should be aware of:
- Avoid reuploading downloaded YouTube videos elsewhere, as this violates copyright.
- Do not distribute or share copies of downloaded videos with others.
- Only download videos temporarily for personal offline viewing.
- Check the video descriptions for any special copyright notices prohibiting downloads.
- Downloading videos you do not own for commercial purposes is prohibited.
Additionally, YouTube’s Terms of Service specifically prohibit downloading videos from the platform. While this policy is rarely enforced for individual personal downloading, it’s still something to be aware of.
Overall, exercising caution and respecting copyrights by only downloading YouTube videos for temporary personal offline use is recommended.
Enjoy Your Videos
Numerous free YouTube downloader tools now let users easily save videos offline. This list highlights top options that legally download YouTube and other site videos for convenient offline viewing anytime. Simply try these tools to enjoy hassle-free video downloading.