If you are looking for software that downloads online video content, then YouTube Downloader is the perfect software for you. This software will allow you to download videos present on websites, so that you can watch them anytime on your personal computer without needing to go online. While the software name suggests that videos can only be downloaded from YouTube, you can actually download video content from a host of other websites such as Vimeo and Facebook.
Is it legal?
Downloading video content from YouTube and similar sites is perfectly legal. Though if you plan to use any downloaded video content for your own media, then you will need to explore the legality of the video in question. The video may be copyrighted, which will prohibit public reproduction. However if the video is licensed under creative commons, then you may use this content for your own videos, with certain restrictions that you should research.
How to use YouTube Downloader Basic
You can download the free ‘Basic’ software from any reputable online software websites, such as download.com, and once you have installed the executable you should then run it. Once you have followed the installation procedure, you can run the program. Note that the ‘basic’ program can be used indefinitely, and there is no ‘trial period’ before you have to buy.
The program lies in a helpful and easy to use and aesthetic window, with the tabs ‘download’, ‘convert’, ‘activity’ and ‘play’. Firstly you want to go to the ‘play’ tab, and set the directory that you want your videos to be downloaded to. In the ‘download’ tab is a box that you paste in the link for a web-page with the video you wish to download. Then click the download button, and your download of the video will commence.
You can track the download under the ‘activity’ tab, and personal experience on a fast broadband connection gave between 200KB/s and 800KB/s. Download time depends on the file size and download speed, but will usually average a minute or so for broadband. Once the video has downloaded, it will appear under the ‘play’ tab, and also the ‘activity’ tab, and can be played within the program, or with an external media player. Video quality will depend on the file, but will download at the highest quality available. There is no limit on the number of videos you can download, but under the ‘basic’ software you are limited to one download at a time.
Lastly is the ‘convert’ tab, which allows you to convert the file type of your download to one of many other formats. After selecting the video file by browsing for it, you then click on the drop down box next to ‘convert video to’, and supported conversion formats include Ipod Video (MOV), MP4, PSP video, cell phone video, WMV, AVI and MP3. You are also able to manually convert the file format. You can choose between ‘low’, ‘medium’, ‘high’ and ‘optimal’ video quality. There are also further advanced conversion options, which allow you to cut the video, and change the volume level.
If you are confused or get stuck, then there is a help tab available which help, FAQ’s, a list of supported websites and other useful links.
Benefits of upgrading
For a one off price you can upgrade the free download YouTube Downloader Basic to the YouTube Downloader Pro, which offers extra features such as:
- The ability to select and download multiple videos and media at the same time
- Download speed is up to four times as fast
- Media downloads and conversions are easier
Generally the YouTube downloader is easy to use so there is no need for technophobes to fear it. It does not hassle you too much about upgrading, and downloads quickly and conveniently. While the upgrade offers many benefits, the ‘basic’ free download is still a great piece of software!
