Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- VLC Media Player is a free, open-source multimedia player that can also download videos from YouTube and other websites
- Downloading YouTube videos with VLC is a simple process that involves copying the video URL and pasting it into VLC
- VLC provides options to select video quality, format, and download location for the saved video files
As an experienced software writer and avid user of VLC Media Player, I can confidently guide you through the process of using this versatile media player to download videos from YouTube. VLC’s ability to download online videos is one of its lesser-known but incredibly useful features.
What is VLC Media Player?
VLC Media Player is a free and open-source cross-platform multimedia player that can play most multimedia files as well as DVDs, Audio CDs, VCDs, and various streaming protocols. Developed by the VideoLAN project, VLC is available for desktop operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux, as well as mobile platforms like Android and iOS.
One of VLC’s standout features is its ability to stream and download multimedia content from the internet, including videos from popular sites like YouTube, Vimeo, and Dailymotion. This functionality makes VLC a convenient tool for saving online videos for offline viewing or archiving purposes.
Downloading YouTube Videos with VLC
Follow these simple steps to download YouTube videos using VLC Media Player:
- Copy the YouTube Video URL
- Open the YouTube video you want to download in your web browser
- Copy the video URL from the address bar
- Open VLC Media Player
- Launch the VLC Media Player application on your computer
- Paste the Video URL
- In VLC, click on the “Media” menu and select “Open Network Stream”
- In the “Network URL” field, paste the YouTube video URL you copied earlier
- Click “Open”
- Select Video Quality and Format
- VLC will now display the available video streams and formats
- Select the desired video quality and format from the list
- Click “Download”
- Choose Download Location
- In the “Download” window, select the location where you want to save the video file
- Click “Download” again to start the download process
VLC will now begin downloading the YouTube video to your specified location. Depending on the video length and your internet speed, the download time may vary.
Additional VLC Download Options
VLC Media Player offers several additional options and settings for downloading videos:
- Download Multiple Videos: You can paste multiple YouTube video URLs (separated by a new line) to download multiple videos in one go.
- Download Subtitles: VLC can also download subtitles for the video, if available.
- Download Audio Only: If you only need the audio from the video, you can select the “Audio” option in the stream list.
- Adjust Download Speed: VLC allows you to limit the download speed to prevent it from consuming too much bandwidth.
Benefits of Using VLC for YouTube Downloads
Using VLC Media Player to download YouTube videos offers several advantages:
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: VLC is available for multiple operating systems, ensuring a consistent experience across different devices.
- No Additional Software Required: Unlike dedicated YouTube downloaders, VLC doesn’t require installing any additional software or browser extensions.
- Versatile Media Player: In addition to downloading videos, VLC can play a wide range of multimedia files, making it a comprehensive media solution.
By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily leverage the power of VLC Media Player to download YouTube videos for offline viewing or archiving purposes. Whether you’re a student, researcher, or simply someone who enjoys watching videos offline, VLC’s built-in download functionality can be a valuable tool in your multimedia arsenal.
