Save YouTube video to computer?

[Silent1CB]

Anyone know how to save a video from YouTube to my computer in a format that is playable? I'm finding instructions that are 4+ yrs old & wondering if there are easier "all in one" methods today?

Old instructions include downloading several free tools & using different websites for different steps. FYI, its a news video I want to save for personal reasons, so I think it allowed?

Vista if it matters.

 

[Silent1CB]

I was just thinking, maybe I should go ask this on the teen board?

Any one got a teen at home they could ask for me?

 

[Imzadi]

Do you have Firefox? I have one program free that works with Firefox, It may work with I.E, but I'm not sure. Firedancer told me of another one that works with shockwave (swf) videos - which Goggle & other sites use. I have to look for the link.

 

[Imzadi]

Here is the software Firedancer uses:

Is it DownloadHelper? It is the plug in I use and works not only on YouTube but on any page with embedded video or pictures. I love it.

I also use VideoLan VLC media player. I got it free from CNet.com downloads. Brothersoft.com also has it.

The videos on YouTube are in .flv format. You need something that can download it AND play it on your PC. It's weird. You'd think if you can watch a video from a website on your PC, there is already software to play it. But, it doesn't work that way. Once you download it, the website browser software doesn't kick in to play it. You need separate software to play it. Both of these softwares allow you to download the clip and play it again.

I save my video clips in the .mp4 format or the .flv format.

Oh, BTW, I only do this for my own personal research only. All usual copyright disclaimers apply. Copy at your own risk. Yada. . .

 

[disneychrista]

I am pretty sure you can't just save them, you will need some other software to help you.

 

[autumnpalm]

I use Download Helper. It's pretty easy to use and I've never had a problem with it, but I think you need to use Firefox.

 

[Silent1CB]

Yes, Firefox.

Question. While I was googling around, I see that the changes YouTube made in April 2010 to their site also changed something about downloading code blah blah blah and some of the previous methods don't work any longer.

So, for those using Download Helper, does it still work? Thanks.

 

[Imzadi]

Firedancer just told me about the Download Helper on June 1st. So I assume it works. I know VideoLan 1.05 version does. I made sure to download the latest version that does. The reviews said which version works for the YouTube changes.

 

[Silent1CB]

Firedancer just told me about the Download Helper on June 1st. So I assume it works. I know VideoLan 1.05 version does. I made sure to download the latest version that does. The reviews said which version works for the YouTube changes.

Great. Thanks.

 

[Silent1CB]

Thank you. I got it saved using Download Helper & converted.

 

[Imzadi]

Great! I was just watching another art technique video in the shockwave format I want to save. I'm going to use the Download Helper for it.