CNET Editors' review
YouTube Downloader is a popular, free program that enables you to download and convert online videos (legal content, to which you have the rights) for later viewing on your desktop or mobile device. It can convert files to MOV, MP4, 3GP, WMV, AVI, or MP3.
The name "YouTube Downloader" is terribly misleading because the program, in fact, downloads a whole lot more than just YouTube videos. On the developer's site, you can find an extensive list of additional supported sites including Facebook and Vimeo. This wide net of support easily pushes YouTube Downloader to the top of its category.
When you find a video you'd like to download, copy the URL of the video page and open YouTube Downloader. From there, you'll notice that the program automatically pastes the URL into the appropriate field. Choose your desired Download quality (Best Available is a nice option) and your destination folder, then hit Download. Once your download is finished, hit the Play tab to watch. The Convert tab lets you export to a different file format for playing elsewhere, and gives you a convenient mini editor for making minor alterations before your export. You can change video volume (or remove audio altogether) and splice footage by setting specific start and end times.
One thing that disappointed us was the absence of a one-step download-and-convert function in the free version. If you want the one-step convenience, you'll have to upgrade to Pro ($19.90), which also gives you the capability of downloading multiple videos at once. Also, it would've been nice to be able to name files before downloading them, but that's certainly not a deal-breaker.
For online video enthusiasts looking to download non-copyrighted or personally owned videos, YouTube Downloader appears to be a near-perfect tool. Sure it's missing a few minor conveniences, but its simplicity and the fact that it casts such a wide net of support for online video sites make it virtually unbeatable.
Watch the CNET video review of YouTube Downloader:
Publisher's Description
From Biennesoft:
YouTube Downloader allows you to download videos from YouTube, including HD and HQ videos, Facebook, Vevo, and dozens of other video sites and convert them to other video formats. The program is easy to use--just specify the URL for the video you want to download and click the Download button. The program also allows you to convert downloaded videos for iPad, iPod, iPhone, PSP, Cell Phone, Windows Media, XVid and MP3, or play video that you have previously downloaded or converted.
The YouTube Downloader interface includes a tabbed format for easy downloading, converting, and playing, and a new Activity tab allows you to keep track of multiple downloads and conversions in real time. The program has the ability to download full playlists as opposed to just one video. YouTube Downloader is available in English, Albanian, Arabic, Belarusian, Bulgarian, Chinese, Chinese Simplified, Croatian, Czech, Dutch, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Kurdish, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish. A premium version ($19.90) will unlock enhanced features such as faster download times or multiple concurrent downloads.
What's new in this version: In version 3.7 we fixed a freezing problem reported by several users. Also Bing/ESPN/VIMEO download is fixed.
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All versions:
3.5 starsout of 3,337 votes
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Current version:
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My rating:
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"Author is greedy!"
Version: YouTube Downloader 3.6
Pros
Downloads like it says and can convert format,
Cons
1. Takes for ever unless you pay for the program
2. If you purchase it, a human has to send you your key in "48 hours". It took me several days to get my key. Totally unacceptable.
3. When you put your key in, it records it and saves the information about your computer so you can only use the key one time. If you reinstall your computer, you have to fill out a web form and wait "48 hours" for your new key.
4. You cannot install this on your home computer AND laptop. Pick one. One only! For software that only downloads videos and converts them, come on. That's greedy!Summary
I would have never purchased this had I known. Do not make the same mistake I did.
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"Fantstic -- recommend!"
Version: YouTube Downloader 3.6
Pros
This software has done what it's supposed to do -- record the audio from YouTube. It's done EXACTLY what it's supposed to do. I chose MP3, and the files have been compatible in iTunes. Quality depends on the original link posted.
Cons
None! I've had no problems downloading the software or in uploading the audio.
Summary
Use it if you're really looking for some gems, and if you're not so concerned about quality. Again, the quality of the file recorded is based on the original. But for those of us who are true music fans and looking for the rare spots on youtube, it's well worth the free download.
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"Crap software"
Version: YouTube Downloader 3.6
Pros
Limited number of sites work with it; but looks nice, if that matters.
Cons
Have to pay to get any real download speed
Summary
Put this on your computer and immediately be asked to PAY for a faster download. Sit and wait long looooooooong periods for this ***** to download your video. It used to be a great piece of kit before the designer of it got greedy.
I also find that one constantly gets "Failed" Failed" "Failed" notices when they shouldn;t have failed, 'not reliable' are the keywords for this software. -
"Incredible.."
Version: YouTube Downloader 3.6
Pros
Fast and can download multiple videos at one time. You can go to sleep while downloading.
Cons
Sometimes can be quite slow.
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"Does what it says."
Version: YouTube Downloader 3.6
Pros
Uber-simple to use and has easily utilized options.
Cons
A little slow, but then again, I have DSL....
Summary
Perfectly happy with this tool.
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"Does the job."
Version: YouTube Downloader 3.6
Pros
It can download YouTube videos.
Cons
Free version isn't too fast and can't download simultaneously.
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"Works as advertised"
Version: YouTube Downloader 3.6
Pros
Seemed easy to use
Cons
Upgrade installs browser toolbar without permission
Summary
Works as advertised
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"Does not work after a few days."
Version: YouTube Downloader 3.6
Pros
Seemed easy to use.
Cons
After the first time I used it ,I tried to use a couple of days later and I got nothing but error notices.
Summary
This download was a wast of my time! It did not work after initial installation.
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"good software, shame about the spyware"
Version: YouTube Downloader 3.6
Pros
YouTube Downloader works well, but ...
Cons
... "Widgi Toolbar" spyware was also installed on my computer - only found it by accident, but was able to delete it with ESET NOD32 anti-virus.
Summary
I would avoid downloading this.
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"Worked quickly and easily"
Version: YouTube Downloader 3.6
Pros
Worked as intended, very user friendly.
Cons
None that I know of, but I am not a frequent or expert user. For my limited needs it does the job perfectly and as intended.
Summary
Excellent download for me--worth it!
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