CNET Editors' note: YouTube Downloader includes optional bundled software that may trigger alerts from security software. YouTube Downloader has been tested for malware by the CNET Download.com team and meets our security requirements.
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.
Download videos with YTD Video Downloader:Publisher's Description
From Biennesoft:
YTD 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. YTD also allows you to convert downloaded videos for iPod, iPhone, PSP, Cell Phone, Windows Media, XVid and MP3, or play video that you have previously downloaded or converted.
The YTD 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. YTD has the ability to download full playlists as opposed to just one video. YTD is available in English, French, Romanian and Russian. A premium version ($19.90) will unlock enhanced features such as faster download times or multiple concurrent downloads.What's new in this version: Version 3.2 fixed some minor issues and also added more sites from which you can now download.
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closeLEGAL NOTICE: This link will take you to a third-party website. Downloading copyrighted materials without authorization or providing others with copyrighted materials for them to download without authorization may put you at risk for legal action under copyright law in the United States and other countries. CNET discourages the use of software for any unlawful purpose
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All versions:
3.5 starsout of 3,555 votes
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Current version:
2.8 starsout of 41 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"An excellent piece of software. Download & use in mins."
Version: YouTube Downloader 3.2
Pros
A ray of sunshine - a piece of software even a novice will find easy to use. My first try ended with a perfect result. A must have for anyone who is interested in internet videos. Download your favourite videos within minutes.
Cons
None. I found no room for improvement.
Summary
Download and install, then enjoy your favourite videos on your computer. It even has the facility to convert the files to Win Media files and others.
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"This program has NEVER worked for me!"
Version: YouTube Downloader 3.2
Pros
At least it sends me a message saying that it did not download my video.
Cons
Same as above.
Summary
I have tried this progran several times and it has NEVER downloaded a video for me. I have tried it on Vista and Windows 7, I have installed it in at least 3 different ways (orbit, IE, other various downloaders) and it still did not download any videos.
It just does not work for me. -
"This application is up to scratch"
Version: YouTube Downloader 3.2
Pros
A good tool for us youtubers
Cons
none that I know of
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"Quick and simple video downloader"
Version: YouTube Downloader 3.2
Pros
Downloads videos and converts them to what you want with what quality of video/audio you want. Very small, but simple interface. Free of adware/spyware/etc.
Cons
The reason I have to demote 2 stars off of this program is because of either it's downloading or it's converting. I'm not quite sure which. But any video that has high sound waves gets distorted pretty badly.
Summary
Great if the video you're downloading isn't very musically loud. But if you're downloading someone like Breaking Benjamin or any other hard rock artists.. don't bother, it sounds horrible.
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"easy to use."
Version: YouTube Downloader 3.2
Pros
can download video from the web,
can convert video to other formetCons
sometimes the video it download is not in good quality but overall it's quite good
Summary
if it can be improve,it will be much better.i'm satisfied with this product bcoz it's free
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"Only seems to half work. Problems with downloading."
Version: YouTube Downloader 3.2
Pros
Very handy program for downloading large numbers of videos.
Cons
Needs more setting controls. Doesn't work very well with Que system.
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"Awesome tool for a not so tech y user"
Version: YouTube Downloader 3.2
Pros
Easy to use. Downloads and converts videos to mp4. That's great.
Cons
None so far
Summary
Prior to this it takes me 2 software to download my favorite videos then convert them to mp3 or mp4 for personal use. Now I uninstalled all other software and have this to do the tasks I want. Really really awesome for someone not that tech-y.
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"TERRIBLE and NOT FREE...bloatware"
Version: YouTube Downloader 3.2
Pros
Works I guess
Cons
Interrupts you endlessly to make you pay
Summary
Do not download, you will be supporting false advertisement....
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"Bloatware but works"
Version: YouTube Downloader 3.2
Pros
Can still download videos!
Cons
Even with web site warnings the installer will auto install a toolbar & try to change your default search in your browser. They claims that there is no difference between versions, yet the free version says get faster speed with the paid version.
Summary
Still a good piece of software even with the amount of updates needed to access YouTube and others.
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"Worth having this in your PC"
Version: YouTube Downloader 3.2
Pros
Simple and easy to use.
Cons
Requires a lot of clicks to download files unlike Real Downloader that requires just one click.
Summary
Interface can be better.
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