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 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, Arabic, Bulgarian, Croatian, Chinese Simplified, Czech, Danish, Dutch, French, Finnish, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Norwegian, Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Slovak, Spanish and Swedish. 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 3.5 allows users to rename the downloaded/converted files. Vevo download/YouTube playlist download have been fixed. YouTube Downloader is now available in English, Arabic, Bulgarian, Croatian, Chinese Simplified, Czech, Danish, Dutch, French, Finnish, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Norwegian, Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Slovak, Spanish and Swedish.
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All versions:
3.5 starsout of 3,337 votes
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Current version:
3.1 starsout of 35 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Pay attention and you'll be fine"
Version: YouTube Downloader 3.5
Pros
The program works as advertised, very simple to use
Cons
The install process lulls the user into clicking the same button over and over which explains why some of the earlier comments *think* there is malware included in here.
Summary
Don't just blindly click until you see the installing bar--that goes for anything you install, not just this program.
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"WARNING!!! PACKED WITH MALWARE!!!!!"
Version: YouTube Downloader 3.5
Pros
actually downloads from youtube, redtube, etc
Cons
PACKED WITH MALWARE!!!!! after I installed THIS program, all my internet searches were redirected to yahoo.
http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Chrome/thread?hl=en&tid=7f11e761afd195b3
Sie_Deen
Google Employee
10/25/11
"To summarize, the issue is caused by malware that is may have gotten installed through a bundled installation (smaller programs that get installed when you're intention was to only install one specific program). Some users have identified YouTube Downloader Toolbar, iObit Toolbar, or some programs published by Spigot as the source of the bundled software installation that is causing all searches from the omnibox to redirect to Yahoo and not your default search setting."Summary
PACKED WITH MALWARE!!!!! after I installed THIS program, all my internet searches were redirected to yahoo. http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Chrome/thread?hl=en&tid=7f11e761afd195b3 Sie_Deen Google Employee 10/25/11 "To summarize, the issue is caused by malware that is may have gotten installed through a bundled installation (smaller programs that get installed when you're intention was to only install one specific program). Some users have identified YouTube Downloader Toolbar, iObit Toolbar, or some programs published by Spigot as the source of the bundled software installation that is causing all searches from the omnibox to redirect to Yahoo and not your default search setting."
Read more: YouTube Downloader - Download.com http://download.cnet.com/YouTube-Downloader/3000-2071_4-10647340.html?refresh=1330472522671#ixzz1niuznamB -
"Download this and get a Win32.Trojan.Dropper.Vb.aos"
Version: YouTube Downloader 3.5
Pros
None None None-except for a free Trojan.
Cons
My ESET security program immediately quarantined this and would not stop, as it was fighting a trojan:
Win32.Trojan.Dropper.Vb.aos.
Had to restore computer to previous check point to solve problem....Summary
Really CNET, you support this? Now I know what happened to my computers in the past, don't trust CNET for safe downloads!
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"ABSOLUTELY ****!"
Version: YouTube Downloader 3.5
Pros
NONE, NOTHING
Cons
Does not download a damn thing and freezes up!
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"Can't download any videos on some user accounts"
Version: YouTube Downloader 3.5
Pros
Awesome design, cool icon.
Cons
Title says it.
Summary
So, if you're gonna download this, you shouldn't. This is a scam, and I prefer VDownloader @ saveyoutube.com.
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"Channel Downloads dont work"
Version: YouTube Downloader 3.5
Pros
It downloaded a playlist.
Cons
I bought the pro version and when I click yes to download a channel nothing happens.
Summary
Anyone know how to get this downloader to download the channel, I bought the pro version and when I click yes to download a channel nothing happens.
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"bundled installation malware makes yahoo default search"
Version: YouTube Downloader 3.5
Pros
didn't use it so can't comment on program
Cons
bundled installation makes yahoo become your new default search engine and keeps resetting when you change it. see this link for details:
http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Chrome/thread?tid=7f11e761afd195b3&hl=enSummary
bundled installation makes yahoo become your new default search engine and keeps resetting when you change it. see this link for details:
http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Chrome/thread?tid=7f11e761afd195b3&hl=en -
"constant little pop up saying "down load this clip""
Version: YouTube Downloader 3.5
Pros
not many. some times it works
Cons
slow does not do what it is hyped as doing
Summary
constant down load this clip pop-up
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"Completely comprehensive, and worlds of improvement!"
Version: YouTube Downloader 3.5
Pros
They've made leaps and bounds in their upgrades and have a huge amount of improved and new features since I first started using them. Their auto-update system and massive list of websites they work with makes them, in my opinion, the best downloader out there. For a one time purchase, it's totally worth it.
Their support is also top notch. I had to reformat my computer and have them reset my key. At first I was dreading it, but they got back to me within three hours tops. Very speedy resolution!Cons
If something else is downloading, it obviously slows down the bandwidth allotted to the downloader. Their download options are also a tad technical unless you know what you're doing. Aside from that and the odd error and need to restart a download on occasion, there have been no issues.
Summary
Overall, I'd say this is probably one of the best downloaders for videos out there. Very simple to get started, lots of converting options, it remembers your settings for one button downloads, and is very user friendly. It also supports advanced options for requesting extremely specific conversions manually, so useful for the power users as well. I couldn't possibly recommend this program more. I certainly am never going to need anything else. ^_^
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"Has done what i have wanted it to for years"
Version: YouTube Downloader 3.5
Pros
when i had a problem with it after updating i got a quick responce and instructions how to fix it up.
Cons
the new version doesn't convert to an avi version i can put on a usb and plug into my tv. that is a nuisance
Summary
it does what it says it will
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