Many downloaded programs found online come with a set rules and regulations, called terms of service, to which you must agree to be allowed access. YouTube (YT) is no different and by checking the agreement box you’re promising them you’ll abide by their rules. Most people do this automatically, often without even reading the terms, but it doesn’t matter — rules are rules. One of YT’s rules is, “no downloading allowed.” So, if you want to download YouTube videos, the first thing you must do is decide that it’s okay to break the rules.
How many people actually read the lengthy terms of service anyway? Not many, for sure. Yes, clicking the agree box says you’ve read and understood the terms, but no one is looking over your shoulder to make sure you’ve done what you said. It’s become an accepted white lie, kind of like the old 55 mile-per-hour speed limit that was a law that just about every motorist broke.
The old, “rules were made to be broken, ” axiom fits well here. Or, “what they don’t know won’t hurt them.” But the fact remains, if you decide to copy something from YouTube you’re doing it at your own risk and it’s, essentially, illegal.
There is a single exception to this. If you’ve uploaded your own material onto the YT site, it’s okay to download it back. They give you the option of doing this, in the form of an MP4 file. Just go to your account on YouTube and look for the download button next to your video. But how about downloading someone else’s material?
If you do a search of this article’s keywords you’ll find many ways to download from YT to your computer. These downloading sites are generally free of charge, although a few do charge a fee. Some are so easy to use, all you have to do is put in the URL for the video you’re interested in and click ‘download’. Once the transfer is made, the file just needs to be saved and it’s ready to be played.
Others are a little more involved, necessitating that you change the title and add an extension, such as . FLV. Some of these sites are clean and hassle-free. Others are chock full of pop-ups and ads which can be distracting and sometimes fake you out into clicking a wrong button.
After trying a few of the different methods of downloading, the one that was easiest and didn’t require anything but typing in the URL and clicking the download button seemed to do the job with no problems. The downloaded video played right away and was just as clear and loud as the original. What else could you ask for?
If you want to download YouTube videos it’s easy and there are lots of options available. It’s a great way to fill an MP4 with your favorite content. If you do it for your own enjoyment it shouldn’t be a problem. YouTube was meant for sharing. If you’re doing it for some other purpose, such as financial gain, that’s different. It’s all about intent.
If you want to download videos from YouTube, you can read more information aboutdownloading YouTube videos at ReelSEO.com. They are online video marketing experts and offer a ton of tips and resources for everything related to online video.