However, using youtube-dl is a bit more complex and is designed for more experienced, and advanced, computer users. It's capable of downloading any available YouTube video format to your computer, including the HD version. One of the best ways, and our favorite method, to download a YouTube video is with the free program youtube-dl. Download a YouTube video using youtube-dl These are the best options to keep your computer free of malware. Instead, we now recommend youtube-dl, a screen recorder, or a YouTube Premium subscription. Websites that offered free YouTube video downloading services have now permanently shut down their sites (e.g., ), resorted to malware-related ads, or employ other deceptive tactics.ĭue to these reasons, Computer Hope doesn't recommend any website service offering free YouTube video downloads and no longer provides instructions for those websites. These websites often result in malware being downloaded to your computer, either from the website service itself or through one of their partner sites. Most websites that offer a service of downloading a YouTube video for free are no longer safe to use. Download a YouTube video using YouTube Premium.ĭownload a YouTube video using a website service.Saving a YouTube video using a screen recorder.Download a YouTube video using youtube-dl.Download a YouTube video using a website service.