Table of Contents
YouTube is a favorite platform for many, alike for entertainment or educational purposes. Some videos on YouTube are well-curated and are not available for download to the general public. You can only watch the videos on their platform, which can be frustrating. If you came across a YouTube video that you found valuable and want to use it for your project, you have to download it. The good news is that it is possible to download YouTube videos, even private ones. In this blog post, we will be showing you three easy methods to download private YouTube videos, using third-party applications, software, and websites.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Download Private YouTube Videos
For research purposes, or if you are working on a project or presentation and you found a helpful YouTube video that you cannot download, this could be a problem. YouTube has strict policies regarding copyright infringement, and downloading a video without permission is illegal. However, if the video owner permits downloading (through sharing a link or giving explicit permission), it should then be safe to download the video. Here are some reasons why you may need to download private YouTube videos:
- You need to use some parts of a private YouTube video for a school assignment
- You found a private video on YouTube that would make an excellent reference or source material for your work project
- You may want to have a backup copy of your own private videos
- The private video you want to download is not available in your country or region
Method 1: Via 4k Video Downloader
4k Video Downloader is a reliable YouTube downloader that can download both public and private YouTube videos in 4K, 1080p, and 720p resolutions. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Go to YouTube and find the private video you wish to download.
2. Copy the URL of the video from the address bar
3. Install 4k Video Downloader on your computer; launch the program after installation.
4. Select the Download Private YouTube Video option and paste in the copied video URL.
5. Click the Download button to save the video; it will appear in the program’s download queue.
Pros:
– You can download private videos in resolutions up to 4k.
– It is free to use (with premium versions available with more features).
– It supports downloading multiple videos simultaneously.
Cons:
– It does not support downloading videos in bulk.
– Occasionally, 4k Video Downloader may download an older version of a video.
Method 2: Via VLC Media Player
VLC Media Player is a renowned open-source media player software that supports playback of various file formats. Interestingly, it can also be used as a YouTube video downloader to save both public and private YouTube videos. Here’s how you can use it:
1. Install VLC Media Player on your computer if you haven’t already done so.
2. Launch VLC Media Player and click on Media in the top menu bar.
3. Select ‘Open network stream’.
4. Paste the URL of the private YouTube video in the ‘network URL’ field and click on ‘play’ (Make sure the privacy settings allow you to view the video).
5. Right-click the video and choose ‘Record’.
6. The recording of the video should begin, watch until it’s done.
7. Once the recording is finished, go to File in the top menu bar, select ‘Save’ and rename the file before saving it.
Pros:
– It is free to use.
– You can choose the quality of the video and audio you want to download.
Cons:
– VLC may not support all video formats on YouTube.
– You have to play the entire video to record it entirely.
Method 3: Via ClipGrab
ClipGrab is another popular, free video downloader software that allows you to save videos from various video-sharing sites like YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook, and more. What’s different about ClipGrab is that it comes with a feature to convert the video format to a different one that suits your device. Here’s how to use it:
1. Download the ClipGrab software and install it.
2. Go to the YouTube video you wish to download and copy its URL.
3. Open ClipGrab and paste the video’s URL in the ‘Downloads’ tab, then click ‘Grab this clip!’
4. You will notice ClipGrab will begin analyzing the video; wait for it to complete.
5. Select the download format and quality of the video, then click ‘Download’.
6. The video will automatically save to your hard drive.
Pros:
– ClipGrab is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.
– It can convert the downloaded video to various formats.
– It has a simple and clean user interface that’s easy to use.
Cons:
– Sometimes, ClipGrab prompts for updates, which can be frustrating as it interrupts the download.
– The video can only download as quickly as your internet speed, which can be slow.
What to Do If You Can’t Download Private YouTube Videos
If you have tried all the methods mentioned above and still can’t download a private YouTube video, there may be copyright limitations or restrictions enforced on the video by the uploader. Alternatively, you may not have the necessary permissions to view the video. This doesn’t mean that all hope is lost: here are some fixes you can try:
- Ensure you have authorized access to the video- If the video is shared only with trusted people, ensure the uploader shared it with your email.
- Seek permission from the uploader- You can always contact the video owner and request permission to download it.
- Use a browser extension- If you are using Google Chrome, you may try using a browser extension like Video DownloadHelper and Video Downloader Professional to make the YouTube video downloadable.
- Use a YouTube Video Downloader website- There are tons of online web tools like SaveFrom.net, FLVTO, and KeepVid that can download YouTube videos online.
Bonus Tips
– Always remember to adhere to copyright guidelines to avoid facing copyright infringement claims.
– Ensure to inquire about permission to download or use someone else’s work before proceeding to do so.
– Be careful when using third-party websites or software to download videos, especially those that prompt you to enable Java or download extensions or software.
5 FAQs
Q1: Is it legal to download private YouTube videos?
A: Downloading private YouTube videos without express permission from the uploader is arguably not legal because it contravenes the platform’s terms of service.
Q2: How do private YouTube videos work?
A: Private YouTube Videos are videos that only selected individuals can view. The video owner has to share it with their valid emails to allow them to view content.
Q3: Can I download private YouTube videos on my phone?
A: Yes, you can download private YouTube videos on your phone using either 4k Video Downloader or TubeMate YouTube Downloader.
Q4: Can I watch private YouTube videos on my TV?
A: Yes, you can watch private YouTube videos on your TV by using a Google Chromecast or an HDMI cable that is connected to your TV and computer.
Q5: Why isn’t my private YouTube video downloading?
A: There could be several reasons why your private YouTube video is not downloading. These reasons include poor internet connectivity, copyright limitations on the video, or a technical issue with the video sharing site.
Final Thoughts
Downloading private YouTube videos is a great way to access valuable content that would previously not be possible. With a few simple tools and a little know-how, even the most private videos can be downloaded. The methods mentioned in this article, namely 4k Video Downloader, VLC Media Player, and ClipGrab are some of the most efficient and effective ways to save YouTube videos offline. However, we strongly recommend requesting permission before downloading videos to avoid copyright infringement issues.
