7 Quick Ways to Download YouTube Videos with VLC

Tired of being unable to watch your favorite YouTube videos offline? Say goodbye to this frustration with the power of VLC, a remarkable media player that empowers you to effortlessly download and save YouTube videos directly to your device. With VLC’s versatility, you can relish the convenience of watching your chosen videos anytime, anywhere, without the constraints of an internet connection. Whether you’re commuting, exploring the great outdoors, or simply seeking uninterrupted entertainment, VLC has you covered.

This comprehensive guide will meticulously guide you through the simple steps required to download YouTube videos using VLC. By meticulously following these instructions, you’ll gain the ability to preserve your favorite videos on your computer or mobile device, ensuring uninterrupted enjoyment even when faced with limited or nonexistent internet connectivity. No longer will you be tethered to a stable internet connection to indulge in your favorite YouTube content. Embrace the freedom to watch your preferred videos on the go or when an internet connection is but a distant dream.

Furthermore, VLC offers a wealth of additional features that will revolutionize your video-viewing experience. Its intuitive interface, customizable playback options, and support for a vast array of video formats make it the ultimate choice for discerning video enthusiasts. Additionally, VLC is a free and open-source software, empowering you to enjoy its remarkable capabilities without incurring any financial burden. Dive into the world of effortless video downloads and enhanced video playback today with VLC, your trusted companion for an unparalleled entertainment experience.

Using the VLC Command Line to Download YouTube Videos

VLC media player offers a powerful command-line interface that allows you to download YouTube videos directly. Here’s a step-by-step guide to do it:

1. Install VLC Media Player

Visit the official VLC website and download the latest version of the media player for your operating system.
Install VLC on your computer following the on-screen instructions.

2. Find the YouTube Video URL

Copy the URL of the YouTube video you want to download. Make sure the URL is accurate and includes the “https://www.youtube.com/” prefix.

3. Open the VLC Command Line Interface

Press the “Windows Key” and type “cmd” in the search bar.
In the Command Prompt window that opens, navigate to the VLC installation directory. This is usually “C:\Program Files\VideoLAN\VLC”.

Note: You can also use the “Open Command Window Here” option by right-clicking the VLC installation directory in File Explorer.

3.1. Downloading the Video

In the command line, enter the following command and replace “YOUTUBE_VIDEO_URL” with the URL of the YouTube video:
“`
vlc YOUTUBE_VIDEO_URL –sout “#std{access=file,mux=ts,dst=OUTPUT_VIDEO_NAME.mp4}”
“`
Replace “OUTPUT_VIDEO_NAME.mp4” with the desired file name and extension for the downloaded video.
Press “Enter” to start downloading the YouTube video to the specified file.

The video will be downloaded to the same directory as the VLC installation directory by default. You can specify a different download location by adding the “–download-folder” parameter to the command, followed by the path to the desired folder.

3.2. Downloading the Audio

To download only the audio of the YouTube video, use the following command:
“`
vlc YOUTUBE_VIDEO_URL –sout “#std{access=file,mux=rawaudio,dst=OUTPUT_AUDIO_NAME.mp3}”
“`
Replace “OUTPUT_AUDIO_NAME.mp3” with the desired file name and extension for the downloaded audio.

The audio file will be downloaded to the VLC installation directory by default. You can specify a different location as described above.

Downloading YouTube Videos Using VLC

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Troubleshooting Common Errors in YouTube Video Downloads

Error: “Unable to open the network stream”

This error typically occurs when VLC is unable to establish a connection to the YouTube server. Ensure that your internet connection is stable and try again. If the issue persists, you can try using a VPN or proxy server to bypass any potential network restrictions.

Error: “Input stream was not found”

This error indicates that VLC is unable to locate the video file on the YouTube server. This can occur due to server issues, copyright restrictions, or a broken link. Try refreshing the YouTube page and attempting to download the video again.

Error: “Codec not found”

This error appears when the codec required to decode the video is not installed on your system. To resolve this, you can try downloading and installing the necessary codec from a reliable source. Alternatively, you can convert the video to a different format that is supported by VLC using a video conversion software.

Error: “Video output delayed”

This issue can arise due to a mismatch between the video’s frame rate and your system’s refresh rate. To fix this, go to VLC’s Preferences menu (Tools > Preferences) and navigate to the “Video” settings. Under the “Output” tab, adjust the “Output video frame rate” to match the video’s frame rate. This can be found in the video’s settings on YouTube.

Error: “Audio out of sync”

This issue occurs when the audio and video tracks of the downloaded video are not properly aligned. To resolve this, adjust the “Audio offset” setting in VLC’s Preferences menu (Tools > Preferences) under the “Audio” tab. Experiment with different values until the audio and video are synchronized.

Error: “Download failed with an unknown error”

This error message is typically given when the download process encounters an unforeseen issue. In such cases, it is recommended to restart VLC, refresh the YouTube page, and try downloading the video again. If the issue persists, contact VLC’s support team for further assistance.

Error	Troubleshooting Steps
“Unable to open the network stream”	Check internet connection, use VPN/proxy
“Input stream was not found”	Refresh YouTube page, check link
“Codec not found”	Install necessary codec, convert video format
“Video output delayed”	Adjust output video frame rate in VLC settings
“Audio out of sync”	Adjust audio offset in VLC settings
“Download failed with an unknown error”	Restart VLC, refresh YouTube page, contact support

Alternative Methods for Downloading YouTube Videos without VLC

While VLC is an excellent option for downloading YouTube videos, there are several other methods available to fulfill this task. Each method has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, so it’s essential to choose the one that best suits your specific needs.

Online Video Downloaders

Online video downloaders are websites or services that allow you to download YouTube videos directly without the need for any software. They are typically easy to use and support various video formats, including MP4, FLV, and WEBM. However, some online video downloaders may have limitations on the size or duration of videos they can download.

YouTube Premium

YouTube Premium is a paid subscription service that offers several benefits, including the ability to download YouTube videos for offline viewing. With YouTube Premium, you can download videos in various formats and resolutions. It’s an excellent option for those who frequently download YouTube videos for personal use.

4K Video Downloader

4K Video Downloader is a free and open-source software specifically designed for downloading YouTube videos. It supports downloading videos in high-quality formats, including 4K, and offers advanced features such as playlist downloads and subtitle extraction.

Freemake Video Downloader

Freemake Video Downloader is another free software option for downloading YouTube videos. It offers a straightforward interface and supports a wide range of video formats. However, it may include bundled software during installation, so be mindful of the additional programs being installed.

YTD Video Downloader

YTD Video Downloader is an extension for the Google Chrome browser that allows you to download YouTube videos with just a few clicks. It’s quick and convenient but may not be suitable if you need to download videos in high quality or with advanced features.

Video DownloadHelper

Video DownloadHelper is an extension for the Mozilla Firefox browser that offers a comprehensive set of features for downloading YouTube videos. It supports downloading videos in various formats, resolutions, and frame rates. Additionally, it allows you to extract audio from videos and integrate with other software.

SnapTube

SnapTube is an Android app that lets you download YouTube videos and convert them to different formats. It provides a user-friendly interface and offers a wide range of video quality options. However, it may not be available on the Google Play Store due to its violation of YouTube’s terms of service.

TubeMate

TubeMate is another Android app designed for downloading YouTube videos. It supports downloading videos in multiple formats and resolutions and offers additional features such as background downloads and video conversion. Similar to SnapTube, it may not be available on the Google Play Store.

Any Video Converter

Any Video Converter is a desktop software that not only downloads YouTube videos but also converts them to various other formats. It supports downloading videos in high quality and offers advanced editing features, making it a versatile tool for video handling.

KeepVid

KeepVid is an online video downloader that supports downloading videos from various platforms, including YouTube. It offers a straightforward interface and allows for downloading videos in different formats and qualities. However, it may be prone to ads and may not support all video formats.

Downloader	Key Features
Online Video Downloaders	Easy to use, support multiple formats
YouTube Premium	Download videos for offline viewing, subscription required
4K Video Downloader	High-quality downloads, playlist support
Freemake Video Downloader	Straightforward interface, wide format support
YTD Video Downloader	Convenient Chrome extension, basic features
Video DownloadHelper	Comprehensive Firefox extension, advanced options
SnapTube	Android app, multiple formats and resolutions
TubeMate	Android app, background downloads, video conversion
Any Video Converter	Desktop software, video conversion and editing
KeepVid	Online downloader, supports various platforms

How To Download YouTube Videos Using VLC

VLC is a free and open-source media player that can be used to play a variety of video and audio files. It can also be used to download videos from YouTube. Here are the steps on how to do it:

Open VLC.
Click on the “Media” menu and select “Open Network Stream.”
In the “Network Stream” dialog box, enter the URL of the YouTube video you want to download.
Click on the “Play” button.
Once the video starts playing, click on the “Tools” menu and select “Codec Information.”
In the “Codec Information” dialog box, click on the “Copy” button next to the “Location” field.
Open a new tab in your browser and go to the website “SaveFrom.net.”
Paste the URL you copied in step 6 into the “Enter the URL of the video you want to download” field and click on the “Download” button.
Select the video quality you want to download and click on the “Download” button.
The video will start downloading to your computer.