How to Download YouTube Videos Without Any Software

Rel updated on Apr 29, 2024 to Video & Audio Downloading

If you prefer to download YouTube videos without any software, using an online YouTube video downloader is what you want. However, an online video downloader may not work in one way or another. Given that, alternative ways to download YouTube videos are also provided.

"How can I download videos from YouTube without any software?"

Key Takeaways:

  • Step 1. Copy the video URL that you'd like to download. 
  • Step 2. Open an online website that can help you download videos. Paste the link with "Ctrl + V". 
  • Step 3. The website will analyze the video. Then, choose the video format and quality you prefer. 
  • Step 4. Click "Download" to save the YouTube video to the specific file location. 

Many of you may have the same question to ask when you are looking for a time-saving way to download YouTube videos. Indeed, desktop video downloaders not only take your time to download and install the program but also take your device space. To make it easy to save videos from YouTube, there are two types of tools that will fulfill your needs perfectly: online YouTube video downloaders and browser extensions. These tools also help you download YouTube videos for free. Keep reading to check them in detail.

How to Download YouTube Videos Without Any Software on PC

As mentioned, both online tools and browser extensions enable you to download YouTube videos to your computer without software. An online service works to get a video from YouTube via a website, while a browser extension allows you to download videos from the website directly on Chrome or other browsers.

Option 1. Download YouTube Videos Without Software Online

It's no doubt that online YouTube video downloaders outnumber desktop video downloaders. However, it's actually difficult to pick up a reliable online tool to apply among the ocean of choices. After some trials, the YouTube to MP4 converter from Y2Mate is a workable solution.

To download YouTube videos online:

Step 1. Copy the URL of the YouTube video you want to download.

Step 2. Go to the online YouTube video downloader and paste the URL to the address box.

Step 3. Wait for the downloader to parse the URL automatically.

Step 4. Check for the options available and click the "Convert" button next to the format and quality you prefer.

Step 5. Click "Download" to save the YouTube video to the "Downloads" folder on your computer.

Option 2. Download youtube videos in Chrome Without Any Software

By using a YouTube downloader extension, you can get a download button on the YouTube page, with which you can save the video to your computer directly without leaving the site. Although you need to add the extension to your browser, it is an easy process that can be done within seconds.

Since most such tools operate similarly, here I'd like to take YouTube Video Downloader as an example.

Step 1. Add the YouTube Video Downloader extension to Chrome and restart the browser.

Step 2. Go to YouTube and play the video you want to download.

Step 3. Click the "More" icon next to the "Download" option to check more options. If there is no "Download" button, click the extension icon in the toolbox bar instead.

Step 4. Select the format and quality you prefer and click "Download" to save it to your computer.

Step 5. After the downloading completes, check the video in the "Downloads" folder.

Which Is Better: Online Tools vs Desktop Programs

It's undeniable that online tools outperform desktop programs concerning convenience. But when it comes to quality, stability, and reliability, desktop video downloaders are much better. When you use an online tool to download YouTube videos without any software, you may encounter the following issues:

  • The website is loaded with bothering ads.
  • Once you click the "Download" button, you will be redirected to another unrelated page.
  • The website can't parse the video address and fails to download the video for you.

Even if you can use the website currently, you may find that it stops providing services someday. Thus, downloading YouTube videos without any software using online tools is not the optimal choice for you to get the video you like from a website like YouTube.

How to Download YouTube Videos Without Any Software on Mobile

Most users don't want an extra installation because they are trying to download videos from YouTube on mobile devices, which means that there is not enough space for other software. This is the time they seek ways to download YouTube videos without software. However, phone users cannot add a browser extension. Their choices are limited to using an online download site and a third-party download tool. 

Here are full steps on how to download videos from YouTube without any software on mobile phones: 

Step 1. Open the YouTube video page that you want to download and copy its link. 

Step 2. Go to a new tab and open a download website to download the video. Then, paste the video's URL to the blank sheet.

Step 3. Click "Download" to proceed with the download process. You can choose the video format and quality in this step. 

Warning
As the screen scale is much smaller on your phone, you should take care that you don't click into the pop ads by accident. These ads may convey some viruses. 

If you don't want to risk privacy leakage, downloading with a third-party tool will be better for you. EaseUS Video Downloader also has an Android APK version. You can download it using the button below. It will take away all your worries about video downloading. 

How to Download YouTube Videos with Software

With the trustworthy video downloader - EaseUS Video Downloader installed on your computer, you can save videos from YouTube to your computer without being bothered by ads and redirections. Moreover, you can convert YouTube videos to MP3 directly to extract audio from online YouTube videos with ease. Other than YouTube, other 1,000+ websites are also supported. That means you can also download videos from Facebook or save music from SoundCloud if you need to.

To download YouTube videos:

Step 1. Launch EaseUS Video Downloader, then copy the YouTube link and click "Paste Link." You'll see the video displayed below.

Step 2. Choose your desired format and quality, and the download of the YouTube video to your computer will commence.

Step 3. Wait for the download to complete, then click "Open File Location" to locate and check the video.

Disclaimer: Bear in mind that it's illegal to download copyrighted content and use them for commercial intensions without authorization. Before you download videos, you'd better check whether the sources are copyrighted.

The Bottom Line

You can use one of the ways to download any video from YouTube except for private videos. Using an online tool to get YouTube videos is easy, but finding a reliable website is difficult. You are recommended to try the desktop video downloader, especially when you are going to download long YouTube videos. As for browser extensions, they generally support one site. If you want to download videos from one site, it is the best way for you.