YouTube is currently offering a test that allows users to download videos via a browser on a computer and thus watch them without an internet connection. This option is already available from the mobile application.
Download YouTube video to computer
There are many qualities when it comes to downloading YouTube videos from a computer: 144p, 480p, 720p and 1080p. On the other hand, there is no option to recover a 4K video, it is 1080p at most. Also note that there is no 360p option.
Downloading is very simple: just click on the “Download” button that appears below the video, between the “Share” and “Save” buttons. Then the process is prepared. Obviously, the longer the video, the longer the download time. Internet speed also plays a role.
YouTube refers to it “Downloads are available as long as your device has an active internet connection, at least once every 30 days”. Users are also encouraged to install the Progressive Web Application (PWA), but this is not a requirement.
This test for downloading YouTube videos from a browser to a computer is currently applicable to YouTube Premium members. If this is your case, go to youtube.com/new, locate the “Download videos from your browser” section and click the button to take the test. The trial is valid until October 19. According to YouTube, its functionality requires the latest version of Chrome, Edge, or Opera browsers.
Success or failure in the future?
In any case, it will be interesting to see if success will be on the date. After all, there are a large number of sites that actually allow downloading YouTube videos. There is even a popular tool, youtube-dl. Let’s say the YouTube system is official and legal. Moreover, YouTube for a long time fought against sites that allow downloading videos and music.
