How to Download YouTube Videos to your Computer

UPDATE – 2021:

The old instructions no longer work.

Try this free online alternative that lets you download and convert YouTube videos and audios.

Y2Mate doesn’t require registration. Easily convert videos and music files from YouTube or other websites. Supports MP3, MP4, M4V, FLV, WEBM, 3GP, WMV, AVI, etc.


Here’s a quick way to download and save any YouTube video without installing software:

1. Go to the YouTube video. Find the address (URL) bar, at the top of your browser.

2. Replace the letters “http://www.” with “ss”. (Remove the period.)

save youtube filessave youtube files


3. Click Enter. You’ll be sent to a download page. (Ignore the cheesy advertisement that tells you your computer needs updated.)

4. In the right column, click Download, and choose the format you want to download the file in.

5. Play and enjoy.