6 Ways to Free Download Any Video from Any Website

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-15 13:47

This article explains how to download a video from most streaming websites for free. There is no single program that is capable of downloading any video from any web platform, but using some of the methods described in this article you should be able to achieve the goal. It is possible that, in some cases, some specific videos are not downloadable locally.

Steps

Method 1 of 6: Use a Web Service

Step 1. Visit the streaming site that publishes the video you want to download

Use the browser on the computer of your choice. It could be YouTube, Dailymotion, Facebook, or another website that provides streaming video.

This method doesn't work for paid streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or Disney +

Step 2. Locate the video you want to download and start streaming it

Use the website search bar to search for the video in question based on name, author or content. After finding it, start playing the movie.

Step 3. Copy the video URL

Using some websites, such as YouTube and Dailymotion, you can perform this step by clicking on the video URL, visible in the browser's address bar, with the right mouse button and clicking on the option Copy from the context menu that will appear. Using other sites, such as Facebook, to be able to copy the video URL you need to follow these instructions:

• Click on the option Share visible below the video box;
• Click on the item Copy link, Copy URL or similar.

Step 4. Visit the website of the download service you want to use

There are many websites that allow you to locally download streaming videos published on platforms such as YouTube, Facebook and the like. However, some download services work better than others, and some don't support downloading all videos. Due to their nature, and for legal reasons, many sites of this type are frequently blacked out and replaced by new services. Use the Google search engine and search using the keywords "video download website" to find a download service that is currently still up and running. Some of the currently active download web services are:

• https://ddownloader.com/;
• https://catchvideo.net/;
• https://keepv.id/;
• https://catch.tube/.

Step 5. Click on the text field to paste the URL of the video to download

The structure of most of these websites is very simple and consists of a single text field displayed at the top or center of the main page. Inside this text field you need to paste the URL of the video you want to download. Click on the field in question so that the cursor for entering the text appears inside.

Step 6. Press the key combination Ctrl + V on Windows or ⌘ Command + V on Mac to paste the URL you copied earlier.

The video page address will be pasted into the text field on the page.

Step 7. Click on the button to start capturing the video in question

It is usually placed to the right of the text field where you pasted the video URL. Look for a button with the keyword Download ', Go , Catch, Catch Video or similar. This will start the movie acquisition procedure.

If the video in question cannot be processed, make sure you have copied the corresponding URL in full. If the problem persists, try using a different web download service than the one you are currently using

Step 8. Click the Download button displayed next to the resolution and video format you want

In some cases you will be offered multiple download options that will allow you to choose the resolution and format with which to download the video. Many websites allow you to use the formats "MP4", "WebM" and "MP3" (in this case only the audio track of the video will be downloaded). In addition to being able to choose the file format, some sites also allow you to choose the level of image quality, for example 1080p, 720p, 480p or 360p. Click on the download button for the file in the format and resolution you want to download. In some cases the file will be downloaded directly to the "Download" folder of the computer, in others it will start playing the video directly in the browser window. In the latter scenario, continue reading the method.

Step 9. Click on the ⋮ button

To view the media player menu, click on the button with three dots visible in the lower right corner of the box where the video is being played.

Step 10. Click on the Download option

This way the movie will be downloaded to your computer's "Download" folder.

By default, all files you download from the web are saved in the "Downloads" folder

Method 2 of 6: Use 4K Video Downloader

Step 1. Download the 4K Video Downloader program installation file

It is a free application that allows you to locally download videos posted on websites such as YouTube, Dailymotion, Facebook and other platforms. 4K Video Downloader does not allow you to download video content from paid streaming platforms, such as Netflix, Hulu or Disney +. To download and install 4K Video Downloader follow these instructions:

• Windows:

  • Visit the website https://www.4kdownload.com/products/product-videodownloader using the browser of your choice;
  • Click on the button Get 4K Video Downloader;
  • Once the download is complete, double-click the installation file icon visible directly in the browser window or in the "Download" folder;
  • Click on the button Come on;
  • Select the check button "I agree to the terms in the License Agreement";
  • Click on the button Next;
  • Click on the button Browse to choose where to install the program (optional);
  • Click on the button Next;
  • Click on the option Install;
  • Click on the button Yup;
  • Click on the button end.

• Mac:

  • Visit the website https://www.4kdownload.com/products/product-videodownloader using the browser of your choice;
  • Click on the button Get 4K Video Downloader;
  • Once the download is complete, double-click the installation file icon visible directly in the browser window or in the "Download" folder;
  • Drag the 4K Video Downloader app into the "Applications" folder.

  

  Step 2. Visit the streaming site that publishes the video you want to download

  Use the browser on the computer of your choice. It could be YouTube, Dailymotion, Facebook, or another website that provides streaming video.

  

  Step 3. Locate the video you want to download and start streaming it

  Use the website search bar to search for the video in question based on name, author or content. After locating it, start playing the movie.

  

  Step 4. Copy the video URL

  Using some websites such as YouTube and Dailymotion, you can perform this step by clicking on the video URL, visible in the browser address bar, with the right mouse button and clicking on the option Copy from the context menu that will appear. Using other sites, such as Facebook, to be able to copy the video URL you need to follow these instructions:

  • Click on the option Share visible below the video box;
  • Click on the item Copy link, Copy URL or similar.

  

  Step 5. Launch the 4K Video Downloader program

  It features a green icon with a stylized white cloud inside. Click on the 4K Video Downloader app icon to launch it. You can find it in the Windows "Start" menu or the "Applications" folder on Mac.

  

  Step 6. Click the Smart Mode button

  The "Smart Mode" menu will appear, allowing you to select the format, image quality level and language in which you want to download the video you have chosen.

  

  Step 7. Select a format

  Use the drop-down menu to select a file format. 4K Video Downloader supports the video formats "MP4", "FLV", "MKV" and "3GP" and the audio formats "MP3", "M4A" and "OGG".

  

  Step 8. Select the image quality level

  4K Video Download supports a wide variety of video resolutions starting from "240p" up to "4K UHD". Also, at higher resolutions ("720p", "1080p" and "4K"), it allows you to set a frame rate of 60 fps. Choose the "Best Quality" option to download the video at the highest possible resolution.

  

  Step 9. Select a language

  Use the last two drop-down menus to choose the video language and subtitle language.

  

  Step 10. Click the Ok button

  The download settings will be stored.

  

  Step 11. Click the Paste Link button

  It features a green icon located in the upper left corner of the program window. The video URL will be pasted into the 4K Video Downloader app window and the video will be downloaded to your computer.

  At the end of the download you will be able to find the files you have downloaded in the "Video" folder

  Method 3 of 6: Using OBS Studio

  

  Step 1. Understand the limitations of this method

  Capturing the image displayed on your computer screen is useful when you want to download a protected video (for example Netflix content). OBS Studio will also include the mouse cursor in the video recording and any pop-up windows or interruptions caused by buffering the streaming data stream that may occur during normal playback of a video directly from the web. In the case of paid platforms such as Netflix, you will need to have an active account in order to view and play the related content.

  Remember that using this video capture method to download content from paid streaming services (for example Netflix) to your computer may violate the terms and conditions of use of the service itself and may be illegal in many countries

  

  Step 2. Download and install the Mozilla Firefox internet browser

  Most streaming services, such as Netflix and Hulu, implement security systems to prevent the downloading or copying of copyrighted content. Attempting to download these videos by trying to record the computer screen while the movie is playing will simply result in a black screen within the final file. To work around this limitation, you need to use Firefox as a browser to stream the video you want to capture. Follow these instructions to download and install Firefox:

  • Visit the website
  • Click on the button Download Firefox;
  • Open the Firefox installation file directly within the browser or from the "Downloads" folder;
  • Click on the button Yup (if you are using a Mac, drag the Firefox app into the "Applications" folder).

  

  Step 3. Download and install OBS Studio

  It is a free video capture and streaming playback program. It is available for Windows, Mac and Linux systems. Follow these instructions to download and install OBS Studio on your computer:

  • Windows:

    • Visit the website https://obsproject.com;
    • Click on the button Windows;
    • Open the installation file directly from the browser window or from the "Download" folder;
    • Click on the button Next;
    • Click on the check button I Agree;
    • Click on the option Next;
    • Uncheck the check button to avoid installing add-ons (optional);
    • Click on the button Install;
    • At the end of the installation click on the Finish button.

  • Mac:

    • Visit the website https://obsproject.com;
    • Click on the button MacOS 10.13+;
    • Open the installation file directly from the browser window or from the "Download" folder;
    • Drag the OBS Studio app into the "Applications" folder.

    

    Step 4. Start Firefox

    It features an orange and purple icon depicting a fox and a globe. You can find it in the Windows "Start" menu or in the Dock, on the desktop or in the "Applications" folder on Mac.

    

    Step 5. Access the streaming platform from which you want to record the video and log in

    Type the URL of the streaming site you want to use, for example that of Netflix or Hulu, into the address bar of the browser. Log in using the username and password associated with your account.

    

    Step 6. Launch OBS Studio

    It features a black circular icon. You can find it in the Windows "Start" menu or the "Applications" folder on Mac.

    

    Step 7. Click the OK button if prompted

    This will accept the licensed terms and conditions of use of the program and the OBS Studio window will appear.

    

    Step 8. Click the Yes button located in the "Auto Setup Wizard" window

    A new dialog will appear that will allow you to run the program setup wizard. Follow these instructions:

    • Select the "Optimize for recordings only" checkbox;
    • Click on the button Come on;
    • Click the button again Come on;
    • Click on the button Apply the settings. If you prefer to configure the program manually, click on the button No.

    

    Step 9. Go to the page of the protected video you want to download

    Visit the Netflix or Hulu site and log in with your account credentials.

    You can also use this technique to record

    

    Step 10. Click on the + button of OBS Studio

    It is located at the bottom of the window, inside the "Sources" panel.

    

    Step 11. Click on the Capture Window option

    It is displayed at the bottom of the list of available sources.

    

    Step 12. Name the source

    This step is to simplify the use of the newly created source during the acquisition phase. You can use whatever name you like.

    

    Step 13. Select the Firefox window

    Use the "Window" drop-down menu to select the Firefox window. It will be present in the menu and will be characterized by the title of the website you have opened. This way you will be able to record the image displayed inside the Firefox window.

    

    Step 14. Click the Start OBS Registration button

    Video capture will start from the source you have selected.

    

    Step 15. Start playing the chosen video in Firefox

    Now that you have started recording through OBS Studio, you can click on the "Play" button of the video you have chosen to start playing it. OBS Studio will record the entire movie during playback.

    It's best to do a little test recording to make sure everything is working properly before recording an entire movie or episode of a TV series

    

    Step 16. Play the video in full screen

    Click on the appropriate icon displayed at the bottom of the movie pane. In some cases you can press the "F11" key to play the video in full screen.

    

    Step 17. Click the Stop Recording OBS Studio button when the video has finished playing

    This will stop video capture and the file will be stored on your computer.

    To access the folder where the recording files are located, access the menu File and click on the option Show recordings. By default, all recording files are stored in the "Videos" folder on your computer.

    Method 4 of 6: Use the Windows 10 Xbox Game Bar

    

    Step 1. Understand the limitations of this method

    Capturing the image displayed on your computer screen is useful when you want to download a protected video (for example Netflix content). The program will also include in the video recording the mouse cursor and any pop-up windows or interruptions caused by buffering the streaming data stream that may occur during normal playback of a video directly from the web. In the case of paid platforms such as Netflix, you will need to have an active account in order to view and play the related content.

    Remember that using this video capture method to download content from paid streaming services (for example Netflix) to your computer may violate the terms and conditions of use of the service itself and may be illegal in many countries

    

    Step 2. Download and install the Mozilla Firefox internet browser

    Most streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu implement security systems to prevent the downloading or copying of copyrighted content. Attempting to download these videos by trying to record the computer screen while the movie is playing will simply result in a black screen within the final file. To work around this limitation, you need to use Firefox as a browser to stream the video you want to capture. Follow these instructions to download and install Firefox:

    • Visit the website
    • Click on the button Download Firefox;
    • Open the Firefox installation file directly within the browser or by accessing the "Downloads" folder;
    • Click on the button Yup.

    

    Step 3. Start Firefox

    It features an orange and purple icon depicting a fox and a globe. You can find it in the Windows "Start" menu.

    

    Step 4. Access the streaming platform from which you want to record the video and log in

    Type the URL of the streaming site you want to use, for example that of Netflix or Hulu, into the address bar of the browser. Log in using the username and password associated with your account.

    

    Step 5. Press the key combination ⊞ Win + G

    The Windows 10 Xbox Game Bar will appear. You can use this Windows tool to capture the content displayed on your computer screen.

    

    Step 6. Click on the "Home" button

    It features a stylized bulleted list consisting of 4 points. It is displayed on the right side of the Windows Xbox Game Bar.

    

    Step 7. Click the Transmission and Acquisition button

    Controls to manage audio / video capture will be displayed.

    

    Step 8. Click on the "Start Recording" button

    It features a small white circle. This will start recording all contents shown on the computer screen. In a small separate panel visible on the right side of the screen, the timer indicating the duration of the recording will be displayed, together with the button to stop recording.

    

    Step 9. Start playing the chosen video in Firefox

    Use the browser interface to access the video you want to record, then click the "Play" button to start playback. The Xbox Game Bar will capture the video during playback.

    Make sure there are no other open windows or other elements that could disturb the video playback. Remember that the Xbox Game Bar Capture Tool records everything on your computer screen to a file, including your mouse cursor and sound effects played by other running apps

    

    Step 10. Click on the "Stop" button to stop recording

    This is the red button visible inside the panel that appeared on the right side of the screen, next to the stopwatch that indicates the duration of the recording. This will stop audio / video recording. By default, the recording file will be automatically stored in the "Captures" folder located in the "Videos" directory.

    • If the "Stop" button is not visible, press the "Win + G" key combination to bring up the Xbox Game Bar. Now click on the record button of the bar to display the "Stop" button.
    • To make sure everything is working properly, it is best to do a test recording of a few seconds. If the resulting video file is correct, you can proceed to capture the entire movie.

    Method 5 of 6: Using QuickTime on Mac

    

    Step 1. Understand the limitations of this method

    Capturing the image displayed on your computer screen is useful when you want to download a protected video (for example Netflix content). The program will also include in the video recording the mouse cursor and any pop-up windows or interruptions caused by buffering the streaming data stream that may occur during normal playback of a video directly from the web. To be able to record everything displayed on a Mac screen to a video file using QuickTime, an additional plugin must be installed.

    

    Step 2. Download and install IShowU Audio Capture

    Normally, when using QuickTime to capture the images displayed on the Mac screen, the audio track is not included in the recording. IShowU is a free plugin that allows you to also acquire the sounds played by the audio compartment of the Mac. Follow these instructions to download and install IShowU Audio Capture:

    • Visit the website
    • Click on the button Catalina - Go Here, if your Mac is running the Catalina or Mojave operating system. Click on the button Download Installer, if you are using an older version of macOS;
    • Open the DMG installation file that you find in the "Download" folder or in the browser window;
    • Double click on the "IShowU Audio Capture.pkg" file;
    • Click on the button OK;
    • Click on the button Continue;
    • Click the button again Continue;
    • Click on the button Install;
    • Enter your account password;
    • Click on the button Install Software;
    • Click on the button Restart or Close.

    

    Step 3. Configure the audio output device

    In order to acquire the audio signal played by the Mac, an audio device must be configured that can send the sounds played by the computer both to the speakers and to the IShowU Audio Capture program. Follow these instructions to set up:

    • Click on the magnifying glass icon visible in the upper right part of the screen;
    • Type in your keywords audio MIDI setup and press the button Enter;
    • Click on the button + displayed at the bottom of the "Audio Devices" panel;
    • Click on the option Create device with multiple outputs;
    • Select the check buttons "Integrated output" and "IShowU Audio Capture";
    • Double click on the "Multiple Output Device" entry and change the name to "Screen Capture".

    

    Step 4. Set the "Screen Capture" audio device as the primary outgoing audio device

    In order to use the "Screen Capture" audio device you just created, you need to set it as the default device for audio playback using the "System Preferences" window. Follow these instructions to perform this setup:

    • Click on the "Apple" menu icon visible in the upper left corner of the screen;
    • Click on the item System Preferences;
    • Click on the icon Sound;
    • Click on the tab Exit;
    • Click on the option Screen capture.

    

    Step 5. Access the video you want to record

    Visit the streaming site where the video to play is present, for example Netflix or Hulu, then log in with your account and select the video to record.

    

    Step 6. Open the Spotlight search bar

    

    Click on the magnifying glass icon located in the upper right corner of the screen.

    

    Step 7. Type the keyword quicktime into the Spotlight search bar

    This will perform a search for the QuickTime program within the Mac.

    

    Step 8. Click the QuickTime icon

    It should be visible at the top of the results list that appeared below the Spotlight search bar. The QuickTime window will appear.

    

    Step 9. Click on the File menu

    It is located in the upper left corner of the screen. A list of options will be displayed.

    

    Step 10. Click on the New Screen Recording option

    It is visible at the top of the menu File.

    

    Step 11. Click the Options button

    It is located next to the "Record" button visible at the bottom of the screen.

    If you are using an older version of macOS, click on the arrow icon next to the button to start recording visible in the QuickTime playback control bar

    

    Step 12. Select the "IShowU Audio Capture" option

    In this way the IShowU Audio Capture plugin will be able to acquire the audio track during the QuickTime recording phase.

    

    Step 13. Click on the "Register" button

    It is located on the left side of the QuickTime control bar visible at the bottom of the screen. This will start video recording.

    If you are using an older version of macOS, click on the button with a small red circle in the center located on the playback controls bar

    

    Step 14. Use your browser to access the streaming platform you are subscribed to

    You can use Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, or any paid streaming service.

    It is best to make a small test recording before capturing the entire video. If the video file you captured simply shows black screen or if there is another problem with video streaming, try using Firefox as your browser instead of the one you usually use

    

    Step 15. Select the window of the video to record

    Click on the upper left corner of the video frame and drag the mouse cursor to the lower right corner of the same frame.

    

    Step 16. Click on the "Play" button to start playing the movie

    Make sure there are no other open windows or other elements that could disturb the video playback. Remember that QuickTime records to file anything that is displayed on the computer screen, including the mouse cursor and the sound effects played by other running apps

    

    Step 17. Stop recording when the video is finished

    Click on the menu File, then click the option Stop recording. Alternatively, click on the QuickTime icon with the right mouse button, then click on the option Stop recording. This way the video of the recording will be stored and a preview image will be visible within QuickTime.

    

    Step 18. Save the recording file

    Follow these instructions to store the video file of the recording on disk at the end of the acquisition phase:

    • Click on the menu File;
    • Click on the option Save;
    • Type the name you want to assign to the file in the "Export as" field;
    • Click on the button Save.

    Method 6 of 6: Download Videos from a Streaming App

    

    Step 1. Launch the application you want

    Paid streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video provide users with convenient apps for computers and mobile devices that you can download and install directly from the smartphone or tablet store. Most of these applications allow you to download the contents of the platform locally and play them offline as well. You can use the Windows Microsoft Store, the App Store on iPhone, iPad, and Mac, or the Google Play Store on Android devices.

    In this case you will need to subscribe to the relevant streaming platform to have access to the contents and be able to download them locally on the device you want. Log in with your account username and password (if you haven't already). The videos you download can only be viewed within the platform application. In some cases you will have a time limit within which you can view the downloaded content, after which the videos will be deleted automatically. Downloaded videos that are no longer available within the app will not be able to be played

    

    Step 2. Go to the page of the video you want to download

    You can use the search functionality of the application to locate the video you want to download. Click on the desired video as soon as it appears in the search results. If you are using a mobile device, tap the preview icon to select it.

    

    Step 3. Click the download icon

    

    (or select it with your finger if you are using a device with a touchscreen).

    It is usually characterized by a downward pointing arrow and a horizontal line. It should be placed under the video title or next to the title of a TV series episode.

    

    Step 4. Click on the Download tab

    This is the section where all the content you download with the application will be stored. Depending on the application in use, the location of the card in question will be different. It may be visible at the bottom of the smartphone screen or within the menu displayed on the left side of the app window in the case of a computer. In some cases you may need to tap the "☰" icon located in the upper right corner of the screen or the icon depicting a stylized human silhouette visible in the lower right corner of the screen.