How to Save YouTube Files to a PC

Using Video DownloadHelper is easy.

YouTube has revolutionized the Internet. It's easy-to-use interface and millions of user-created videos have allowed people to share video content like never before. YouTube does not officially support downloading videos and so the only way to download YouTube videos to your PC is with a third-party browser plug-in. This is very easy to use, allowing you to download any YouTube video in seconds.

Things You'll Need

• Mozilla Firefox
• Video DownloadHelper

Instructions

1. If you're not already using Mozilla Firefox as a browser, navigate to the download page (found in the Resources section) and download it. Save the program file to the desktop and double-click it. Follow the installation prompts and reboot your computer. Be sure not to click the "Make Firefox the Default Browser" box if you'd like to continue using your current web browser by default.

2. In Firefox, navigate to the Video DownloadHelper add-on page. Click the large, green button labeled "Add to Firefox." When the dialog asking you if you'd like to install the plug-in appears, click "Yes." Restart Firefox when prompted.

3. After the restart, you'll notice a small, multicolored icon on the Firefox toolbar. Navigate to the YouTube video you'd like to download. Click on the icon (which should now be animated) and select the title of the video. If prompted, select your download location.

4. Once the file is finished downloading, double-click it to view it in your media player. YouTube videos are downloaded as .FLV files (Flash) and if your current media player isn't capable of playing them, you'll receive an error message and a blank screen. Download an FLV player like VLC (found in the Resources section) to view your video properly.

References

• "Video DownloadHelper: Manual"

Resources

• "VLC: Download"
• "Mozilla Firefox: Download"
• "Video DownloadHelper: Firefox Addon"