VLC media player has a hidden feature that lets you stream and save YouTube videos directly. If you’ve ever wondered how to download youtube videos with vlc, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through the entire process step by step, using only the free VLC player you probably already have installed.
Most people think VLC is just a video player. But it’s actually a powerful tool that can download videos from YouTube without any extra software. The trick is using the “Network Stream” option and a simple command. Let’s get started.
How To Download Youtube Videos With Vlc
First, make sure you have the latest version of VLC installed. Older versions may not work with YouTube’s current streaming protocols. You can download the latest version from the official VideoLAN website. It’s free and safe.
Once installed, open VLC and look for the “Media” menu at the top left. Click on it, then select “Open Network Stream.” This is where the magic happens. You’ll see a text box where you can paste a URL.
Now go to YouTube and find the video you want to download. Copy the entire URL from your browser’s address bar. It should look something like “https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxxxx.” Paste this URL into the VLC network stream box.
Before you click “Play,” you need to add a special command. Click the small arrow next to the “Play” button and select “Convert.” This opens the conversion settings. Here you can choose where to save the file and what format to use.
Select a destination folder on your computer. For the format, choose “Video – H.264 + MP3 (MP4)” for the best quality. Then click “Start.” VLC will begin downloading and converting the YouTube video to an MP4 file on your computer.
That’s the basic method. But there are a few things to keep in mind. YouTube changes its streaming protocols often, so this method may not work for every video. Also, downloading copyrighted content without permission may violate YouTube’s terms of service.
Prerequisites For This Method
Before you start, check these three things:
- VLC version 3.0 or newer (older versions lack the necessary codecs)
- A stable internet connection (downloads can be large)
- Enough free disk space for the video file
If your VLC is outdated, download the latest version. The process is slightly different on Windows, Mac, and Linux, but the core steps are the same.
Step-By-Step Guide For Windows Users
Windows users have the smoothest experience with this method. Here’s the exact process:
- Open VLC Media Player on your Windows PC.
- Click “Media” in the top menu, then “Open Network Stream.”
- Paste the YouTube video URL into the “Please enter a network URL” field.
- Check the box that says “Show more options” at the bottom.
- In the “Edit Settings” field, add this text after the URL:
:sout=#std{access=file,mux=mp4,dst=C:\Users\YourName\Videos\video.mp4} - Replace “C:\Users\YourName\Videos\video.mp4” with your desired save location and filename.
- Click “Play” to start the download.
This method saves the video directly to your hard drive. The file will be in MP4 format with good quality. If you get an error, try a different YouTube video or update VLC.
Step-By-Step Guide For Mac Users
Mac users can follow a similar process, but the file path is different:
- Open VLC on your Mac.
- Go to “File” in the menu bar, then “Open Network.”
- Paste the YouTube URL into the field.
- Check “Show more options” and add this command:
:sout=#std{access=file,mux=mp4,dst=/Users/YourName/Movies/video.mp4} - Change “YourName” to your actual username and adjust the folder path as needed.
- Click “Open” to start the download.
Mac users may need to grant VLC permission to access certain folders. If you get a permission error, save the file to your Desktop instead.
Step-By-Step Guide For Linux Users
Linux users can use the terminal for more control, but the GUI method also works:
- Open VLC from your applications menu.
- Click “Media” then “Open Network Stream.”
- Paste the YouTube URL.
- In the “Edit Settings” field, add:
:sout=#std{access=file,mux=mp4,dst=/home/YourName/Videos/video.mp4} - Click “Play” to download.
If the GUI method fails, use the terminal command: vlc "youtube-url" --sout=#std{access=file,mux=mp4,dst=output.mp4}. This often works when the GUI doesn’t.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes the download doesn’t work. Here are the most common problems and fixes:
Video Not Playing Or Downloading
If VLC shows an error or a blank screen, the URL might be wrong. Make sure you copied the full YouTube URL, including “https://.” Also, check if the video is age-restricted or private. VLC cannot download these.
No Audio In Downloaded File
This happens when the audio stream isn’t captured. Try adding :sout-all to the command. For example: :sout=#std{access=file,mux=mp4,dst=video.mp4} :sout-all. This forces VLC to include all streams.
Download Stops Midway
If the download stops before finishing, your internet connection may be unstable. Try again with a wired connection. Also, some long videos may time out. Split them into shorter segments if possible.
VLC Crashes When Starting Download
This is often due to an outdated VLC version. Update to the latest version. If it still crashes, try resetting VLC’s preferences. Go to “Tools” > “Preferences” and click “Reset Preferences.”
Alternative Methods Using VLC
If the network stream method doesn’t work, there are other ways to use VLC for YouTube downloads. These require a bit more technical know-how but are still straightforward.
Using YouTube-DL With VLC
YouTube-dl is a command-line tool that works perfectly with VLC. First, download and install youtube-dl on your computer. Then, open a terminal or command prompt and run:
youtube-dl -f best "youtube-url" -o "video.mp4"
This downloads the best quality video. You can then open the file in VLC to play it. This method is more reliable than the built-in VLC feature.
Using VLC’s Convert/Save Feature
Another method is to play the video in VLC first, then convert it. Open the YouTube URL in VLC using “Open Network Stream.” While the video is playing, go to “Tools” > “Media Information.” Copy the “Location” URL. Then close the video and use that URL in the Convert/Save dialog.
This workaround often succeeds when the direct method fails. It’s a bit more steps, but it’s a good backup plan.
Legal And Ethical Considerations
Downloading YouTube videos may violate YouTube’s terms of service. Only download videos you have permission to use, such as your own content or videos with a Creative Commons license. Respect copyright laws and the rights of content creators.
Using VLC to download videos for offline viewing is generally acceptable for personal use. But distributing downloaded videos without permission is illegal. Always check the video’s license before downloading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Download YouTube Videos In 4K Quality Using VLC?
Yes, but only if the YouTube video is available in 4K. VLC will download the highest quality stream it can access. However, 4K downloads may be slow and require a lot of disk space. Use the youtube-dl method for better quality control.
Does This Method Work For YouTube Music Or Playlists?
VLC’s network stream method works best for individual videos. For playlists or YouTube Music, you’ll need a dedicated downloader tool. VLC can only handle one URL at a time.
Why Does My Downloaded Video Have No Sound?
This is usually because VLC didn’t capture the audio stream. Add :sout-all to your command as mentioned earlier. If that doesn’t work, try a different video format like MKV instead of MP4.
Is It Safe To Download YouTube Videos With VLC?
Yes, VLC is a trusted open-source application. It doesn’t contain malware or spyware. However, downloading copyrighted content may be against YouTube’s policies. Use it responsibly.
Can I Download Videos From Other Sites Besides YouTube?
VLC’s network stream feature works with many video streaming sites. Try pasting URLs from Dailymotion, Vimeo, or other platforms. It may not work with all sites due to different streaming protocols.
Final Tips For Success
Keep your VLC updated. New versions fix bugs and improve compatibility with YouTube. Check for updates every few months. Also, clear VLC’s cache if downloads start failing. Go to “Tools” > “Preferences” > “Input/Codecs” and set “File caching” to a lower value.
If you frequently download YouTube videos, consider using a dedicated tool like 4K Video Downloader or YTD. These are easier to use and more reliable. But VLC remains a great free option for occasional downloads.
Remember that YouTube may change its system at any time. If this method stops working, check online forums for updated commands. The VLC community is active and shares solutions quickly.
Now you know how to download youtube videos with vlc. It’s a handy skill that saves you from needing extra software. Try it with a short video first to get the hang of it. Once you master the steps, you can download any video in minutes.
Enjoy your offline videos. And remeber to support content creators by watching their videos on YouTube when you can. Downloads are best for times when you have no internet access.