Video content can be useful for many reasons. Although text-based content and audio content will always serve their purposes, a video can share a large amount of information in a relatively short period of time. The Internet has also made accessing video content quite easy.
That said, for various reasons, you might not always be able to connect to the Internet. That doesn’t need to mean you won’t be able to view online video content in these instances. There are ways to download videos online, allowing you to watch them on a range of devices whenever you please. Methods to consider include the following:
Download Online Videos With an App
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This may be the method that’s best for most readers. Successfully downloading online videos through other methods can require a certain degree of technical skill and knowledge that the average Internet user may not possess.
Luckily, they don’t have to. If you wish to download it from YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook, or numerous other platforms, you can use an app to do so easily and efficiently. Try VDownloader to better understand why this is the preferred method for many users.
Exit Desktop Mode
It’s often easier to download a video on a mobile device than on a desktop computer. This is because the way in which a video loads on a desktop computer is somewhat different from the way in which it loads on a smartphone or tablet.
You can perform various hacks to essentially exit “desktop mode” and enter mobile mode while still actually using a desktop computer. After performing such a hack, you can then load up a video as you would on a mobile device and save it accordingly.
However, it’s important to understand that the proper way to perform these hacks can vary depending on which browser and operating system you’re using. Again, you should only consider this option if you’re confident you know what you’re doing. After you download it, you will also have to return to desktop mode. This is a separate challenge for which you may not be prepared.
Film Videos
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This method is somewhat unorthodox, but it may be helpful in situations when you simply need to save a video fast and don’t have the option of downloading it via an app. If you know your Internet connection may fail soon (or may otherwise be unavailable, perhaps because you’re traveling), you can use your phone to film an online video.
This is not technically the same as downloading it from the Internet. Naturally, you also shouldn’t share any videos you’ve recorded in this manner, as doing so could result in copyright infringement issues. However, it is a method you may consider at times when you must save a video from the Internet and have no other effective means of doing so. While the quality of the video will of course be poor, depending on the circumstances, that may not be particularly important to you.
Try ‘Sharing’ the Video
This method will not work on all platforms or devices. That said, it is a method that can theoretically be helpful in some instances. Often, this method tends to be more successful on smartphones and tablets.
When watching it online, click on the icon to share said video. Along with having the option to share the video through a text message or email, you might also see an option to save the video to your device. Again, this won’t always be the case, but it sometimes is.
Request a Copy
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This is another method that doesn’t technically involve any direct downloading from an online platform. That said, it’s a potentially easy method of saving an online video that’s also easy to overlook.
Sometimes, individuals and organizations who post them to YouTube and similar platforms include contact information in their profiles. If you have such information, you can reach out to the manager of a profile and ask for a copy of the video file you want to save.
Of course, there’s no guarantee they will comply with your request. However, if you have a good reason for needing a copy of the file, they may do so. For example, someone might be happy to send a file of a video they’ve posted if you’re a teacher who believes the video has educational value but wants to know you’ll be able to view it at times when your Internet connection fails.
Search for it on Other Platforms
Some platforms provide users with easy means of downloading them. Others don’t.
However, it’s important to remember that online videos often appear on more than one platform. For instance, maybe you’ve found a video on YouTube that you want to download. You could search other platforms for the same video. You may find it on a platform that gives you the option of downloading it directly to your computer or mobile device. As with the above tip, no one can guarantee this will work, but because it doesn’t take long to check for videos on other sites, there’s little reason to not attempt it as a last-ditch effort when the other methods on this list don’t prove effective.
Save the Important Elements
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This is one more method that actually doesn’t require any downloading. Quite simply, there may be instances when you’re trying to download a video because you want to save some of the information the video offers. You might get so wrapped up in your efforts that you forget it’s not always necessary to download a video entirely. Instead, you can just write down the information that you want to be able to reference later. As with several of these tips, this won’t always be an applicable option, but there may be times when it’s worth considering.
The main point to keep in mind is that downloading it online doesn’t need to be a challenge. Yes, there are various methods the tech-savvy may be familiar with, but for most, using an app is often the best option. Try that method before considering any of the others listed here.
