I've used KeepVid for the occasional YouTube download to watch the vid at a later time. But KeepVid uses Java and I have now deleted Java due to the security issue. What is a good, safe, free YouTube downloader that doesn't require Java?
If you're using Firefox, there are several add-ons/extensions for downloading Youtube videos: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/fi...
On just about any computer, if you've just viewed a Youtube video, it's already on your computer. Only problem is to find it in your browsers cache. First empty your cache (not necessary, but easier). View video.
For IE, look for a folder in (Drive Letter):\Users\(User name)\AppData\Local\Micorsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content_IE5, then look for (usually) an MP4 file.
I've seen cases where I had to change the file extension in order to view the video. There are several extensions it could be using, i.e., .flv, mp4, etc.Don't squat with your spurs on!
It's me again. Time to answer my own question for those who come across this thread. First, Alphawave suggested I watch the vid then look in Temporary Internet Files for the cached file. That worked in Windows XP, but Windows 7 has hidden that folder, at least when you set up for normal security. Anybody know how to find it?
I tried two other methods.
Method 1. I downloaded Freemake Video Downloader from Ellora Assets. It needs to also install the packet capture program WinPcap, which comes with it. I recommend saying "yes" to adding a button for FVD to your IE toolbar. There is a vid on YouTube that shows how to use FVD. Basically, if you start a YouTube vid that you want to save, just pause it, hit the Freemake button, choose whether you want small file size or better quality, choose if you want to convert the vid to a particular file format immediately after it arrives (including MP3, which makes this program a sound track ripper as well), and let it rip. If there is any confusion as to which video, there is a "paste URL" button. Advantages: (i) you can have several downloads going at once; (ii) works with sites other than YouTube; (iii) doubles as a music downloader if you see a music vid with good quality sound; (iv) it is installed on your PC so you don't have to access their site to use it. Disadvantage: it does not offer a choice of all the resolutions of the video that YouTube has stored "behind" a given video, like KeepVid does.
Method 2. The "bookmarklet" method. Google "pwnyoutube", go to their site, and save the special file they have there as an IE favorite. It contains not just a URL, but also a bit of Javascript code, which sounds dangerous but did me no harm so far. To use it, watch the video in IE, then click on the PwnYouTube link you have saved as an IE favorite. A new web page appears identical to the YouTube page except for a menu of buttons across the top offering various formats of the vid for downloading. If you only want the audio track, there is a link to services that will get it for you. Advantage: You don't install another Windows program. Disadvantages: (i) Only works with YouTube, (ii) Needs their site to be "up" and producing the new web page; (iii) Works on one vid at a time. Still, this is the nearest thing to KeepVid in spirit -- a brilliant, brilliant idea!
YouTube Terms of Service - http://www.youtube.com/static?templ... 5. Your Use of Content
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