Hey there! If you’re reading this, you’re probably a long-time fan of Free Download Manager (FDM), just like us. It’s been a go-to tool for supercharging downloads on Windows for years. So, when the ability to download YouTube videos vanished back in 2021 due to a disagreement with Google, it left a big hole in our workflow. And let’s be honest, we’ve all been hoping for a fix that just hasn’t come.
But don’t worry, you’re not out of options! The internet is vast, and there are some fantastic, reliable ways to save your favorite YouTube videos for offline viewing. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best alternatives so you can get back to downloading seamlessly. Let’s dive in!
Method 1: Switch to a Powerful Download Manager like IDM
One of the most popular and robust alternatives to FDM is Internet Download Manager (IDM). It’s renowned for its download speed acceleration and, most importantly for us, its seamless browser integration for grabbing videos. It’s a paid tool, but many find its performance well worth the price.
How to Use IDM to Download YouTube Videos
Step 1: Get IDM and Install It
First things first, head over to the official Internet Download Manager website to download the software. They offer a 30-day free trial, which is perfect for seeing if it fits your needs. We strongly recommend using the official source to avoid security risks associated with unofficial or “cracked” versions.
Step 2: Integrate the IDM Browser Extension
Once installed, IDM will prompt you to integrate its extension into your favorite browser (like Chrome, Firefox, or Edge). This is the key step! This extension is what detects playable videos on a webpage and gives you the download option.
Step 3: Navigate to Your YouTube Video
Open your browser and go to the YouTube video you want to save. Let the video start playing for a moment.
Step 4: Click the “Download this video” Button
You should see a small button or panel appear near the top-right corner of the video player that says “Download this video”. This is the IDM extension at work.
Step 5: Select Your Preferred Quality
Click on that button, and a dropdown list will appear showing all the available formats and resolutions (e.g., 360p, 720p, 1080p, MP4, WEBM). Simply choose the one you want.
Step 6: Start the Download!
A final IDM dialog box will pop up. Just confirm the save location and click “Start Download.” IDM will take over and save the video to your computer at top speed.
Pro-Tips for Using IDM
- Check for DASH formats: Sometimes, the highest quality video (like 1080p or 4K) and the audio are separate “DASH” files. IDM will download both and merge them automatically for you after the download completes. It’s a fantastic feature!
- Customize the button: If you find the “Download this video” button intrusive, you can customize its appearance or even hide it for certain sites within IDM’s settings.
- Schedule downloads: Got a lot of videos to download? Use IDM’s scheduler to download them during off-peak hours to save bandwidth.
Method 2: Use an Online YouTube Video Downloader
If you prefer not to install any software, online video downloaders are an excellent, hassle-free choice. These are websites where you simply paste a YouTube URL and get a download link in return. They’re perfect for occasional downloads.
How to Use an Online Downloader Site
Step 1: Find a Reputable Downloader Site
There are many options out there. Some well-known choices include sites like y2meta.app or ssyoutube.com.co. It’s important to stick to sites that are known to be reliable to avoid excessive pop-ups or shady links.
Step 2: Copy and Paste the Video URL
Go to YouTube, find the video you want, and copy its URL from your browser’s address bar. Then, head back to the downloader website and paste the link into the input field on their homepage.
Step 3: Choose Your Format and Quality
The site will process the link and present you with a list of download options. You can typically choose between different video qualities (like 720p, 1080p) and formats (like MP4). Some sites even let you download the audio only as an MP3.
Step 4: Download the Video
Click the “Download” button next to your chosen format. Your browser will then begin downloading the file. Be mindful of any new tabs or pop-up ads that might appear—the actual download should start in your main browser window.
Pro-Tips for Using Online Downloaders
- Use an Ad Blocker: These free sites are often supported by aggressive advertising. Using a good ad blocker can make the experience much smoother and safer.
- Bookmark Your Favorite: Once you find a reliable online downloader that works well, bookmark it for quick access in the future.
- Beware of Misleading Buttons: Be careful! Many sites have large, flashy “Download” buttons that are actually ads. The real download links are usually smaller and located right next to the format/quality options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Why can’t FDM download from YouTube anymore?Free Download Manager had to disable this feature due to a formal complaint from Google (YouTube’s parent company) regarding its terms of service. While FDM has mentioned ongoing discussions, there’s no official timeline for its return.
- Is it safe to use IDM for downloading YouTube videos?Yes, IDM is a highly reputable and widely trusted download manager. As long as you download it from the official website, it is a safe and powerful tool for managing all your downloads, including from video streaming sites.
- Are there other good download managers besides IDM?Absolutely! If IDM isn’t your cup of tea, you might want to check out other solid alternatives like JDownloader (a free, open-source powerhouse), Neat Download Manager (lightweight and simple), or Xtreme Download Manager (XDM).
- Is it legal to download YouTube videos?This is a bit of a gray area. Downloading videos can violate YouTube’s terms of service. It’s generally accepted for personal use (like watching a tutorial offline), but distributing or re-uploading copyrighted content without permission is illegal. Always respect copyright laws.
- How can I make sure the files I download are safe?Stick to well-known download managers and reputable online downloader sites. Most importantly, always have a good, up-to-date antivirus program running on your computer to scan any new files you download.
- Will the YouTube download feature ever come back to FDM?It’s uncertain. The FDM team has not given any definite confirmation. The best way to stay informed is to keep an eye on FDM’s official blog or community forums for any announcements.