How to Download Videos From Any Website: Ultimate Ways

You might be under the assumption that downloading videos from websites takes some sort of technical expertise, but that’s not the case. In fact, it’s pretty straightforward and free these days. All you need is the right approach. 

We’ve broken down the methods to make it easy for anyone who wants to rip video from websites, even if you’ve never done it before.

Read also: How to Download Music to MP3 Player From YouTube

How to Download Videos Directly

If you find a video on a website that you’d like to save, it might be possible to download it directly, especially if it’s in MP4 format. This method works well when you’re browsing on a PC and doesn’t take much effort.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Visit the page where the video is located.
2. Right-click on the video.
3. Select the Save Video As option from the menu.
4. A folder will open where you can choose where to save the video.
5. Click Save, and the video will be stored on your device for offline viewing.

This method is good, but it doesn’t always work, so let’s keep searching.

How to Download Video From a Website: 4K Video Downloader Plus

4K Download has several tools, but you’ll want 4K Video Downloader Plus to grab videos from sites like YouTube, Facebook, Dailymotion, TikTok, Rumble, and more. Here’s how to download a video from a website with it:

1. Pick 4K Video Downloader Plus from the list of available products. It works on Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android.
2. Select the right installer for your operating system, click the download button, and follow any prompts to save the file.

3. Once the installer is downloaded, open it to start the installation. Follow the steps on the screen to finish setting up the program.
4. After installation, open the program. You can adjust some settings before you start downloading, like video quality, subtitles, and where you want the video saved.

5. Find the video you want to download on a site like YouTube or TikTok and copy its URL. If you’re on mobile, tap Share and then select Copy Link.
6. Go back to 4K Video Downloader Plus and paste the link. The video will start downloading automatically.
7. Once the download finishes, go to the folder you chose to save the video. It will be ready to watch anytime, offline.

Alternatively, you can use the in-app browser to find and download videos directly within the app. This way, you don’t need to leave the application to browse or download content.

Read also: How to Download a YouTube Video to Google Drive: Best Ways for Desktop, Mobile & Chromebook

Can You Legally Download a Video From a Website?

Downloading videos, music, or images for personal use sometimes falls into a gray area regarding copyright law and gives creators the exclusive right to reproduce and distribute their work. However, if you’re downloading content strictly for personal enjoyment and not for sharing, redistributing, or commercial use, it’s considered more acceptable. As always, it’s good to respect creators’ work and check permissions when possible.

How to Download Videos With a Browser Extension

A good alternative to using a program for downloading videos is a browser extension. They’re quick to set up and easy to use right from your browser. The downside is that many of them get deactivated because they don’t always follow platform rules, especially on sites like YouTube. But the ones that still work are very convenient and get the job done with just a few clicks.

Here’s how you can do it with Video Downloader Professional, for example:

1. First, add Video Downloader Professional to your Chrome or Mozilla browser. It’s free and easy to set up.
2. Go to the target website and play the video you want to download.
3. Click the download icon in the top-right corner of your browser. The extension will automatically detect the video.

If that doesn’t work for you, or if you need an extension for a different browser, search for something like Free Online Video Downloader in your browser's extension marketplace. You’ll find a variety of options, like Easy Video Downloader, Video Downloader Plus, Atomic Video Downloader, and more.

Is It Safe?

When downloading videos, you should stay cautious to keep your device safe. Some sites or apps offering free downloads are loaded with ads, misleading links, or even malware. To avoid these, try using trusted download sites with solid reviews and choose downloaders from official sources. Having reliable antivirus software will also add an extra layer of protection. 

Watch out for unexpected pop-ups or suspicious links, and if something feels off, it’s best to close the site and find another option.

How to Rip Videos From Any Website: Online Methods

If you’re looking for a way to download and convert videos online, consider platforms like SaveFrom.net or SaveTheVideo. 

Most of these online video downloaders work in a very similar way. The process typically involves copying the video link from the platform you're on, pasting it into the downloader, and clicking a download button. After that, you choose the format or quality you want, and that will download the video from any website to your device.

For more convenience, you can install SaveTheVideo on your mobile device. Add it to your home screen from the browser (using the Chrome menu), and you can access it quickly at any time.

Can You Record a Video From a Website?

Yes, another free way to save videos from websites is by using screen recording software like OBS Studio, which works on both Windows and Mac. The tool lets you capture videos directly from your screen with flexible recording options. It might be a bit more involved than other tools, but it’s dependable — especially for those rare sites where other downloaders just don’t work.

As long as your PC is running a relatively recent version of Windows, you’re good to go:

1. Download and install OBS Studio from the official website. It works with Windows 8.1, 10, and 11.
2. Launch OBS, and it should automatically create a scene. If not, click the plus icon under the Scenes box.
3. Click + below the Sources box > Display Capture, name it, and click OK.
4. Choose which display to record (if you have multiple monitors) and click OK.
5. Click Settings > Output, then Browse to choose where you want to save your video.
6. Click Start Recording in the bottom-right corner to begin.

OBS Studio also works on Mac, too, and it requires macOS 10.13 or later. Follow the same steps to set up OBS and start recording as you would on Windows:

1. Click + in the Sources section > Display Capture > OK.
2. Click Settings > Output, then use Browse to select a save location.
3. Choose Start Recording to capture your screen.

If you’re on an iPhone, OBS Studio is one of the most effective options available:

1. Plug your iPhone into your computer or laptop with a lightning cable.
2. Open OBS Studio and find the Sources box at the bottom of the screen.
3. Click + in Sources >Video Capture Device.
4. In the pop-up window, choose Create New and click OK.
5. Select your iPhone from the drop-down list next to Devices. If it’s not showing up, check the connection and try again.
6. Once your iPhone screen is displayed, click Start Recording to begin capturing the video.

For Android devices, the steps are similar — just connect your device with the appropriate cable and select it from the Devices menu.

Can I Download Streaming Videos From Any Website?

Yes, you can download streaming videos, but it depends on whether the livestream is still going or if it’s been saved. If the livestream has finished and is available on the website, like a YouTube livestream saved to the creator’s channel, you can use the usual methods to download it.

If the video is still streaming live, your best option is to use screen recording software like OBS Studio to capture it while it’s playing. Remember that livestreams are often protected by copyright, so make sure you’re following the platform’s rules when downloading or recording.

This should cover all your questions — take care and enjoy your video downloads!