Yes, it is possible to download videos using the Google Chrome browser. There are a few different methods that allow Chrome users to save videos from the internet onto their computer or device.
Using Chrome Extensions
One of the easiest ways to download videos with Chrome is to use a download manager extension. There are many free extensions available in the Chrome Web Store that will integrate download capabilities right into the browser.
Some of the most popular Chrome extensions for downloading online videos include:
- Video DownloadHelper
- FastestTube
- SaveFrom.net Helper
- VLC Video Downloader
To use these extensions, you simply need to install them in Chrome and then visit the page that contains the video you want to download. The extension will display an icon or button on the page that you can click to download the video file.
The benefit of using a download manager extension is that it takes care of finding the direct video file link and downloading it. You don’t have to copy and paste URLs or search for the right file yourself. Extensions like Video DownloadHelper work on most major video sites like YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Vimeo, Dailymotion, and more.
Using Chrome DevTools
Chrome also has built-in developer tools that allow more technical users to find and download video files. Here are the basic steps:
- Open the page with the video in Chrome.
- Right click on the video and choose “Inspect”.
- In the DevTools window that opens, go to the “Network” tab.
- Play the video on the page and you should see network activity in the DevTools log.
- Look for a file with a .mp4, .webm, or other video extension.
- Right click on the file and choose “Save As” to download it.
This method involves inspecting the page to find the direct link to the video file. It takes more work than using an extension but allows you to download almost any video you can play in the browser.
Using Online Converters
There are also many online video converter and downloader sites that allow you to paste in a video URL to download the video. Some examples include:
- ClipConverter.cc
- OnlineVideoConverter.com
- OnlineVideoConverter.net
- KeepVid.com
- VideoGrabber.net
To use these sites:
- Go to the video page and copy the URL.
- Paste the URL into the converter site.
- Select a download format like MP4.
- Click the “Convert” or “Download” button.
- The video will be converted on the site and you can then download it.
The advantage of these sites is you don’t need to install any extensions. The downside is you have to trust them with your video URL and data.
Downloading from YouTube
YouTube is one of the most common sites people want to download from. Here are some specific methods that work well for YouTube videos:
- Use the Video DownloadHelper Chrome extension. This is the easiest way to download YouTube videos.
- Use youtube-dl, a command-line program that downloads YouTube videos. Available for Windows, Mac and Linux.
- Use an online YouTube converter like OnlineVideoConverter.com or YouTubeByClick.com.
- Use KeepVid.com by entering the YouTube video URL and selecting MP4 as the download format.
One advantage of downloading YouTube videos is you can choose different quality formats. YouTube makes videos available in full HD, 720p, 480p, and lower resolutions. Make sure to pick the best quality for your needs.
Downloading from Facebook
To download videos from Facebook:
- Use Video DownloadHelper extension for Chrome. It works on most Facebook videos.
- Copy the video URL and paste into OnlineVideoConverter.com to download.
- Save the video using Chrome DevTools “Network” tab.
- Use FBDown.net by entering the video URL to download.
One thing to note with Facebook is some videos can only be accessed when logged into your account. The download tools may not work for those private videos.
Downloading from Twitter
Here are some options for downloading videos from Twitter:
- The Video DownloadHelper Chrome extension can download most Twitter videos.
- Copy the tweet URL and use an online converter like OnlineVideoConverter.com.
- Use twittervideodownloader.com by entering the tweet URL.
- Perform a Google search for the tweet URL with “download” added. Google will often show download link results.
One advantage with Twitter is that most videos do not have viewing restrictions, so downloading tools tend to work well.
Downloading from other sites
Beyond the major video platforms, it’s possible to download videos from nearly any site using Chrome. Here are some recommended approaches:
- Try the Video DownloadHelper extension first. It works on hundreds of additional sites.
- Inspect the page with DevTools and look for the direct .mp4 file link.
- Google search for “[site name] video download” and you may find specialized tools.
- Paste the video URL into an online converter like OnlineVideoConverter.com.
Just keep in mind that some sites like Hulu and Netflix actively block downloading to prevent piracy. There are no methods that consistently work for those sites.
Troubleshooting Tips
Here are some troubleshooting tips if you are having issues downloading videos in Chrome:
- Try a different Chrome extension or online converter site if one isn’t working.
- Clear cookies/cache and try again. Sites sometimes block repeat download attempts.
- Check if you can play the video in Chrome first. Downloaders can’t access videos the browser can’t play.
- Look for a “share” button on the video page and try copying that URL instead.
- Google the video title with “download” or “convert” – you may find dedicated tools.
- Make sure any extensions or tools are updated to their newest versions.
Conclusion
There are many straightforward methods to download videos using only the Chrome browser. From simple extensions to developer tools to online converters, it’s possible to save videos from YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and 1000s of other sites.
While downloading videos should only be done for legitimate personal use, these techniques demonstrate the powerful functionality that Chrome provides through extensions and built-in tools.
So go forth and explore the many options for accessing and preserving online videos using Google Chrome.
Here is a summary table of the main methods discussed in the article:
Method | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Chrome Extensions | Easy to use, works on most sites, convenient | Need to install extra extension |
Chrome DevTools | No extensions required, can download any playable video | More technical, takes more effort |
Online Converters | No software installs, simple web-based tool | Need to trust site with video URL, limited selection |
youtube-dl | Powerful command-line tool, works well for YouTube | Requires some technical skill |