Downloading videos from websites can be tricky, especially if you want high quality files. There are a few key things to keep in mind:
- Understand video quality – Videos on websites are available in different resolutions and bitrates. Higher resolution and bitrates mean better quality. 720p and 1080p are common HD resolutions.
- Check if download is allowed – Many sites don’t allow video downloads due to copyright. You’ll need to look for a download button or right-click to save options.
- Use a downloader – Browser downloads can be slow and unreliable. Using a dedicated downloader gives you more control and options.
- Be aware of copyright – Downloading videos you don’t have rights to use may violate copyright law in some countries.
In this guide, I’ll go over several methods to safely download high quality videos from websites.
Assessing Video Quality
Before downloading, first check the video quality available. Right click on the video and select “Stats for Nerds” on Chrome or “Show video details” on Firefox. This will show:
- Resolution – 720p, 1080p, 4K etc.
- Bitrate – Higher is better quality, usually shown in kbps
- Framerate – Videos with higher FPS will look smoother
For most uses, a resolution of 720p or 1080p with a bitrate between 2000 – 6000 kbps is good enough. Very high bitrates above 15,000 kbps are only needed for 4K or high frame rate videos.
Ways to Download Videos
There are several ways to download videos from websites, each with their pros and cons:
Browser Downloads
All major browsers like Chrome, Firefox and Edge allow saving videos directly. Just right click on the video and choose “Save Video As”.
Pros: Simple and fast, works on most sites.
Cons: Limited quality options, unreliable on large videos.
Video Downloader Extensions
Browser extensions like Video DownloadHelper for Firefox and Chrome allow one-click downloads from many sites.
Pros: Very convenient, access to high quality downloads.
Cons: May not work on all sites, requires installing extension.
Online Video Converters
Sites like youtubeconverters.io, savefrom.net and keepv.id let you download by pasting the video URL.
Pros: Easy to use, no installation needed.
Cons: Limited quality options, slow download speeds.
Desktop Video Downloader Apps
Apps like 4K Video Downloader, Free YouTube Download allow fast, high-quality downloads.
Pros: Download playlists and channels, choose resolution and format.
Cons: Need to install app, may be paid services.
Command Line Tools
Applications like youtube-dl and FFmpeg can be used from the command line for advanced downloads.
Pros: Customize download options, schedule downloads.
Cons: Steep learning curve, requires using the command line.
Factors Affecting Video Quality
To understand which method gives the best results, we need to look at key factors that affect video quality:
Video Resolution
Resolution determines the number of pixels in the video file. Higher resolutions contain more detail:
Resolution | Pixels (Width x Height) |
---|---|
240p | 426 × 240 |
360p | 640 × 360 |
480p | 854 × 480 |
720p | 1280 × 720 |
1080p | 1920 × 1080 |
1440p | 2560 × 1440 |
2160p (4K) | 3840 × 2160 |
720p and 1080p are recommended for most uses. Be aware that higher resolutions use more storage space.
Video Bitrate
Bitrate determines how much data is used per second of video to store information. It’s measured in kilobits per second (kbps).
Higher bitrate = better quality and larger file sizes. Aim for 2000 – 6000 kbps for 720p and 1080p quality.
Video Codecs
Codecs are encoding algorithms used to compress video into common formats like MP4, MKV, AVI etc.
The most compatible codecs are H.264 and H.265. Avoid obscure codecs that devices may not support.
Container Format
Container formats or file extensions contain compressed video and audio streams. Popular containers are MP4, MKV, AVI, FLV etc.
MP4 is the most widely supported format. MKV works well for high quality and multiple audio/subtitles.
How to Choose the Right Downloader
To get videos in optimal quality, the downloader method must support:
- Grabbing highest available resolution
- Support for desired container format
- Ability to maintain original encoding
- Fast and reliable downloads
Based on these criteria, here are my downloader recommendations:
Method | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Browser Download | Simple, integrated into browser | Limited options and speeds |
Extensions | One-click downloads, access to high quality | May not work on all sites |
Online Converters | Super easy, no installation | Low quality, slow speeds |
Desktop Apps | High quality, fast speeds, feature-rich | Installation required, paid options |
Command Line | Full control over quality and format | Steep learning curve |
For most users, a desktop app like 4K Video Downloader or Free YouTube Download offers the best combination of speed, quality and ease of use.
The ability to download entire playlists and channels in original quality makes them very versatile. Browser extensions can also work well when you want to quickly grab videos during casual surfing.
Online converters or command line tools are only recommended for technical users who need specific customization options.
How to Download from Popular Sites
The methods to download high quality videos differ across streaming services and sites:
YouTube
- Use 4K Video Downloader or youtube-dl
- Right click method limited to 1080p
- Supports up to 8K resolutions
- Browser extensions like Get Facebook Videos
- Savefrom.net converter
- Max quality 1080p
Vimeo
- Browser extension like Vimeo Video Downloader
- Max quality is original upload quality
- Creator may disable downloads
Dailymotion
- Video DownloadHelper extension
- Online converters like clipconverter.cc
- Max 1080p quality
Twitch
- Twitch Leecher desktop app
- Streamlink command line tool
- Source quality depends on streamer settings
Many other niche or paid streaming sites will also allow downloads using extensions or online converters.
Downloading from Forbidden Sites
Some websites expressly forbid downloading of videos due to copyright restrictions, for example:
- Netflix
- Amazon Prime
- Hulu
- HBO Max
- Disney+
Bypassing restrictions and downloading from these sites usually violates their terms of service. You risk account termination or even legal action in some countries.
It may still be technically possible in some cases, but I advise strongly against it unless you have specific permission from copyright holders.
Conclusion
To recap, here are some best practices for downloading high quality videos:
- Analyze video stats before downloading
- Use desktop downloader apps for best results
- Prefer MP4 or MKV containers
- Aim for resolutions 720p/1080p at 2000+ kbps bitrate
- Avoid downloading from sites that forbid it
- Check video licenses and length before use
With the right tools and approach, you can build a great local media library without resorting to low quality downloads. Strictly comply with site policies and copyright laws for any downloaded videos.
I hope this guide gives you a good overview of how to save high quality videos for your personal needs. Let me know if you have any other questions!