How to Download YouTube Video with VLC: Complete Guide (2025)

Many VLC users think it is just a media player for playing videos, but they don’t know they can also download with VLC. For sure, this software is more than a video player as it allows you to download videos directly from the web. Whether you want to save tutorials, documentaries, or entertainment for offline viewing, this hidden trick is innovative.

However, it's crucial to use this feature responsibly while ensuring compliance with copyright laws and fair use policies. Without any complicated setups, it allows one to grab online videos with a few steps only. Now that we’ve set the stage, let’s unveil how-to tutorials to download YouTube video with VLC through different approaches.

Part 1. Use VLC to Download YouTube Videos with Video Location Information

Best For: Users who do not want additional software for enjoying videos offline.

As discussed earlier, you can download YouTube videos with VLC through various methods, including video location information. This technique works by extracting the direct video URL from YouTube while allowing you to save it. Users can access the codec information section in VLC to find video's exact location links and download them later through their browser. Follow the provided tutorial and experience a free way to save your favorite content:

Step 1. Access the YouTube video you want to download and copy its URL from address bar. Now, launch the VLC media player and press “Media” from the top toolbar. From the drop-down menu, click the “Open Network Stream” option to proceed.

Step 2. In the revealing window, paste the copied URL in the text box and press the “Play” button at the bottom.

Step 3. Following this, the media player might take some time to play the video. Later, extend the menu for “Tools” and click “Codec Information” from the list.

Step 4. From the current media window, copy the link provided in the “Location” bar and paste it into a new browser address bar.

Step 5. Once the video is loaded, right-click on the video and press “Save Video As” option from the menu to download it on your Window.

Part 2. Download YouTube Videos with VLC Streaming

Best For: Individuals who want to watch high-quality YouTube streaming videos anytime.

Another alternate method is using the VLC streaming feature, which allows you to download the video to a new file. This VLC YouTube downloader enables users to watch their desired videos offline without any buffering issues. It facilitates movie lovers to choose their preferred format before downloading the streaming video.  Adhere to the stepwise guide below and learn how to save streaming YouTube videos on Windows:

Step 1. Open the YouTube video you want and copy the URL link provided. Now, visit the VLC media player, click “Media” from the top menu, and choose “Open Network Stream” option.

Step 2. In open media window, paste the copied URL and, navigate to the “Play” button to extend list, and choose the “Stream” option.

Step 3. Now, for the stream output window, press the “Next” button and move to the upcoming window.

Step 4. Next, press the “Add” to add a new file and click the “Browse” button to rename the file. Now, head to the “Next” button and gain access to another window.

Step 5. Later, enable the “Activate Transcoding” option and select your preferred format by accessing options for “Profile.” After this, press the “Next” button again and proceed to the last step of this process.

Step 6. Finally, press the “Stream” button and wait for the tool to download the YouTube video appearing in a specific folder.

Part 3. How to Download YouTube Videos Using VLC Mobile (Android Only)

Best For: Users who want to stream online YouTube videos on mobile without any interruptions.

The approach is simple and requires only a phone for those wondering how to download videos from YouTube using VLC on Android. However, the VLC app for Android does not directly display the codec information of the video. With this method, you can stream YouTube videos on phones because it does not facilitate saving them. Dive into the instructions below and learn how can you stream videos through the VLC app:

Instructions. First, download the “VLC for Android app” from Play Store and open the YouTube video to copy its URL. Visit the VLC app and press the “New Stream” button to paste the copied URL link in the provided space. Finally, tap the “Send” icon to play your YouTube video on the VLC Android app.

Part 4. Limitations While Downloading YouTube Using VLC

Though VLC offers a free and simple way to download YouTube videos, it has some limitations that you should know about. Let’s learn these limitations below and understand why it is not the best choice to download YouTube videos:

1. Resolution Cap: When you use VLC to download YouTube videos, it does not save them in HD (1080P) or high resolution. It is limited to a 720p ceiling, which means VLC is not suitable for users who are looking for full HD or 4K quality downloads.
2. Metadata Loss: Videos downloaded using VLC do not include metadata such as the title of the video, creator, or upload date. Once the file is saved, there is no way you can see where it came from, which makes the organization more difficult.
3. Speed Issues: In comparison with other YouTube downloaders, VLC’s download speed is very slow, averaging around 1.2MB/s. This can consume valuable time of users who need to download large files.
4. Technical Barrier: Some advanced methods for improving VLC download need to use the CLI commands. However, studies show that 83% of users leave the process when they face these technical steps making VLC less practical.
5. Legal Gray Area: While VLC player downloads YouTube does not bypass its DRM, downloading videos without permission exists in the legal gray area. The platform's terms prohibit downloading content unless it is allowed, so users should be mindful of potential copyright issues.
6. Complexity and Batch Downloading: The process of downloading videos with VLC involves many steps, which be complex for some users. In addition, VLC does not support a batch downloading process, and users can only download one video at a time, which can waste their valuable time.

Part 5. Top Alternative to VLC YouTube Downloading

Best For: YouTubers and content creators who need fast and efficient bulk video downloads.

As you know the limitations of VLC YouTube downloader, you may be looking for a better alternative that offers high-resolution. For that, Wondershare UniConverter is considered one of the most powerful tools, as it supports HD 4K and 8K downloads. Its advanced acceleration technology provides 130X speed, driven by a 50% improvement in processing efficiency. Unlike VLC, it lets you do batch downloading, which makes it easy to save several videos at once.

In addition to downloading, UniConverter allows users to convert videos to more than 1000 different formats. After inserting the YouTube link, you can select from audio, video, or Thumbnail options according to your needs. Users can trim and edit the video once they download it. Furthermore, it lets you add subtitles in the video from a wide range of language options before downloading the video.

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Key Features

1. Compress Your Videos: Aside from video downloading, you can compress large files without losing their original quality.
2. Merge Videos: UniConverter lets you merge various videos together, whether it's an MP4, AVI, or MKV file.
3. Playlist Downloader: Unlike VLC, you can download the whole YouTube playlist using UniConverter without the need to download it separately.

How to Download YouTube Video Using UniConverter

Now that you understand the features of this tool and how you can get different advantages from it. Apart from how to download YouTube videos on VLC media player, if you want to know how to use this tool, here are detailed steps given below:

Step 1. Download the Tool and Choose Downloader Feature

Download Download and launch the Wondershare UniConverter. Select the “Downloader” option and paste the link of your YouTube video.

Step 2. Paste the YouTube Link  

Now, in the given “Video” bar, paste the link of the YouTube Video that you want to download.

Step 3.  Select the Quality of File

From the right side of the screen, press the “Settings” icon, and a pop-up menu will open. Then, under the “File Quality” option, choose the desired resolution of your video file and hit the “Ok” button.

Step 4. Download the YouTube Video

After selecting the resolution, press the “Download” button to save the YouTube video on your device.

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FAQs About VLC Downloading YouTube Video

1. How do I download YouTube videos with VLC?

To download video with VLC, first paste the link in Media and press Convert/Save, then go to the Network tab and click the Play button. Once the video starts playing, open the Codec Information, copy the Location link, paste it into the browser, and then click three dots to download the video.

2. How to download a YouTube playlist using VLC?

It does not support downloading the entire playlist, and you must have to download each video one by one using the network stream method. However, with the help of a better alternative, Wondershare UniConverter, you can download the entire YouTube playlist with just one click.

3. Why can't VLC play YouTube videos?

It fails to play YouTube videos due to several factors, such as old software, missing codecs, and hardware restrictions. To fix this issue, you should either update the VLC to the latest version or shift to an alternative.

Conclusion

In conclusion, though, you can download YouTube videos with VLC through various ways, it has several limitations, such as video quality restrictions. VLC downloads a YouTube video, but users who need fast speed and high resolution should consider a better option, UniConverter. It downloads video 130 times faster than usual downloaders and supports 4K/8K videos.

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