YouTube To Offer Video Download Option

The current YouTube community is accustomed to having to use 3rd party tools to download YouTube’s video content, however, that may soon change (see image below) this would be the first time an official download option has appeared on YouTube. The new option gives users a full-quality H.264 file which is the very same copy that’s sent out to YouTube-capable set top boxes and iPhones.

I should also make note that while this is currently only available on very few videos, it makes sense. Google is shutting down Google Video (partially – they will no longer accept uploads, however, you can still view the current content). That being said, Google has offered the ability to download video clips from the Google Video service in iPod and PSP-friendly formats which leads me to think that this option is no coincidence.

I would love to be able to let people download my videos from YouTube so they can put them on their portable devices. Now obviously, if this is implemented it will not be enabled by default for obvious reasons (copyright infringement), but I would bet to see it soon as an option in everyone’s YouTube account.

What are your thoughts? Leave a comment!

Adam Radcliffe

Thank god i have been waiting for youtube to do something like this! This will be an overall good move for youtube so that the focus will still remain on them.
Bryan

I already use a 3rd party software to download YouTube videos, so an official download button would be VERY nice! Can’t wait–Thanks for the post! :)
http://geekologist.net whoknew

This feature in combination with the new and improved API set is going to be great. No only will this allow people to download and store youtube clips on their system. This is really a great opportunity for developers to make some kick ass applications for both Mac and Windows based computers. We have already seen an example of the power of the youtube API at MacWorld and I am really excited to see how the ability to download is going to improve the youtube experience in a Windows or Mac based application.
Joe C

YAY no more shitty firefox add-ons required to download YouTube videos!!
Scott

Hey.. u ve a wonderful site out here…. i’m reading all ur posts…
Pingback: Download Your Own YouTube Videos | BestTechie.net