With the rise in popularity of online video streaming services like YouTube, Netflix, and Hulu, internet users are watching more videos online than ever before. However, there are times when you may want to download a video from these streaming sites to watch offline. This is where video downloader extensions for web browsers like Chrome come in handy.
Video downloader extensions allow you to easily download videos from popular streaming sites directly from your web browser. Once installed, these extensions add a download button to video pages, letting you save videos for offline viewing. In this article, we’ll walk through how to find, install, and use a video downloader extension in Chrome to download online videos.
Benefits of using a video downloader extension
Here are some of the benefits of using a video downloader extension in Chrome or other browsers:
- Download videos for offline viewing – With an internet connection unavailable, you can still watch saved videos.
- Save streaming costs – Downloading over WiFi prevents mobile data usage.
- Avoid ads – Download videos ad-free.
- Improved playback – Downloaded videos may offer better quality and smoothing playback.
- Watch on other devices – Transfer downloaded videos to phones, tablets, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and more.
- Archive favorite videos – Create a permanent library of special videos.
Choosing a video downloader extension
The Chrome Web Store offers many video downloader extensions to choose from. When picking an extension, here are some factors to consider:
- Compatibility – Make sure the extension works with your Chrome version and operating system.
- Site support – Look for an extension supporting major sites like YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Vimeo, Dailymotion, etc.
- Download formats – Extensions that allow downloading videos in different resolutions and file formats provide more options.
- Download speeds – Faster and simultaneous downloading can save time.
- Ad-free downloading – Choose an extension that removes ads during download for the best experience.
- Ratings and reviews – Check reviews to verify extension reliability and performance.
- Extra features – Some extensions provide added tools like video converters, screenshot capture, channel subscriptions, etc.
Based on these criteria, here are some of the best video downloader extensions for Chrome:
| Extension | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Video DownloadHelper | Supports 700+ sites, lets you download full YouTube playlists and channels, and convert videos to audio formats. |
| 4K Video Downloader | Downloads YouTube videos up to 8K resolution, allows downloading complete YouTube playlists and channels, and has built-in conversion tools. |
| TubeMate YouTube Downloader | Fast downloader supporting multiple formats, resolutions, and sites. Includes a built-in video editor and converter. |
| 1ClickVideo Download | Simple one-click downloading from major sites, with MP3 audio conversion available. |
Installing a video downloader extension
Once you’ve picked the right video downloading extension for your needs, follow these simple steps to install it in Chrome:
- Open the Chrome Web Store – Go to https://chrome.google.com/webstore in your Chrome browser.
- Search for the extension – Use the search bar to find the extension you want to install.
- Click “Add to Chrome” – On the extension’s page, click the blue Add to Chrome button.
- Confirm installation – A pop-up will appear, click Add Extension to confirm installing the extension.
- Pin the extension – For easy access, click the puzzle icon next to the address bar and pin the extension.
The extension’s icon will now be available in your browser toolbar. The first time you click it, follow any prompts to complete setup and preferences.
Using a video downloader extension
Once installed, using a video downloader extension to save online videos is very straightforward. Here is the general process:
- Navigate to the video page – Go to the video you want to download on YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo, etc.
- Click the extension’s icon – This will be next to the address bar. The icon varies by extension.
- Select download options – A pop-up will appear allowing you to pick resolution, format, etc.
- Choose a save location – Browse to select the folder to save the downloaded video file.
- Click Download – The extension will now download the video for you.
- Saved video location – Once finished, you can access the video file from the folder you chose.
Most extensions also provide download queues and progress bars so you can monitor current and completed downloads.
Downloading from YouTube
YouTube is one of the most common sites supported by video download extensions. When downloading YouTube videos, you’ll generally have options like:
- Video resolution – 1080p HD, 720p, 480p, 360p, 240p, 144p
- File format – MP4, WebM, MOV, AVI
- Audio only – Extract and save just the audio as MP3
- Subtitles – Download subtitles files like SRT and VTT (if available)
- Playlist – Download full YouTube playlists or channels
The extension pop-up will let you pick what to download based on available formats and quality for that video. Higher resolutions and file types take up more drive space.
Downloading from Facebook
When downloading Facebook videos, options may include:
- HD, SD, and LD resolutions
- MP4 or WebM video formats
- Downloading the audio only as MP3
- Downloading entire albums or page videos
Facebook limits video quality more than YouTube, so maximum available resolutions are often lower.
Downloading from Twitter
For Twitter videos, extension download options typically include:
- HD and SD resolutions
- MP4, WebM, or MOV formats
- Extracting MP3 audio
- Downloading videos from feeds, profiles, or searches
Twitter has stricter download limits, so extensions may top out at 720p HD resolution for Twitter videos.
Troubleshooting tips
If you are having trouble downloading videos through your extension, here are some things to try:
- Make sure the extension is enabled in Chrome – Check Chrome settings.
- Refresh the video page and try again – The download button may appear after a refresh.
- Check if the site is supported – A handful of sites may not work with the extension.
- Update the extension if needed – An updated version could fix bugs or issues.
- Change download location – Try saving to a different folder location.
- Reinstall the extension – Deleting and re-adding the extension could resolve problems.
- Check Internet connection – Strong and stable connectivity is required for smooth downloading.
- Restart Chrome – Closing all Chrome windows and relaunching can help.
Also check for any extension-specific troubleshooting tips from the developer. Reaching out for customer support from the extension company is another option if you are unable to resolve problems.
Conclusion
Installing a video downloader extension is a quick, easy way to save streaming videos from Chrome. Top extensions like Video DownloadHelper, 4K Video Downloader, TubeMate, and 1ClickVideo Download make downloading online videos simple. Just pick your desired extension, install it, and you can save videos for offline viewing and other uses.
Remember to check the extension’s site compatibility, formats, speed, and additional features when choosing the right one for your needs. With the extension added to Chrome, you can download videos from major sites, selecting options like resolution and file format for each. Troubleshoot any download issues by refreshing pages, reinstalling the extension, checking Internet connectivity, or contacting customer support.
Using these tips, you can become a pro at downloading videos from Chrome using extensions. So install one today and start building your offline video library!
