Youtube – How to obtain the direct link to a YouTube video file

downloadyoutube

I'm trying to figure out where to find the actual FLV video YouTube files. I've found several tutorials on the Internet, but none that work. So if anyone knows, that'd be much appreciated.

Best Answer

VLC may serve.

From The Best Hidden Features of VLC:

  1. Find a video on YouTube and copy the URL from the address bar.
  2. In VLC, head to Media > Open Network Stream.
  3. Paste the YouTube link in the box and click Play.
  4. Under Tools, click Codec Information.
  5. In the box that says Location, right-click the block of text and click Select All. Copy this text to your clipboard.
  6. Go back to your browser and paste the link in the address bar. This will open the source file directly on YouTube's servers.
  7. Right-click the video as it plays and select Save Video As.

That'll give you an mp4 file. VLC can also convert some file formats.