Download YouTube Videos to Windows Media Player

The Convenience of Digital Collection

The current digital era presents an unprecedented opportunity for those who enjoy collecting and archiving. Unlike physical items, digital data and information require minimal storage space.

This allows individuals to freely indulge their natural inclination to seek out and gather information without the constraints of physical limitations.

Downloading YouTube Videos for Windows Media Player

Despite the ease of digital accumulation, technical challenges can arise. If you are seeking a method to download videos from YouTube and play them using Windows Media Player, this guide will provide the necessary steps.

The following information details the most effective techniques for extracting YouTube content and enabling playback within the Windows Media Player environment.

Methods for Extraction and Playback

Several approaches can be utilized to achieve this goal. These methods generally involve utilizing third-party software or online services designed for YouTube video downloading.

Important Note: Always ensure that you are adhering to YouTube's terms of service and respecting copyright laws when downloading content.

Dedicated Download Software: Programs like 4K Video Downloader or WinX YouTube Downloader offer a user-friendly interface and support various video resolutions.
Online Downloaders: Numerous websites provide online YouTube downloading services. However, exercise caution when using these, as they may contain advertisements or potentially unwanted software.
Browser Extensions: Certain browser extensions can add a download button directly to YouTube pages, simplifying the process.

Ensuring Compatibility with Windows Media Player

After downloading the video, it's crucial to ensure compatibility with Windows Media Player. The downloaded file format may need conversion.

If the video is in a format not natively supported by Windows Media Player (such as .mkv), consider using a video converter to transform it into a compatible format like .mp4 or .avi.

By following these steps, you can successfully download YouTube videos and enjoy them seamlessly within Windows Media Player.

Understanding YouTube Video Playback

YouTube delivers its video content utilizing flash video technology. The standard file extension associated with these videos is .flv. There are fundamentally three approaches to accessing and watching YouTube videos.

Downloading the video and playing it directly in the .flv format.
Downloading the video and playing it back in a different, converted file format.
Downloading the .flv file and subsequently converting it to a preferred format for playback.

The focus of this guide is specifically on enabling playback of YouTube videos within Windows Media Player. This applies regardless of the initial source of the files or their original format, allowing us to streamline the discussion by omitting the third option.

Playback Options Explained

The first method involves directly opening the .flv file. However, Windows Media Player doesn't natively support this format without additional components.

The second method requires converting the .flv file to a compatible format like .wmv or .avi. This ensures seamless playback within Windows Media Player.

Addressing Compatibility Issues

To view .flv files directly in Windows Media Player, a suitable codec must be installed. These codecs essentially translate the .flv format into a language Windows Media Player understands.

Optimal Methods for Downloading YouTube Videos

To avoid overwhelming choices, two specific tools have been selected for consideration. One is a web-based service, while the other is a downloadable application. Both function reliably. For those needing to download numerous videos simultaneously, the application, VDownloader, is the recommended choice.

Utilizing Kiss YouTube

Kiss YouTube provides a simple method for downloading YouTube content without requiring any software installation. Furthermore, Kiss YouTube supports downloading videos in three distinct file formats: 3GP, FLV, and MP4. This, combined with its user-friendly interface, makes it a compelling online solution.

Users can either directly input the YouTube video's URL into the designated field on the Kiss YouTube website (as illustrated in the screenshot below); OR they can modify the YouTube URL itself by inserting the word 'kiss' between 'www.' and 'youtube.com/...'.

Following either of these approaches, users will be redirected to a page where they can choose their desired download format.

To initiate the download, simply click the link corresponding to the preferred file format.

Employing VDownloader

This represents a software-based solution, proving particularly useful when downloading multiple videos or sourcing content from platforms beyond YouTube. Important Note! The installation process includes several optional software additions and potentially unwanted programs (PUPs). Users should carefully review these options and select a custom installation to decline the Ask toolbar and homepage changes.

Upon successful installation, VDownloader proves to be a highly effective tool. Once a URL is copied, it is automatically pasted into the program’s Video URL field. Subsequently, the user selects their preferred Output Format and clicks the Download button. Additional videos can be added for download while the first one is in progress.

The available output formats encompass .flv (requiring no conversion), .avi, .mpeg, .mp3 (for audio extraction), and a variety of others.

VDownloader also received a review from Karl, detailed in this article: VDownloader - Really Easy Video Downloader Software.

Playing Diverse Video Files in Windows Media Player

Once your videos are downloaded, a challenge can arise. By default, Windows Media Player supports only a limited range of file formats, with .wmv being the standard. However, the previously discussed download options typically don't result in videos saved in this format.

To broaden compatibility, you'll need to install codecs, enabling Windows Media Player to interpret a wider variety of file types. This process is straightforward and can be completed in just three steps.

Installing Necessary Codecs

First, navigate to the Codec Guide website and select one of the K-Lite Codec Packs for download; the basic version will generally suffice.
Next, execute the downloaded K-Lite Codec Pack installer.
Finally, you can then play your downloaded videos directly within Windows Media Player.

The installation of these codecs expands the player’s capabilities.

This completes the process of enabling broader video format support.

For further information regarding YouTube, consider exploring these related articles available on MakeUseOf:

“3 Free Ways To Download YouTube Movies To Your iPhone (& Other Mobile Phones)” authored by Jeffry.
“10 Youtube URL Tricks You Should Know About” written by Varun.

Final Thoughts

Perhaps you are now questioning the rationale behind utilizing Windows Media Player. This is a valid inquiry. The truth is, obtaining a media player with native support for a wide range of file formats is generally a simpler approach.

Avoiding the installation of numerous codecs and the subsequent troubleshooting required to achieve compatibility with WMP is a significant benefit. If you can forgo WMP and prioritize convenience, I strongly suggest considering VLC Media Player.