How to download from YouTube since they changed their code, and how to convert flv files

[tzikeh]

ETA: Or you could just go here and plug in the YouTube URL. (thanks, nikitangel.)

Still, I'd keep these instructions around, because a lot of websites that used to work just like this one don't work anymore, as YouTube keeps finding out about them and coding to block them.

A Friend Of Mine has given me a simple way to download the embedded files. It *looks* confusing, but it's really very very simple. Just keep the following on a textpad page or something:

[0] Fire-up TextEdit for some quick cutting and pasting.

[1] Click on the YouTube video you want to view and let *the entire stream* load

[2] Right-click on the YouTube page and select View Page Source from the contextual menu. Page source will now open up in a new tab.

[3] Select Find from the Edit Menu and type in "player2.swf?video_id=" (do not use the quotes)

[4] After it finds "player2.swf?video_id=" on the page, you will see a long string of what appear to be random characters after it. This is the YouTube video ID. Select all of the characters after "player2.swf?video_id=" *until* the " symbol [do not select the quote symbol]. Copy to clipboard.

[5] Close source tab

[6] Combine this prefix: "http://youtube.com/get_video.php?video_id=" with the YouTube video ID copied to the clipboard from above *into the address bar*. Again, do not use the quotes and place the copied video ID from above right after the "=" sign in the said prefix.

[7] File should save to your Desktop. Rename with a .flv extension

Now, to convert the .flv file, you'll need ffmpeg (Windows) or ffmpegX (Mac). Just drag the .flv file into the "DROP FILE HERE" window, and choose your preferred output format.

And there you have it!

I just did this for the Life on Mars series 2 episode 8 trailer. Which I am now watching frame-by-frame.

Cheers!

Comments

[athena4lynn.livejournal.com]

I've been using Vdownloader for ages. I plug in the URL, like that website, and it downloads as AVI.

[12-12-12.livejournal.com]

You can also use the VideoDownloader extension with Mozilla Firefox, and use FLVPlayer to view the files. :-) I love technology.

[greywingnut.livejournal.com]

Thank you for both of these! I've gotta go grab a couple Doctor Who vids now...

[par-avion.livejournal.com]

The *most recent* version of VLC will play flv files, no conversion needed.

I think it's version 0.8.6.

[falzalot.livejournal.com]

Ooooh!!!!! I heart technology!!

huh.

[tzikeh.livejournal.com]

I have that extension and it no longer works for me at YouTube....

Re: huh.

[12-12-12.livejournal.com]

Gah! I haven't used it in a while, and it doesn't work for me either. *sigh* I bet someone will have a new/updated extension soon, though.

[keiko-kirin.livejournal.com]

Wow, thank you! How cool! I had no idea there was a way to save YT stuff to the desktop! (Yes, I live in a cave...) But dang it, two of the videos I'd saved the URLs for on a stickie have been removed. *pout*

[volaremn.livejournal.com]

Version 0.8.6 is right. The only drawback is you have to play .flv's from beginning to end--no ffwding or rewinding. I'm hoping they'll change this for their next update.

[tzikeh.livejournal.com]

Drat! Er... do you remember what they were? They might be around elsewhere.

[lynnmonster.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much for this! It's so incredibly useful, I made a "useful" tag for my del.icio.us account in its honor!

Re: huh.

[cetpar.livejournal.com]

I didn't realize YouTube was changing their codes.

The DownloadHelper extension for Firefox is still working right now. (I tested it after reading your post.) Unless YouTube is rolling out the code change in phases?

Re: huh.

[cetpar.livejournal.com]

Here via friends of friends, BTW. Hi!

[tzikeh.livejournal.com]

I can't believe I don't have a "useful" tag at delicious yet. I must rectify immediately.

Re: huh.

[tzikeh.livejournal.com]

Hi!

just two more suggestions

[ender24]

orbitdownloader claims to work with YT
http://www.orbitdownloader.com/index.htm

recently I found this as well, though I havent tested it yet:
http://www.broadcaster.com/tools/?p=studiopro