Quick Summary

SnapDownloader lets you safely download private YouTube videos, unlisted videos, and playlists while maintaining security and respecting privacy. Accessing private content without permission can risk legal or cybersecurity issues, so always proceed carefully. We also cover alternative methods, including VLC, Chrome extensions, and command-line tools for private video downloads.

Making the Most of Your Private YouTube Videos

Let’s say you went on a vacation. After returning, one of your friends posts your adventures as a private YouTube video. Even if you can access it, downloading it may be restricted.

This can be a real nuisance for everyone who loves saving precious images and videos. Although you can watch content as long as you have access, downloading private or unlisted videos allows you to edit, create compilations, and store memories safely on your device.

Why Listen To Us?

At SnapDownloader, we prioritize the safety and security of our users above all else. When handling private YouTube videos and playlists, the stakes are higher due to potential legal and privacy concerns.

We ensure that our process for downloading your private YouTube videos and playlists is treated with utmost security.

How to Download Private Videos and Playlists from YouTube?

There are multiple ways to download private YouTube videos using SnapDownloader and alternative tools. All methods require that your YouTube account has access to the content.

Method 1: Using SnapDownloader Browser Integration

1. Download and install SnapDownloader

Download and install the latest version of SnapDownloader on your computer. You must use v1.15.0 or higher to download private YouTube content with this method.

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2. Open SnapDownloader and click the key icon

Open the SnapDownloader app and go to the Search tab. In the search bar, you will find a key icon, as shown below. Click to open it.

3. Select a browser

select browser for private downloads

This feature works by using the selected browser's login session to access the private video you want to download.

After you select a browser, click OK. The key icon will turn green to indicate that the private downloader feature is enabled.

4. Paste the YouTube video/playlist/channel link

Paste the link to the private YouTube video, playlist, or channel in the search bar. SnapDownloader will begin searching for it using the browser you selected.

paste video url

5. Download

download private youtube playlists and videos

That's all you have to do to download private YouTube playlists, videos, or channels. If the above method doesn't work, you can check the next method described below.

Method 2: Using SnapDownloader’s Built-In Browser

1. Open the Browser tab

Launch SnapDownloader and click the Browser tab.

2. Sign in to YouTube

Go to www.youtube.com and sign in with the account that can access the private content.

3. Enable Private Video Downloader

Click the lock icon, tick Enable Private Video Downloader and click OK. The icon turns green.

4. Open the private content

Navigate to the private video/playlist/channel and click Download. SnapDownloader will auto-detect the video and switch to the Search tab.

The app will begin searching for the content. You can view the results by going to the Search tab.

5. Select format and quality

Select your preferred format and quality, then click Download. Track progress in Downloads, and find the file in Completed, Show in folder.

Method 3: Using VLC Media Player

1. Copy the private video URL

Copy the link to the private YouTube video you want to download.

2. Open VLC and paste the link

Open VLC Media Player, go to Media, Convert/Save, open the Network tab and paste the URL.

3. Choose format and download

Select your preferred output format, click Start to begin downloading the video.

Other Methods for Downloading Restricted YouTube Videos

With just a few simple steps, you can bypass some constraints of privacy settings and download YouTube videos for offline viewing or archival purposes.

1. Proxy Servers or VPNs

Proxy servers and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are commonly used tools to bypass geographical restrictions and access content that may be restricted in certain regions. When it comes to downloading restricted YouTube videos, they can also be useful.

Pros

  • Bypass Geo-Restrictions: Proxy servers and VPNs allow you to change your IP address and appear as if you are accessing the internet from a different location. 
  • Enhanced Privacy: By routing your internet connection through a proxy server or VPN, you can encrypt your data and enhance your online privacy. 

Cons

  • Speed Reduction: Using this method can sometimes result in slower internet speeds due to the additional routing of traffic through remote servers.
  • Quality Concerns: Free proxy servers may not always offer the best quality of service, leading to buffering issues or lower video resolution.

2. Command-line tools like YouTube-DL

YouTube-DL's capability to download private videos is particularly noteworthy. 

With the help of this alternative method, you can bypass these restrictions and download private videos with relative ease. 

YouTube-DL can also fetch metadata associated with the videos, including titles, descriptions, tags, and thumbnails.

Pros

  • Versatility: YouTube-DL supports a wide range of websites and video platforms beyond just YouTube.
  • Customization Options: You can take advantage of YouTube-DL's extensive command-line options to customize their download preferences, including video quality, format, and extraction of audio-only files.
  • Open-Source: YouTube-DL is an open-source project, meaning its source code is freely available for inspection and modification by anyone.

Cons

  • Command-Line Interface: The interface of YouTube-DL may be intimidating for novice users who are not familiar with working in a terminal environment.
  • Updates and Maintenance: Changes to the YouTube platform or other supported websites may occasionally break compatibility of YouTube-DL to other devices.  

Is It Possible to Download Private YouTube Videos and Playlists?

Yes. SnapDownloader lets you download private videos, unlisted videos, Watch Later playlists, and members-only content in various formats like MP4, MP3, M4A, MOV.

As long as you can access the private content, SnapDownloader lets you download them in various output formats and qualities without any hassle. You can download private videos, your Watch Later playlist, saved playlists, and more.

private youtube downloader

SnapDownloader has the capability to download YouTube videos from 144p up to 8K quality and can convert them to various output formats like MP4, MP3, M4A, MOV, etc. It also lets you trim videos and download YouTube chapters as separate files.

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This video downloader works with over 1,000 websites including popular platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

It's very simple, easy, and quick to download private YouTube videos with SnapDownloader. Read the next section to learn how it works.

Is SnapDownloader the Best Tool for Downloading Private Videos and Playlists?

If you want to download private videos from YouTube, you can’t go wrong with SnapDownloader. Aside from this specific social media, the tool allows you to grab private videos from other platforms as well, like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and more.

Here's why SnapDownloader is the best tool for this particular purpose.

  • The program works for all major platforms
  • It is extremely fast, reliable, and error-free
  • It can download videos up to 8K quality and convert them to other formats like MP4, MP3, M4A, and WAV
  • Users can easily access all their downloaded content via the app
  • Trim videos
  • Allows you to enter your proxy credentials to bypass geo-blocking
  • It can download YouTube videos, playlists, channels, chapters, and age-restricted content

If you’re unsure whether SnapDownloader supports a particular platform, we suggest you try downloading a video and see if it goes through. However, given that the program works for more than 1,000 sites, you’ll most likely be able to execute the download.

Try this tool: Dailymotion Video Downloader

SnapDownloader Key Features

1. Private Video Downloads

SnapDownloader makes it easy to download private YouTube videos, unlisted videos, hidden videos, and even members-only content when you have access. With the built-in authentication system and private downloader feature, you can securely fetch videos that traditional downloaders can’t access. This is the most reliable way to download private YouTube videos without running into errors.

2. Video Trimming

There are just two reasons why people download private videos to their desktop or mobile.

The first, the more common one, is so they could save valuable memories on their devices. However, it isn't uncommon for people to repurpose content. They might use the video to create slideshows, merge it with other videos, and do all sorts of shenanigans.

crop youtube videos

In that sense, video trimming perfectly adds to the private video-grabbing feature. Besides editing, it also allows you to chop down unnecessary content, reducing download time.

3. Supports Numerous Platforms

Beyond private YouTube content, SnapDownloader supports over 1,000 websites, including Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, Vimeo, and Twitter (X). No matter where the video is hosted, public, private, or unlisted, SnapDownloader provides a consistent downloading experience.

> View the list of supported sites

4. Bypass Geo-Restrictions

If a YouTube video is unavailable in your region, SnapDownloader can still fetch it by routing the download through optimized proxies. This allows you to download region-locked videos without needing a VPN, making it easier to access blocked or geo-restricted content.

How to Download Private YouTube Videos: Alternative Tools

Here are some of the alternative tools that you can employ to download private YouTube videos aside from using SnapDownloader.

1. ClipGrab

ClipGrab is a versatile tool that allows users to download videos from various websites, including YouTube. This private YouTube video downloader software provides a simple and intuitive interface, making it easy for users to navigate.

One of the standout features of ClipGrab is its compatibility across different operating systems. Whether you're using a Windows PC, a Mac, or a Linux machine, ClipGrab ensures you can access its functionalities without any compatibility issues.

Key Features

  • Multi-platform Compatibility: ClipGrab is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, catering to a wide range of users.
  • Integrated Search: It offers a built-in search function, allowing users to find videos directly within the application.
  • Customizable Output Formats: ClipGrab allows users to choose from various video and audio formats for downloaded content.
  • Clipboard Monitoring: It can automatically detect copied YouTube URLs, making the download process more seamless.

Pros

  • Clean and intuitive interface
  • Option to customize download quality
  • Fast download speeds
  • Open-source software

Cons

  • Limited advanced features compared to some competitors
  • Occasional compatibility issues with certain websites
  • Lack of built-in video editing tools

Pricing

ClipGrab is completely free to use with no hidden costs or subscription plans.

2. Freemake Video Downloader

Freemake Video Downloader is a user-friendly tool that allows you to download videos from various websites, including YouTube. It is compatible with Windows operating systems and supports various video formats.

Key Features

  • Wide Range of Supported Sites: Besides YouTube, Freemake can download videos from over 10,000 websites, offering versatility.
  • One-Click Download: It provides a simple "Download" button on YouTube pages for quick access to the download process.
  • Video Conversion: Freemake offers basic video conversion tools, allowing users to convert downloaded videos to various formats.
  • Download History Tracking: Users can view their download history within the application, facilitating easy access to past downloads.
  • Simultaneous Downloading: Freemake supports downloading multiple videos simultaneously, enhancing efficiency.

Pros

  • Built-in video conversion tools
  • 10,000+ supported sites
  • User-friendly interface
  • Ability to download videos in various resolutions and formats

Cons

  • Ad-supported software
  • Requires .NET Framework on Windows
  • Limited customization options for download settings

Pricing

Freemake Video Downloader is free to download and use.

3. KeepVid

KeepVid is another popular online video downloader that supports downloading videos from YouTube and other websites.

The tool is compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems, offering flexibility for users across different platforms.

Key Features

  • Online & Desktop Versions: KeepVid offers both online and desktop versions, catering to users with different preferences.
  • Browser Extensions: It provides browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Safari, streamlining the downloading process.
  • High Quality Downloads: KeepVid allows users to download videos in high quality, including 4K resolution where available.
  • Subtitle Extraction: Users can extract subtitles from videos during the download process, adding to the utility of downloaded content.
  • Audio Extraction: KeepVid enables users to extract audio tracks from videos and save them separately in various formats.

Pros

  • Online and desktop versions available
  • Browser extensions for quick downloading
  • Supports high-quality video downloads
  • Supports playlist download
  • Offers subtitle extraction feature

Cons

  • Limited functionality in the free version
  • Desktop version is only available for Windows
  • Some users report issues with browser extensions

Pricing

You may download KeepVid for free.

4. Any Video Converter

Any Video Converter stands out as a versatile and user-friendly tool that serves a dual purpose:

  • Conversion of YouTube videos to MP3 and MP4
  • Downloading of videos from various websites (even private ones)

This multifunctional software provides a seamless experience for Windows and Mac operating systems, ensuring accessibility for a broad user base.

Key Features

  • Video Editing Tools: The tool offers basic video editing features, enabling users to trim, crop, and add effects to downloaded videos.
  • DVD Burning: Any Video Converter includes DVD burning capabilities, allowing users to create DVDs from downloaded content.
  • Batch Conversion: Users can convert multiple videos simultaneously, saving time and effort.
  • Output Profile Customization: Any Video Converter provides customizable output profiles, catering to different devices and platforms.

Pros

  • Wide range of input and output formats supported
  • Basic video editing features included

Cons

  • Free version includes ads and limitations
  • The interface can be overwhelming for beginners

Pricing

KeepVid offers both free and paid versions. The free version has limited functionality, while the paid version is available for a one-time fee with additional features for $49.95.

5. Airy

Unlike bulkier software, Airy offers a seamless and intuitive user experience, making it an ideal choice for users seeking a straightforward solution to downloading private YouTube videos and playlists.

Key Features

  • MP3 Extraction: Airy allows users to extract audio tracks from YouTube videos and save them as MP3 files.
  • Browser Integration: It integrates seamlessly with popular web browsers, facilitating easy video downloading directly from browser interfaces.
  • Download Queue Management: Airy offers a download queue manager, enabling users to prioritize and manage multiple downloads effectively.
  • Playlist Downloads: Users can download entire playlists from YouTube in one go, simplifying the process of saving multiple videos.
  • Scheduled Downloads: Airy supports scheduling downloads for specific times, allowing users to automate the download process.
  • Download Resumption: It supports resuming interrupted downloads, ensuring that users can pick up where they left off in case of connection issues or interruptions.

Pros

  • MP3 extraction feature for audio tracks
  • Download queue management
  • Option to schedule downloads

Cons

  • Paid software with limited functionality in the trial version
  • No built-in video editing tools

Pricing

Airy offers a free trial version with limited functionality. The full version, Airy Pro with a personal license is available for purchase with a one-time fee of $19.95.

Download Responsibly and Stay Within YouTube’s Rules

Note that attempting to download private YouTube videos without permission may violate YouTube's terms of service. Violating the terms could potentially result in penalties, such as suspending or terminating your YouTube account.

Additionally, downloading and distributing copyrighted content without authorization is illegal in many jurisdictions.

Therefore, proceed with caution and always respect the rights of content creators.

If you need offline access or want to use a video for personal or project-related purposes, the safest approach is to request permission directly from the content owner.

Ready to securely download private or unlisted YouTube videos you already have access to? Try SnapDownloader today and get fast, safe, and reliable downloads.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I download private YouTube videos without access?
No. You must have access to the private or unlisted video; otherwise, downloading violates YouTube’s terms of service.

How to download unlisted YouTube videos?
Use SnapDownloader, VLC, or a Chrome extension with the video URL. Ensure you have permission.

Can SnapDownloader download members-only videos?
Yes. It supports members-only YouTube videos if you are logged in with the authorized account.

Is it legal to download private YouTube videos?
Only download videos you own or have explicit permission to download. Unauthorized downloading may breach YouTube’s TOS or copyright law.