Downloading YouTube Videos

This guide explains how to download educational videos from YouTube for offline use in the classroom. There are two methods available: using a recommended command-line tool or a simple browser add-on.

Method 1: Using the Command Line (Recommended)

This method is recommended for its power and reliability. It uses a command-line tool called yt-dlp.

Firewall Must Be Temporarily Disabled

To download from YouTube using this method, you must first stop the firewall. As the admin user, run rsv stop nftables. This is the only step that requires admin privileges. The rest of the process should be run as the guest user.

1. Install `yt-dlp`

First, you need to add the asdf plugin for yt-dlp and install it. This only needs to be done once.

# Add the plugin
asdf plugin add yt-dlp

# Install the latest version
asdf install yt-dlp latest

# Set it as the global default
asdf set yt-dlp latest

2. Navigate to Download Directory

Change to the directory where you want to save the videos.

# For example, a teacher's public folder
cd /srv/public/teachers/jdoe

3. Download the Video

You can now download a video using its URL. The -f best flag tells the tool to download the best available merged video and audio quality.

# Download using the full URL
yt-dlp -f best https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg1ml3aHAM4

Tip

For the absolute highest quality (which might download video and audio separately), use -f bestvideo+bestaudio. You can also list all available formats with the -F flag (e.g., yt-dlp -F <URL>).

Method 2: Using a Firefox Add-on (Alternative)

This is an alternative method for users who prefer a graphical interface. It involves temporarily adding a video downloader tool to the Firefox web browser.

Warning

The add-ons listed in the Firefox store are developed by third parties. TechLit does not own, endorse, or provide support for any specific add-on. Use them at your own discretion.

Click to see the Firefox Add-on steps…

Note

Add-ons installed in the guest session are temporary. They will be automatically removed when you log out or reboot the computer. You will need to repeat these steps for each new session.

1. Open Firefox Add-ons

Open the Firefox browser.
Click the menu button (☰) in the top-right corner and select Add-ons and themes.
Alternatively, you can press Ctrl + Shift + A.

2. Find a Downloader Add-on

In the “Find more add-ons” search box, type youtube downloader and press Enter.
Browse the search results and choose an add-on that looks suitable. Read the descriptions and reviews to help you decide.

3. Add the Add-on to Firefox

Once you’ve chosen an add-on, click on it, and then click the Add to Firefox button.
A permission pop-up will appear. Click Add to confirm.

4. Download the Video

Navigate to the YouTube video you want to download.
The add-on will typically add a “Download” button near the video player. Click it and follow the on-screen instructions to save the video file to the computer.

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