How to backup/download a youtube video before it gets taken down

It happens all the time and too often to me for this site. You link to a great youtube video then it's taken down or otherwise goes away and you're left with a broken link or one of your sources is gone.

Note that VLC can be annoying so if you just want to make a quick rip of a video try using an online converter like https://offeo.com/download/youtube-downloader/

Just a quick note about VLC. Download it from the official site only, Videolan, and when installing uncheck "other" in the file associations. If after installing you find the "extract all" missing from your right click here's a link to fix that.

1: Copy the link (share function is fine) of the desired video
You can use the "Share" link or the browser location URL.

2: Open VLC and right click on the player window and select
Open Media > Open Stream
(Shortcut is CTRL + N)
Paste the copied Link to Network Stream and hit Play.

Step 3: Get Location Link. After it starts playing you can Pause then right-click and select
Tools > Media Information
(Shortcut CTRL + J)
At the bottom of that window in the "Location" field is the link you want. Double-click that and copy the entire link.

4: Open a new browser tab and paste in the copied location link, hit enter and it will start playing the exact video in the browser.

5:Right-click on playing video and you will get an option for “Save Video As” and *rename the video* before clicking save.