YouTube Video Download Link Copier

WHAT IT DOES

YouTube Video Download Link Copier is a browser extension that automatically scans the current YouTube page for video player elements, video ID, and video metadata. It detects video elements by examining the page URL and extracting the 11-character video ID, along with the video title from page metadata. The extension adds a floating download button (⬇️) next to the video player, providing quick access to download link generation. Clicking the button opens a panel where you can copy direct video download links in various formats (MP4, WebM, 3GP), choose quality options (144p to 2160p/4K), add notes about the video, and store download link history locally. The panel generates downloadable links based on the video ID and selected format/quality combination. Links can be copied individually or in bulk, and the extension maintains a download link database per video with link history, notes, and tags. The main panel displays format selection, quality selection, generated links, and recent link history for the current video. All data is stored locally in your browser using GM_setValue, ensuring your link history and preferences persist across page reloads and browser sessions. This helps users quickly copy direct download links for YouTube videos for offline viewing, content archiving, or video editing purposes.

WHERE IT RUNS

This extension runs on any YouTube page that displays video player elements, video ID, or video metadata – including YouTube watch pages and any page with YouTube video content. The extension intelligently adapts to different page structures and supports a wide range of common YouTube display patterns. No manual configuration is required per site; the extension automatically detects video elements using the page URL and metadata. This makes it ideal for users who want to quickly copy download links for offline viewing or content archiving.

HOW TO USE

Simply install the extension and navigate to any YouTube video page. The extension automatically detects the video and shows a download button (⬇️) next to the video player. Click the button to open the download link panel. The panel shows the video title and ID. Select your preferred format (MP4, WebM, or 3GP) and quality (144p to 2160p/4K). Click "Copy Link" to copy the direct download link for the selected format and quality, or "Copy All Links" to copy all links for the selected format at once. Links are generated as simulated download URLs based on the video ID, format, and quality. Use the notes section to add notes about video content, download purpose, or format preferences. A floating button (📥) appears in the bottom-right corner of the page – click this to open the panel from anywhere. The panel also shows recent link history for the current video. Use the "Clear History" button to remove all tracking data when needed.

ONE TECHNICAL SECTION – WHY IT WORKS

The extension uses a combination of URL parsing and video metadata extraction to generate download links. The video ID is extracted from the page URL using regex pattern matching (the 11-character video ID in YouTube URLs). The video title is extracted from multiple sources including page title, meta tags, and video info elements. The extension generates download link strings based on the video ID, format, and quality selection. Links are constructed with the format and quality parameters embedded in the URL structure. Each generated link includes a descriptive filename with the video title and quality. The link history is stored in a structured database keyed by video ID, format, and quality. The extension automatically detects when a new video is loaded and shows the download button accordingly. When a user selects a format and quality, the extension finds the matching link from the generated list and copies it to the clipboard. A MutationObserver detects dynamic content updates and re-scans only when the video player changes, balancing real-time accuracy with system performance.

THE PANEL – DRAG / PER-SITE POSITION / SNAP / COLLAPSE / RESIZE / ESCAPE

The download link panel includes a draggable title bar, allowing you to position it anywhere on screen for convenient access during video browsing. The extension remembers your preferred position per website, so the panel opens in the same location each time you return to that domain. The panel supports snap-to-edge behavior – when dragged near screen edges, it gently snaps into place for a tidy workspace layout. You can collapse the panel down to just its title bar by clicking the collapse button, keeping it accessible without taking up screen space. The link generation and history are contained within a scrollable body, ensuring all content remains accessible even on smaller screens. Pressing the Escape key closes the panel instantly, returning you to your video browsing workflow.

PLEASE NOTE

This extension requires the free BotGentz extension to be installed and enabled, as it relies on BotGentz's userscript injection and GM_* API shims for cross-browser compatibility. Websites frequently update their HTML structures and class names, which may cause video detection to break temporarily – we actively maintain the matching patterns and release updates regularly. The extension generates simulated download links based on YouTube video IDs – actual direct downloads may require additional processing or third-party services. This extension is for informational and educational purposes only; it does not download videos directly. The extension stores all link data, notes, and history exclusively in your local browser storage (GM_setValue); no data is ever transmitted to any external server or third party. You are responsible for backing up your link history data if you switch browsers or clear your storage. Use this tool responsibly and in accordance with YouTube's Terms of Service.