Step 1. Launch VLC
Step 2. Copy the Video URL from YouTube
Go for the video on YouTube and copy the link from the browser’s address bar above the page.
Step 3. Paste the Video URL into VLC and Start Playing
Click on "Media" > "Open Network Stream" in VLC main interface.
Then under the Network tab on the pop-up window, enter the YouTube video URL that you have copied from YouTube.
Press the "Play" button to start playing the video.
Step 4. Get and Copy Codec Information of the YouTube Video
Click "Tools" > "Codec Information" to copy the full URL besides the "Location" title.
This is the direct URL of the YouTube video.
Step 5. Enter the URL into Address Bar and Download the YouTube Video
Open a web browser page and paste the copied Location URL into the address bar before hitting "Enter" on your keyboard.
More clicks of "Save" button might be needed after that, which depends on the video link and the setting of your browser.