Title: How to obtain the direct link to a YouTube video file
Tags: youtube;download
Question: I'm trying to figure out where to find the actual FLV video YouTube files. I've found several tutorials on the Internet, but none that work. So if anyone knows, that'd be much appreciated.

Comment: I haven't tried it, but try this: [http://stackoverflow.com/a/17305321/994031](http://stackoverflow.com/a/17305321/994031)

Comment: Try this http://youtube.2tera.com/


Here is another answer: You cannot directly obtain a source of the video from YouTube. There are many websites that allow you to download videos from YouTube in various formats such as an FLV format. An application like JDownloader works great for YouTube videos and many more!

Comment for this answer: If there is no way to obtain these sources, than how do applications such as JDownloader do it?
Comment for this answer: @THexi Well, manually it is not really feasible to do, though if you know any programming take a look at something like this: http://www.sajithmr.me/download-youtube-videos-using-php-code

Here is another answer: VLC may serve.

From The Best Hidden Features of VLC: 

```
  
  Find a video on YouTube and copy the URL from the address bar. 
  In VLC, head to Media > Open Network Stream. 
  Paste the YouTube link in the box and click Play. 
  Under Tools, click Codec Information. 
  In the box that says Location, right-click the block of text and click Select All. Copy this text to your clipboard. 
  Go back to your browser and paste the link in the address bar. This will open the source file directly on YouTube's servers. 
  Right-click the video as it plays and select Save Video As.
  
```

That'll give you an ```mp4``` file. VLC can also convert some file formats.

Comment for this answer: I need the direct link so I can import my videos in my apps without importing the interface. The URL you get from VLC is apparently temporary and get changed. So, I couldn't use this information to get the actual url for the video.
Comment for this answer: Doesn't seem to work anymore. Video is not loading.
Comment for this answer: Still works for me.

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