In my previous blog “How to Find Your Commercials Online,” I shared tips on how to track down commercials you have voiced. That blog was a big success and received a lot of positive feedback.
But one important piece of information was missing.
How do you actually download those videos from platforms like Facebook Ad Library or other websites so you can save them and upload them to your YouTube channel or portfolio?
This method is not just useful for commercials but for any video or audio you want to keep from the internet. If you have voiced a commercial, corporate video, or e-learning project, and it pops up online, it is a smart move to save a copy for your records.
In this blog, I explain how to download videos from websites that do not offer a download option. This is a useful tool for voice actors who want to archive or share their work.
What Do You Need to Download Videos from the Internet?
To download videos from the internet, you only need two things.
• Google Chrome or Firefox. This method does not work in Safari or other browsers.
• The DownloadHelper extension for one of these browsers. You can find the official tool here: DownloadHelper.
The free version works fine, but if you plan to download videos regularly, I recommend purchasing the premium version for less than $30. This removes annoying limitations, such as QR codes on downloaded videos.
Keep in mind that a license for Google Chrome does not work in Firefox and vice versa.
How to Download a Video
1. Install the DownloadHelper extension in Google Chrome or Firefox.
2. Go to the website where the video you want to download is located. This could be Facebook Ad Library, YouTube, Vimeo, or another site.
3. Click on the DownloadHelper extension in your browser. The tool will automatically detect if a video is available on the page.
4. Select the video and choose the download option.
5. Save it, and you are done. Now you have a local file that you can keep or re-upload as needed.
Why Is This Useful for Voice Actors?
Many voice actors wonder where their commercials end up and how they can save them. Clients do not always send a copy of the video you voiced. With this method, you can find, save, and archive your work yourself.
If you want to upload your voiced videos to your YouTube channel or website, make sure you have permission from the client. Many companies do not mind voice actors sharing their work, but it is always a good idea to check first.
Do you already use a method to track and download your commercials and voice-over work online? Let me know!
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