7 Safety Tips for Using Online Video Downloaders

Online video downloaders are handy, but the category attracts sites full of misleading ads and even malware. Follow these seven rules and you will stay safe on any downloader, including ours.

1. Never install software to download a video

A video downloader website should give you a video file, not an app. If a site insists you install a program, browser extension or APK, close it.

2. Check the file type

Videos end in .mp4 or .webm, audio in .mp3 or .m4a. A file ending in .exe, .apk, .bat, .scr or .zip is not a video.

3. Watch out for fake Download buttons

Many sites place ads that look like big green Download buttons. The real button usually appears next to the quality you selected, after you paste a link.

4. Do not allow notifications

If a site asks to send you notifications, choose Block. Notification spam is a common trick to push scams to your phone.

5. Never enter your password

You never need to log in to Instagram, TikTok or Facebook to download a public video. A site asking for your social media password is trying to steal your account.

6. Keep your browser updated

Browser updates fix security holes. Turn on automatic updates on your phone and computer.

7. Use HTTPS sites

Check for the padlock in the address bar. SocialMate runs entirely on HTTPS, needs no account and never asks you to install anything. Read more on our Security page.

Try it now: go to the SocialMate home page, paste any public video link and pick your quality.