Any other way (in terms of system resources and time) of downloading  youtube videos cannot be more efficient than just changing a letter of the URL. The following method allows you to generate direct links to download the video in flv format or iPod friendly mp4 format. To download a Youtube video follow the follow the simple instruction just once. The next time you won’t have to look at this.

Instruction:

Change the “y” of “youtube.com” in the youtube URL to “3″. Like this:

Similarly adding “kick” before youtube in the URL does the same thing. (But typing 3 more letters is comparatively less efficient). The pwn youtube method no longer works directly, but still redirects you to a useful place. Using download manager and other plugins are mathematically less efficient too (system resources). Cheers.

If you think copy pasting the URL is tedious. One good way to Download Youtube videos is this:

Once you add “pwn” and hit enter, you get redirected to www.deturl.com

The page you are redirected gives you an option to download the video in an ipod friendly high quality mp4 or the same old flv format. Good for you if you don’t often download videos, just happen to like this one and want to have it on HDD.

Well, if you use firefox and care to invest time to install the plugin because you think it may help in the ‘long run’. Use the Download Helper is a good option for you.