Reader Feedback: MediaStorm Guide to Downloading from YouTube and Vimeo

I received some important feedback regarding my post from several weeks ago, MediaStorm Guide to Downloading from YouTube and Vimeo. “JY” writes, “KeepVid actually doesn’t work great on Mavericks because it has Java disabled/uninstalled.” This is true. Because Java has been used to launch attacks on Macs in the past, Apple decide to not pre-install it on OS X 10.9 (Mavericks). You can still download the software but for security reasons you may choose not to. Fortunately, when it comes to downloading videos, there are a plethora of alternatives to keepvid.com. We received recommendations for the free ClipConverter as well as MacX YouTube Downloader. A tutorial for the latter can be found here. My good pal Leandro Badalotti suggests the Torch Browser, which allows for downloads from more sites than just YouTube. Let us know what alternatives you’ve found in the comments below and thanks, as always, for the feedback.

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MediaStorm Guide to Downloading from YouTube and Vimeo

Last week I started a project that incorporates previously produced material. The client stores this footage on YouTube and Vimeo. Once I’ve selected the clips I’d like to use, they will send me the Final Cut Projects and raw assets so I can use their material accordingly.

But it takes time to procure these files and as always, the clock is ticking. You’ve probably been in this situation yourself.

Rather than screen-capture the files with QuickTime or iShowU, my workaround is to download directly from the aforementioned sites. This is far faster as I don’t need to rerecord in real time.

I use the free service keepvid.com which allows the user to download videos directly from sites like YouTube and Vimeo. This works via a bookmarklet—a few lines of javascript—that sit on your browser’s bookmark bar.

To begin, load keepvid.com in your browser. 
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Software Inventory 2014

I thought the start of the new year would be a good time to review the software I use most frequently at MediaStorm.

The Essentials

Adobe Premiere Pro CC (starting at $19.99 a month) – Back in October of 2012 MediaStorm announced our decision to use Premiere Pro, not FCP X. With the advent of CC, the updates are faster and the software keeps getting better.

Aperture (Mac App Store, $79.99) – Aperture is Apple’s workhouse picture-editing software. While it’s due for an update, we’ve been relying on Aperture for the better part of a decade. For an extensive guide to Aperture see the MediaStorm Post-production Workflow ($14.95).

Keyboard Maestro ($36.00) – Keyboard Maestro is a macro utility. When a user inputs a single keyboard shortcut, Keyboard Maestro will respond with a series of predefined actions. This small application really increased my logging speed last year. See MediaStorm Guide to Super Fast Logging with Premiere Pro and Keyboard Maestro.

PluralEyes ($199) – Essential software for syncing multiple audio or video sources. See MediaStorm Guide to Creating Multi-Camera Sequences in Premiere Pro, Part 1.

Final Cut Pro 7 – Apple’s venerable editing software is no longer available for purchase nor is it in heavy use around the office. But with nearly 40 TB of legacy projects, it’s still critical to have a copy on our production stations.

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