Video site is trialling a system that lets users keep videos to watch even when they are not connected to the internet

This article is more than 11 years old

This article is more than 11 years old

YouTube is starting to offer users the chance to download videos straight from the popular website to watch on their computer or iPod.

In an announcement this morning the site, which is owned by internet giant Google, said it is trialling a system that lets users keep videos to watch even when they are not connected to the internet.

"We've started working with a few partners who want their videos shared universally and even enjoyed away from an internet connection," wrote Thai Tran, YouTube product manager.

Some users who sign up to partner with the website will also be allowed to offer their video downloads for sale – allowing users to pay a small amount and receive a permanent, offline copy of the file in return.

"Partners could choose to offer their video downloads for free or for a small fee paid through Google Checkout," Tran added.

It is not entirely clear how much of a cut Google plans to take from the service, but to begin with the company is trialling it with a series of American colleges – Stanford, Duke and the University of California – as well with a small number of popular users.

The ability to download videos from YouTube is not new - it has been possible to do so for some time, thanks to tools such as SaveVid and Video Download Helper.

However, the new approach could allow millions of ordinary users to grab videos directly from the site with a single click – and without needing to install any complicated or technical extras.

Additionally, the officially downloaded files are available in an unprotected MP4 format, allowing users to transfer their videos onto many other devices and media players.

This neatly sidesteps a potential problem that could have hampered those who want to download YouTube videos to watch on an iPod or iPhone.

Despite the ability of the iPhone and iPod touch to surf the internet wirelessly, Apple has so far refused to include support for Flash - the system that is used by YouTube and thousands of other multimedia websites.

However, the iPod is able to play MP4 files – therefore enabling millions more users to potentially make use of the new service.

In order to prevent the system from being used for piracy, only approved users will get the chance to offer their content for download - and anybody who breaks the terms of the agreement is likely to have their account closed.