The phrase refers to the act of acquiring audio-visual content from a prominent online video platform without incurring any direct monetary charges. This process often entails utilizing third-party software or websites designed to facilitate the extraction and storage of video files in various formats to a local device. As an illustration, an individual might seek to save an educational lecture or a music track for offline viewing or listening.
This activity’s popularity stems from the desire for accessibility and control over media consumption. It enables individuals to access content regardless of internet connectivity, reduce data usage on mobile devices, and create personal archives of favored videos. Historically, this practice arose concurrently with the widespread adoption of streaming video services and the increasing demand for digital media portability.