The only safe and legal way to download videos from YouTube is with a YouTube Premium subscription. This guide explains how to download videos from YouTube using the official method, how to save your own uploads, and what to know about third-party tools.
The legal way: how to download videos from YouTube with premium
A YouTube Premium subscription is the primary official method to download videos. It provides a download button on eligible videos, letting you save them for offline viewing directly within the app. Downloaded videos remain accessible as long as your subscription is active and the video stays on YouTube.
Download on mobile (iOS and Android)
- Open the YouTube app and find the video you want to save.
- Tap the Download button located below the video player.
- Select your preferred video quality from the options provided.
- The video will begin downloading and appear in your library.
Download on desktop
To download videos from YouTube premium on PC, open the YouTube website and sign in to your Premium account. Navigate to the video you want, and you will see a Download button below the player. Click it and choose your desired quality. The video will save and be accessible from the Downloads section in the left sidebar.
Find your downloaded videos
On mobile devices, all downloaded videos are stored in the Library tab under the Downloads section. On desktop, they appear in the left sidebar menu under Downloads. You can watch them anytime without an internet connection.
How to download your own YouTube videos
If you have uploaded content to your channel, you can save a copy directly to your device. Open the YouTube app or YouTube Studio app, find your video, and tap the menu icon (three dots) next to it. Select Save to device from the options. The video will download in its original quality to your local storage.
Alternative methods for downloading YouTube videos (use at your own risk)
YouTube's Terms of Service explicitly prohibit downloading content unless a download button is provided by YouTube or prior written permission is obtained. The methods below violate these terms. Use them only for personal, offline viewing where official options are unavailable, and be aware of the risks.
Web-based tools
These services let you download YouTube videos online without any software. You simply paste a video URL into their website. VDYouTube is one example; you can add vd before the YouTube link in your address bar (e.g., vdyoutube.com/watch) to access download options. Be cautious of misleading advertisement buttons on these sites.
Desktop software
Programs like 4K Video Downloader and ClipGrab are popular choices. After installing the software, copy a YouTube video URL and paste it into the application. You can then select your preferred format and quality before starting the download. These tools often support batch downloads and playlist saving.
Direct URL tricks
Services like Savefrom.net allow you to modify a YouTube URL to trigger a download. For example, adding ss before the word YouTube in the address bar (making it ssyoutube.com) redirects you to a download page. This method works without installing any browser extensions.
Understanding the risks of third-party YouTube downloaders
Using unauthorized downloaders carries several potential consequences. Malware is a common threat, as many free tools bundle unwanted software or contain viruses. Your YouTube account may be terminated if YouTube detects Terms of Service violations. Additionally, downloading copyrighted content without permission could lead to legal issues. The official YouTube Premium method avoids all these risks and is the only recommended approach.
Frequently asked questions about downloading YouTube videos
Are there limits to offline viewing with YouTube Premium?
Yes. Downloaded videos remain available only while your Premium subscription is active. If you cancel, you lose access to saved content. Some videos may also have regional or licensing restrictions that prevent downloading.
What video quality options are available?
YouTube Premium offers several quality levels for downloads, typically including 360p, 480p, 720p, and 1080p. The exact options depend on the video and your device settings. Higher resolutions require more storage space.
Is it legal to download YouTube videos for personal use?
Downloading videos from YouTube without a download button provided by the platform violates YouTube's Terms of Service, regardless of the purpose. While some jurisdictions allow personal-use copies under fair use, the platform's rules prohibit it. The only fully compliant method is using YouTube Premium or saving your own uploads. For a different service, you can download on tubi through its official app, which allows offline viewing for supported content. Similarly, you can download movies on YouTube to watch offline only if you have a YouTube Premium subscription and the movie is available for download.
