The most practical ways to save YouTube videos
You can download YouTube videos to your phone using third-party apps, online converter websites, or YouTube Premium's built-in download feature. The method that works best depends on whether you want to keep videos permanently, how many you plan to download, and whether you're willing to pay for a subscription.
YouTube's own download feature is the simplest legal route if you have YouTube Premium, but it only works within the YouTube app and videos expire after 30 days offline. Free alternatives exist through apps and websites, though they operate in a legal gray area and may violate YouTube's terms of service depending on your location and the video's copyright status.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube Premium subscribers can download videos directly in the YouTube app, but downloaded videos only stay on your phone for 30 days before they expire.
- Third-party apps like TubeMate, Snaptube, and VidMate let you download videos as files you can keep permanently, but they are not available in official app stores and may not be legal in all regions.
- Online converter websites let you paste a YouTube link and download the video without installing an app, though they often include ads and may be slower than dedicated apps.
- Downloaded videos take up significant storage space — a typical 10-minute video uses 100 to 500 MB depending on quality, so check your phone's available storage before downloading multiple videos.
Using YouTube Premium's download feature
If you subscribe to YouTube Premium, the easiest method is downloading directly within the YouTube app. Open any video, tap the download icon (a downward arrow) below the video title, and select your preferred quality. The video saves to your phone's YouTube app and plays offline without using data.
The main limitation is that downloaded videos expire after 30 days. YouTube automatically deletes them from your phone, and you cannot extend this period or transfer them to other apps. This feature works best for videos you want to watch once or twice while traveling, not for building a permanent collection.
YouTube Premium costs $13.99 per month in the United States, though pricing varies by country. The subscription also removes ads from all YouTube videos and lets you play videos with your screen off.
Downloading with third-party apps
Apps like TubeMate, Snaptube, and VidMate let you download YouTube videos as permanent files on your phone. These apps are not available in Google Play Store or the Apple App Store, so you download them directly from the app developer's website or third-party app stores like APKPure or AppHair.
To use one of these apps, open it, paste the YouTube video link into the search bar, select your preferred video quality and format (MP4 is most common), and tap download. The video saves to your phone's storage as a file you can move, copy, or play in any video player app.
The trade-off is that these apps operate in a legal gray area. Downloading copyrighted content without permission violates YouTube's terms of service in most countries, though some jurisdictions allow personal downloads for private use. Check your local laws before downloading videos you do not own. Additionally, sideloading apps from outside official stores carries security risks — malware can hide in unofficial apps, so research any app thoroughly before installing.
Using online converter websites
Websites like Y2Mate, SaveFrom, and Keepvid let you download videos without installing an app. Paste the YouTube link into the website's search box, select your preferred quality and format, and click download. The video downloads directly to your phone's default download folder.
Online converters are convenient because they require no installation and work on any phone with a web browser. However, they are often slower than dedicated apps, frequently display ads or pop-ups, and may ask you to complete surveys before the download starts. Some websites also change their domain names frequently to avoid legal action, so a converter that works today may not work next week.
Like third-party apps, these websites operate in a legal gray area regarding copyright. Use them only for videos you have permission to download.
Storage space and video quality
Downloaded videos consume significant storage. A 10-minute YouTube video at standard quality (480p) uses roughly 100 to 150 MB, while the same video at high quality (720p) uses 250 to 400 MB, and 1080p uses 400 to 600 MB. A one-hour video at 720p can easily take up 1.5 to 2 GB.
Before downloading multiple videos, check your phone's available storage by going to Settings > Storage (Android) or Settings > General > iPhone Storage (iPhone). If you plan to download many videos, consider using lower quality settings or deleting videos after watching them to free up space.
Most third-party apps and online converters let you choose quality before downloading. YouTube Premium's download feature automatically selects quality based on your phone's screen size and your connection speed, though you can manually adjust this in YouTube settings under Downloads.
Comparing your options at a glance
| Method | Cost | Installation | Video Permanence | Legal Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube Premium | $13.99/month | None (built-in) | 30 days, then deleted | Legal |
| Third-party apps (TubeMate, Snaptube) | Free | Sideload from website | Permanent | Gray area; violates YouTube ToS |
| Online converters (Y2Mate, SaveFrom) | Free | None (web-based) | Permanent | Gray area; violates YouTube ToS |
What to do if downloads fail
If a download stalls or fails, first check your internet connection — a weak or unstable connection often causes incomplete downloads. Switch to a stronger WiFi network or move closer to your router, then try again.
If the video still will not download, the video's creator may have disabled downloads or restricted the video to certain regions. Some videos are also protected by copyright claims that prevent third-party apps from downloading them. In these cases, you may only be able to watch the video on YouTube itself.
For YouTube Premium downloads specifically, make sure you are signed into the YouTube app with the account that has the Premium subscription. Downloaded videos are tied to that account and will not play if you sign out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to download YouTube videos?
It depends on the video and your location. Downloading videos you created yourself or have permission to download is legal. Downloading copyrighted content without permission violates YouTube's terms of service and may violate copyright law in your country, though some jurisdictions allow personal downloads for private use. Check your local laws before downloading videos you do not own.
Can I download YouTube videos on iPhone?
YouTube Premium's download feature works on iPhone through the official YouTube app. Third-party apps and online converters also work on iPhone, though third-party apps must be sideloaded since Apple does not allow them in the App Store. Online converters work through Safari or any web browser without installation.
How much storage do downloaded videos use?
A 10-minute video at standard quality uses about 100 to 150 MB, while the same video at 720p uses 250 to 400 MB. Longer videos and higher quality settings use proportionally more space. Check your phone's available storage before downloading multiple videos, especially if you have less than 5 GB free.
What happens to videos downloaded with YouTube Premium?
YouTube Premium downloads expire and automatically delete after 30 days. You cannot extend this period or save them permanently. If you need to keep a video longer, you must download it again or use a third-party app or converter instead.
Can I share downloaded videos with other people?
Videos downloaded through YouTube Premium cannot be shared — they only play in your YouTube app on your signed-in account. Videos downloaded through third-party apps or converters are files on your phone and can technically be shared, but sharing copyrighted content without permission is illegal in most places.