What you can legally download from YouTube
YouTube's terms of service prohibit downloading videos without permission, even without a paid subscription. However, creators can enable downloads for specific videos, and YouTube itself offers a limited offline feature in its mobile app. If a video has a download button next to the share icon, the creator has allowed it — you can tap that button to save it to your phone for offline viewing.
For videos without an official download option, third-party tools exist that can capture video content, but using them violates YouTube's terms. This means YouTube can remove your account, and you could face legal action if the video is copyrighted material you do not own rights to. The safest approach is to check whether the creator has enabled downloads, or to contact them directly and ask permission.
Some creators post their videos on other platforms specifically to allow downloads — check their channel description or website to see if they offer files elsewhere. Educational content, music, and instructional videos are sometimes available through the creator's own site or through Creative Commons licenses that permit downloading.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube's terms prohibit downloading videos without creator permission, regardless of whether you pay for Premium.
- If a video displays a download button, the creator has allowed downloads and you can use it legally.
- Third-party download tools violate YouTube's terms and can result in account suspension or legal action.
- Many creators offer downloads directly from their own websites or through other platforms like Patreon or their personal sites.
- Contacting the creator to ask permission is the only may provide legal way to download videos that do not have an official download option.
How to use YouTube's built-in offline feature on mobile
YouTube's mobile app includes an offline viewing feature that works on both iOS and Android. This is not the same as downloading — the video stays on YouTube's servers and you are simply caching it temporarily on your phone. Open the YouTube app, find the video you want to watch offline, tap the three dots below the video title, and select "Save offline." The video will download to your phone and remain available for up to 30 days.
This feature works on any YouTube account, including free ones, but only in the mobile app — not on desktop or web browsers. The video will play only within the YouTube app and cannot be transferred to other devices or apps. If you delete the YouTube app or clear your app cache, the offline videos disappear.
When a creator has enabled downloads
Some YouTube creators turn on the download feature for their videos. This is most common with educational channels, music artists who own their own work, and creators who want to share content widely. When downloads are enabled, you will see a download icon (usually an arrow pointing downward) next to the share button below the video player on desktop, or in the menu on mobile.
Click or tap that icon and choose your preferred video quality. YouTube will save the file to your device's default download folder on desktop, or to your phone's storage on mobile. These downloaded files are yours to keep and do not expire, unlike the temporary offline cache.
If you do not see a download button, the creator has not enabled it for that video. Downloading it anyway using a third-party tool would violate both YouTube's terms and potentially copyright law.
Asking creators for permission to download
If you want to download a video that does not have an official download option, your best option is to contact the creator directly. Most channels have a business email in the "About" section, or you can leave a comment on the video explaining what you need the video for and asking if they can enable downloads or share a file with you.
Creators are often willing to share their work when asked politely, especially if you explain that you want to use it for personal, educational, or non-commercial purposes. Some may ask you to credit them or provide a link back to their channel. Others may direct you to their website, Patreon, or another platform where they host downloadable versions.
Why third-party download tools carry real risks
Websites and software that download YouTube videos without permission work by capturing the video stream and saving it to your device. While they may seem to work, using them breaks YouTube's terms of service. YouTube actively detects and blocks these tools, and if you use one, your account can be suspended or permanently banned.
Beyond YouTube's enforcement, downloading copyrighted material you do not own rights to — including music videos, movies, TV clips, and other professional content — is illegal in most countries. Copyright holders can file takedown notices, and in some cases pursue legal action against people who download and distribute their work. Even downloading for personal use does not protect you legally if the content is copyrighted.
Some download tools also carry security risks. They may contain malware, collect your browsing data, or require you to install software that compromises your device security. Free download sites are particularly risky because they often fund themselves through ads and data collection rather than legitimate revenue.
Legal alternatives for offline video content
If you need videos for offline viewing, several legal options exist. YouTube Premium includes offline downloads for videos in the YouTube library, though this requires a paid subscription. Vimeo, Dailymotion, and other video platforms sometimes allow downloads depending on the creator's settings. Streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video all include offline download features as part of their standard or premium plans.
For educational and instructional content, platforms like Skillshare, Udemy, and Coursera allow you to download course videos to watch offline. Many universities and libraries also offer streaming video collections with download options. If you need a specific creator's content offline, check whether they offer it through their own website, a membership site, or a file-sharing service like Google Drive or Dropbox.
Creative Commons videos are another option — these are videos released under licenses that explicitly permit downloading and sharing. You can search for Creative Commons content on YouTube by filtering your search results, or use dedicated Creative Commons platforms like Pixabay Videos or Pexels Videos.
What happens if YouTube detects unauthorized downloads
YouTube uses automated systems to detect when accounts are downloading videos using third-party tools. The first warning is usually a temporary restriction on your account — you may lose the ability to upload videos, create playlists, or access certain features. If you continue, YouTube can suspend your account entirely, making it inaccessible until you appeal.
If the videos you downloaded are copyrighted material, the copyright holder may file a Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) takedown notice against you. This can result in YouTube removing your account permanently and, in some cases, legal action. Even if you downloaded for personal use, copyright holders have the right to pursue damages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download YouTube videos if I pay for Premium?
Yes. YouTube Premium includes an offline download feature that works on mobile devices. You can download videos to your phone and watch them without an internet connection for up to 30 days. This is the only legal way to download most YouTube videos.
Is it illegal to download a YouTube video for personal use?
It depends on the video's copyright status. If the creator owns the content and has not given permission, downloading it violates YouTube's terms and may violate copyright law, even for personal use. If the creator has enabled downloads or released the video under a Creative Commons license, downloading is legal.
What is the difference between YouTube's offline feature and downloading?
Offline viewing caches the video temporarily on your phone through the YouTube app — it expires after 30 days and only plays in the app. Downloading saves a permanent copy of the video file to your device. YouTube's free offline feature is temporary; Premium's download feature is permanent.
Can I get in trouble for using a YouTube video downloader?
Yes. YouTube can suspend or ban your account for using unauthorized download tools. If the video is copyrighted material, the copyright holder can file a DMCA notice, which may result in legal action and financial penalties.
Where can I find videos that are legal to download?
Look for videos with a download button enabled by the creator, search for Creative Commons licensed videos on YouTube or dedicated platforms like Pixabay Videos, or check the creator's website or Patreon for downloadable versions. Streaming services like Netflix and educational platforms like Udemy also offer legal offline downloads.