The most straightforward way to download YouTube videos
YouTube's official terms of service do not allow downloading videos through third-party tools or browser extensions. However, YouTube itself offers a legal way to watch videos offline: the YouTube Premium subscription, which costs $13.99 per month and includes an offline download feature built into the YouTube app.
If you do not want to pay for YouTube Premium, you have other options. Some videos are marked as available for download by their creators — you will see a download button directly on the video page if the creator has enabled it. Additionally, creators sometimes provide download links in the video description that point to their own website or a legitimate hosting service.
For videos you own or have permission to download, there are desktop software tools and online converters that can save YouTube videos to your computer. These tools work by converting the video to a file format like MP4 or MKV that you can store locally. The legality of using these tools depends on whether you have the right to download the specific video — downloading copyrighted content without permission violates YouTube's terms and may violate copyright law.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube Premium subscribers can download videos directly through the YouTube app for offline viewing, which is YouTube's official method.
- Some creators enable downloads on their videos, and you will see a download button on the video page if this option is available.
- Desktop software and online converters can save YouTube videos as MP4 or other file formats, but only use these for videos you own or have permission to download.
- Downloading copyrighted videos without permission violates YouTube's terms of service and may violate copyright law in your country.
- Always check the video description for creator-provided download links, which are the safest and most direct option when available.
Using YouTube Premium to download videos legally
If you subscribe to YouTube Premium, downloading videos is built into the YouTube mobile app on iOS and Android. Open any video, tap the three dots menu below the video title, and select "Download." The video will save to your device and remain available for 30 days. After 30 days, you must reconnect to the internet so YouTube can verify your Premium subscription is still active — if it is, the video stays on your device.
Downloaded videos only play in the YouTube app itself, not in other video players or on your computer. You cannot transfer them to another device or share them with others. This restriction is built into the download system to protect creators' rights. The offline feature works on phones and tablets but not on the YouTube website or desktop app.
Downloading videos the creator has made available
Some creators choose to allow downloads on specific videos. When this is enabled, you will see a download button (usually an arrow pointing downward) directly on the video page, next to the like and share buttons. Click or tap this button and choose your preferred video quality — higher quality files are larger and take longer to download.
This is the safest way to download videos because the creator has explicitly permitted it. The download button appears on both the YouTube website and the mobile app. If you do not see a download button, the creator has not enabled downloads for that video, and you should not attempt to download it through other means.
Using desktop software to convert and save videos
Desktop applications like 4K Video Downloader, YT-DLP (a command-line tool), and Shotcut (which includes download features) can save YouTube videos as MP4 files to your computer. To use one of these tools, you typically paste the YouTube video URL into the application, choose your desired video quality and format, and click download. The video file then saves to a folder on your computer that you choose.
Before using any desktop tool, verify that you have the right to download the video. This means either owning the video yourself, having explicit permission from the copyright holder, or downloading content that is in the public domain. Using these tools to download copyrighted music videos, movies, or other protected content without permission is against YouTube's terms and may violate copyright law.
Desktop tools are more reliable than online converters because they run on your own computer and do not depend on a third-party website staying online. However, you must download and install the software, which takes a few minutes. Always download software from the official website listed on the tool's GitHub page or official site, not from random download sites.
Using online converters to save videos as files
Online converter websites like Y2Mate, SaveFrom.net, and ClipConverter let you download videos without installing software. Paste the YouTube URL into the converter, select your preferred format (MP4, MKV, WebM, or audio-only formats like MP3), choose the quality, and click convert. The file downloads to your computer within seconds to a few minutes depending on video length.
Online converters are convenient because they require no installation, but they come with trade-offs. Many display advertisements, some are slower than desktop tools, and the websites themselves can disappear or change their terms without notice. Additionally, using your browser to download videos may leave temporary files on your computer that take up storage space.
The same legal rules apply: only download videos you own or have permission to download. Downloading copyrighted content without permission violates both YouTube's terms and copyright law in most countries.
What to do if a video cannot be downloaded
Some videos are protected and cannot be downloaded through any method, even with desktop software or online converters. This usually happens with music videos, movies, or other content where the copyright holder has specifically blocked downloads. If you try to download a protected video and the tool fails or shows an error, the video is intentionally restricted.
In this situation, your options are limited. You can watch the video on YouTube with an internet connection, subscribe to YouTube Premium to download it if the creator has enabled that feature, or look for the content on a legitimate streaming service where the creator or copyright holder has made it available. Some creators also sell or distribute their videos through their own websites, which you can check by looking at the video description.
Storing and organizing downloaded videos on your computer
Once you download a video file, it lives on your computer like any other file. Create a folder specifically for downloaded videos so they are easy to find later. Most download tools let you choose where files save — select a location you will remember, such as a "Downloads" or "Videos" folder.
Downloaded video files take up significant storage space. A one-hour video in 1080p quality typically uses 500 MB to 1 GB of storage, while 4K videos can use 2 GB or more. If you download many videos, check your computer's available storage space regularly. You can delete downloaded videos at any time to free up space, just as you would delete any other file.
If you plan to keep videos long-term, consider backing them up to an external hard drive or cloud storage. This protects against losing them if your computer fails. However, do not upload copyrighted videos to cloud services or share them with others, as this violates copyright law and YouTube's terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to download YouTube videos?
It depends on the video and your purpose. Downloading videos you own, videos the creator has made available for download, or videos in the public domain is legal. Downloading copyrighted videos without permission — including music videos, movies, and most commercial content — violates copyright law and YouTube's terms of service. When in doubt, check the video description or contact the creator to ask for permission.
Can I download videos on my phone without YouTube Premium?
YouTube Premium is the official way to download videos on phones. Some online converters have mobile-friendly websites, but they work less reliably on phones than on computers. Desktop tools do not run on phones. If you want to download videos on a phone without paying for Premium, online converters are your only option, though they come with the same legal restrictions as desktop tools.
What video format should I choose when downloading?
MP4 is the most compatible format — it plays on nearly all devices and video players. If you want to edit the video later, MKV or WebM formats preserve higher quality but are less widely supported. If you only want the audio, choose MP3 or M4A format. Start with MP4 unless you have a specific reason to use a different format.
Will downloading videos slow down my computer?
The download process itself will not permanently slow your computer. However, downloaded video files take up storage space, and if your hard drive becomes nearly full, your computer may run slower. Delete videos you no longer need to free up space. The download tool itself may use some processing power while downloading, but this stops once the download finishes.
Can I download videos from YouTube to watch on another website or app?
Downloaded videos are just files on your computer, so you can open them in any video player — VLC, Windows Media Player, QuickTime, or others. However, videos downloaded through YouTube Premium only play in the YouTube app due to copyright protection. Videos downloaded through other methods play in any player, but remember that downloading copyrighted content without permission is against the law.