YouTube's official download options are limited, but they exist
YouTube itself offers download features in only two situations: YouTube Premium members can download videos within the YouTube app to watch offline, and anyone can download their own uploaded videos from the YouTube Studio dashboard. Outside those two paths, downloading a video from YouTube violates the site's terms of service, even if the video is unlisted or the creator says it's okay.
The legal distinction matters. YouTube's terms prohibit downloading unless you have explicit permission from the copyright holder — not just the uploader. A creator who posts someone else's music, footage, or licensed content cannot give you legal permission to download it. The copyright holder can.
If you want to download videos for offline viewing without breaking the rules, your options are narrower than most download sites suggest. This guide covers what actually works within YouTube's terms.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube Premium members can download videos directly in the YouTube app for offline viewing, and the download expires after 30 days or if the subscription lapses.
- You can download any video you uploaded yourself from YouTube Studio, regardless of whether you have a Premium subscription.
- Downloading someone else's video without permission from the copyright holder violates YouTube's terms, even if the uploader says it's fine.
- Third-party download sites and browser extensions that claim to download YouTube videos operate in a legal gray area and may expose your device to malware.
- Creators who want their videos downloaded legally can use YouTube's download feature or host files on their own website instead.
YouTube Premium downloads: how they work and what you get
If you pay for YouTube Premium, you can download videos directly within the YouTube mobile app (iOS and Android) or the YouTube app on some smart TVs. Open any video, tap the download icon below the video player, and choose your quality. The video stays on your device until you delete it or your Premium membership ends.
Downloaded videos expire after 30 days, even if you never watch them. If your Premium subscription lapses, all downloaded videos become unwatchable immediately. You cannot transfer downloaded videos to another device or app, and you cannot share them with other people. The download is tied to your account and your subscription status.
YouTube Premium costs $13.99 per month in the United States, though pricing varies by country. The service includes ad-free viewing, background play, and downloads as part of the same subscription.
Downloading your own videos from YouTube Studio
If you uploaded a video to YouTube yourself, you can download the original file from YouTube Studio without a Premium subscription. Sign in to YouTube Studio, go to the Videos section, find the video you want, click the three-dot menu, and select Download. YouTube provides the file in its original format and resolution.
This works for any video you uploaded, regardless of whether it's public, unlisted, or private. You can download multiple videos at once by selecting them and using the bulk download option. There is no expiration date on these downloads — once you have the file, it stays on your device.
This option does not help you download videos uploaded by other creators, even if they gave you permission to use them. You would still need permission from the copyright holder of any music, footage, or other copyrighted material in the video.
Why third-party download sites are risky
Websites and browser extensions that claim to download YouTube videos operate in a legal gray area. YouTube's terms prohibit these tools, and using them violates the site's rules. Beyond the terms-of-service issue, many of these sites carry real security risks.
Common problems include malware bundled with the download, ads that redirect to phishing sites, and requests for personal information that get sold to data brokers. Some sites inject ads into the downloaded video file itself. Others require you to install a browser extension that tracks your browsing or hijacks your search results.
Even if a particular site seems safe today, ownership and practices change. A site that was legitimate six months ago may have been sold to a company that injects malware into downloads. There is no reliable way to know which sites are safe without testing them yourself — and testing them yourself means risking your device.
What creators can do if they want videos downloaded
If you create videos and want people to download them legally, YouTube's download feature is available to you if you have Premium. You can also host video files on your own website, use a service like Vimeo that allows downloads, or upload to platforms like Rumble that have built-in download options.
If you want to distribute videos through YouTube but also allow downloads, you can provide a download link in the video description that points to your own server or a file-hosting service. This way, viewers get the video on YouTube and can download it from your own site if they choose.
Make sure any music, footage, or other copyrighted material in your video is either your own work or licensed for distribution. If you use licensed music, check whether the license allows downloads. Some music licenses permit streaming but not downloading.
Legal alternatives for offline video viewing
If you want to watch videos offline without downloading them, several platforms offer this feature built in. Vimeo allows downloads on videos where the creator enabled the option. Rumble has a download button on most videos. Nebula, a creator-focused platform, includes downloads with a subscription.
For YouTube specifically, YouTube Premium is the only legal way to download videos you did not upload yourself. If the cost is a barrier, consider whether you actually need offline access or whether you could watch videos when you have internet instead.
Some creators post their videos to multiple platforms. If a creator you follow posts on both YouTube and a platform with download features, you might find the download option on the other platform instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download a YouTube video if the creator says it's okay?
Not legally, unless the creator is also the copyright holder of everything in the video. If the video contains licensed music, stock footage, or other copyrighted material, the creator cannot give you permission to download it — only the copyright holder can. YouTube's terms require permission from the copyright holder, not just the uploader.
What happens if I download a video using a third-party site?
You violate YouTube's terms of service, which could result in your account being suspended or banned. Beyond that, you risk malware, phishing, or data theft from the download site itself. YouTube actively works to block these tools, so downloads may fail or the site may disappear without warning.
Do YouTube Premium downloads work offline?
Yes. Once downloaded, you can watch the video without an internet connection. The download stays on your device until you delete it or your Premium subscription ends. If your subscription lapses, the video becomes unwatchable even if it is still on your device.
Can I download videos from YouTube to edit them?
Only if you uploaded the video yourself — you can download it from YouTube Studio. If you want to download and edit someone else's video, you need written permission from the copyright holder. Downloading without permission violates both YouTube's terms and copyright law in most countries.
Is there a way to download YouTube videos for free without breaking the rules?
Only if you uploaded the video yourself. For other videos, the only legal option within YouTube's terms is a Premium subscription. If cost is the issue, consider whether you need offline access or whether streaming when you have internet works for your situation.