Before you start
- The YouTube app
- YouTube Premium for most downloads (some countries offer limited free downloads)
What’s allowed
YouTube’s Terms of Service don’t allow downloading videos except through YouTube’s own download features, or where YouTube shows a download link. Third-party downloader websites and apps break those terms, often come with aggressive ads or malware, and creators lose income. The methods below are the safe and legitimate ones.
Method 1 Download for offline viewing in the YouTube app
Downloads need YouTube Premium in most countries. In some countries, YouTube lets free users download certain videos. You must go online at least once every 29 days to keep downloads available.
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Step 1: Open the video
Open the YouTube app and play the video you want.
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Step 2: Tap Download
Tap Download under the video (scroll the buttons sideways if needed). Choose the quality: higher quality looks better but uses more storage.
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Step 3: Find your downloads
Tap You (your profile picture) > Downloads. Videos play without internet.
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Step 4: Download whole playlists
Open a playlist and tap the download icon to save all its videos at once.
Method 2 Save your own YouTube videos to your phone gallery
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Step 1: Open YouTube Studio on a computer
Go to studio.youtube.com and sign in with your channel.
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Step 2: Download the video
Click Content, hover over your video, click the three dots (⋮) and choose Download. You get an MP4 file.
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Step 3: Move it to your phone
Send it to your phone with Google Drive, Google Photos, AirDrop (Mac to iPhone), Quick Share, or a USB cable. Save it to your gallery from there.
Method 3 Get permission for someone else’s video
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Step 1: Ask the creator
Many creators share files for school, events or reuse if you ask. Contact them through the email in their channel’s About section.
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Step 2: Look for a download link
Some videos (for example, Creative Commons footage or educational content) link to an official download in the description. Use that link.
Troubleshooting
I don’t see a Download button
Downloads may not be available in your country without Premium, or the creator or music rights holder has disabled them for that video. Update the app and check you’re signed in.
My downloads disappeared
Downloads expire if you don’t connect to the internet for 29 days, or if the video is removed from YouTube. Reconnect and download again.
Downloads take too much space
Go to You > Settings > Background & downloads and lower the download quality, or turn off Smart downloads.
Frequently asked questions
Is it illegal to download YouTube videos?
Using third-party downloaders breaks YouTube’s terms and can infringe copyright. Downloading through YouTube’s own features, or your own videos, is fine.
How long do YouTube downloads last?
As long as you have Premium and go online at least once every 29 days.
Can I download YouTube Shorts?
Premium members can save some Shorts for offline viewing. Your own Shorts can be downloaded from YouTube Studio like any video.
Can I download only the audio?
YouTube Music Premium lets you download songs and podcasts for offline listening inside the YouTube Music app.
Summary
Use the Download button in the YouTube app (with Premium) to watch offline, and YouTube Studio to save your own videos as files in your gallery. Skip the downloader apps: they’re against YouTube’s rules and a common source of malware.
