![]() |
How to Download YouTube Videos: The Complete Guide (PC, Android & iPhone) |
YouTube is the world’s largest video platform, but it doesn’t allow users to download videos directly to their device (except via YouTube Premium). However, there are legal and safe ways to download YouTube videos for offline viewing, personal use, and educational purposes.
In this guide, you’ll learn step-by-step methods to download YouTube videos on PC, Android, and iPhone, including official and third-party tools.
๐น Is It Legal to Download YouTube Videos?
Before downloading, you should know that YouTube’s Terms of Service prohibit downloading videos without permission, except:
✅ If the video is copyright-free (e.g., Creative Commons videos).
✅ If you have YouTube Premium (official offline download feature).
✅ If the content creator allows downloads.
๐ก Tip: Avoid using downloaded videos for commercial purposes. Use them only for personal, educational, or offline viewing purposes.
๐ How to Download YouTube Videos on PC (Windows & Mac)
Method 1: Using YouTube Premium (Official & Legal) ๐
YouTube Premium allows you to legally download videos and watch them offline within the YouTube app.
✅ Steps to Download via YouTube Premium:
1️⃣ Subscribe to YouTube Premium (₹129/month in India, $11.99/month in the US).
2️⃣ Open the YouTube app on your PC, Android, or iPhone.
3️⃣ Find the video you want to download.
4️⃣ Click the “Download” button below the video.
5️⃣ Select video quality (Low, Medium, HD) and wait for the download to complete.
6️⃣ Access your downloaded videos in the Library > Downloads section.
๐ก Limitations:
✔ Downloads expire after 30 days if not watched.
✔ You can’t transfer videos outside the YouTube app.
Method 2: Using 4K Video Downloader (Best for PC & Mac) ๐ฅ
✔ Downloads 1080p, 4K, and even 8K videos.
✔ Supports entire playlists & subtitles.
✔ Available for Windows, Mac & Linux.
✅ Steps to Download via 4K Video Downloader:
1️⃣ Download 4K Video Downloader and install it on your PC.
2️⃣ Open YouTube and copy the video link.
3️⃣ Open 4K Video Downloader and click “Paste Link”.
4️⃣ Choose the video format (MP4, MKV) and quality (720p, 1080p, 4K, 8K).
5️⃣ Click “Download” and wait for it to finish.
6️⃣ The video will be saved on your PC for offline viewing.
๐ก Best for: High-quality video downloads, batch downloads, and saving YouTube playlists.
Method 3: Using Online Downloaders (No Software Needed) ๐
✔ Works on PC & mobile browsers.
✔ No software installation required.
✔ Supports MP4 & MP3 (audio-only) downloads.
✅ Steps to Download via Savefrom.net
1️⃣ Open YouTube and copy the video URL.
2️⃣ Go to Savefrom.net.
3️⃣ Paste the YouTube link into the search bar.
4️⃣ Select the video format (MP4) and resolution (360p, 720p, 1080p, 4K).
5️⃣ Click “Download” and wait for the file to save on your device.
๐ก Tip: Other similar sites include Y2Mate, ClipConverter, KeepVid (use at your own risk).
๐ฑ How to Download YouTube Videos on Android
Google doesn’t allow YouTube video downloader apps on the Play Store, but you can still download videos using APKs or online downloaders.
Method 1: Using TubeMate (Best YouTube Downloader for Android) ๐ฅ
✔ Download videos in MP4 (HD & Full HD) or MP3 (audio-only).
✔ Works outside YouTube (unlike Premium).
✔ Supports batch downloads.
✅ Steps to Download via TubeMate:
1️⃣ Download TubeMate APK from its official website.
2️⃣ Install the APK file (enable "Unknown Sources" in settings).
3️⃣ Open TubeMate and search for the YouTube video.
4️⃣ Tap “Download” and choose the quality (480p, 720p, 1080p, 4K).
5️⃣ Wait for the download, then find the video in your Gallery or File Manager.
๐ก Note: TubeMate is safe but not available on the Google Play Store. Download only from the official site.
Method 2: Using SnapTube (All-in-One Downloader) ๐ฅ
✔ Downloads videos from YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter.
✔ Supports 4K videos.
✅ Steps to Download via SnapTube:
1️⃣ Download SnapTube APK from its official website.
2️⃣ Install and open the app.
3️⃣ Search for the YouTube video or paste the link.
4️⃣ Select video resolution (480p, 720p, 1080p, 4K).
5️⃣ Click Download, and the video will be saved on your device.
๐ก Alternative Apps: VidMate, NewPipe, YMusic.
๐ฑ How to Download YouTube Videos on iPhone (iOS)
Apple restricts third-party video downloads, but here’s how you can do it:
Method 1: Using Documents by Readdle (100% Working) ๐
✔ Works without jailbreaking your iPhone.
✔ Saves videos directly to your camera roll.
✅ Steps to Download YouTube Videos on iPhone:
1️⃣ Install Documents by Readdle from the App Store.
2️⃣ Open YouTube app and copy the video URL.
3️⃣ Open Documents by Readdle and go to Savefrom.net.
4️⃣ Paste the video link and select the download format (MP4).
5️⃣ Download the video and move it to the Photos app for offline access.
๐ก Best for iPhone users who want to store videos without YouTube Premium.
๐ฅ Bonus: How to Download YouTube Shorts?
Downloading YouTube Shorts follows the same methods as above.
✅ Best Tools for YouTube Shorts Download:
✔ Y2Mate
✔ Savefrom.net
✔ 4K Video Downloader
Simply paste the YouTube Shorts link into these tools and download it in MP4 format.
๐ฏ Final Thoughts: Best Way to Download YouTube Videos?
✔ For LEGAL & safe downloads: Use YouTube Premium.
✔ For high-quality 4K videos: Use 4K Video Downloader (PC/Mac).
✔ For mobile users: Use TubeMate (Android) or Documents by Readdle (iPhone).
✔ For quick online downloads: Use Savefrom.net or Y2Mate.
๐จ Important: Downloading YouTube videos without permission may violate copyright laws. Always respect YouTube’s policies and use legal methods for downloading videos.
๐ก Which method worked best for you? Let me know in the comments! ๐