7 Easy Ways to Download a Video from YouTube

PDF download Download Article
Simple tricks to save a YouTube video to your device
PDF download Download Article

Is there a YouTube video you want to watch offline? Downloading from YouTube makes it easy to watch your favorite videos when you don't have an internet connection. The videos you download will be helpful if you're traveling, have spotty internet access, or need to keep the kids entertained without using your cellular data. While it's not illegal to download most YouTube videos, using a YouTube video downloader (instead of YouTube Premium) to save videos does violate Google's Terms of Service. [1] This wikiHow article teaches you the best tools for downloading YouTube videos to your computer, Android, iPhone, or iPad.

Quick Ways to Download a YouTube Video

  • The most reliable way to download YouTube videos is to subscribe to YouTube Premium.
  • If you don't have Premium, try a free YouTube downloader like Open Video Downloader, MediaHuman, or 4K Video Downloader.
  • You can use an online converter to download YouTube videos, but update your antivirus protection and turn on your ad blocker first.
Section 1 of 8:

Is downloading YouTube videos illegal?

PDF download Download Article
  1. According to YouTube's Terms of Service , you are not allowed to "access, reproduce, download, transmit, broadcast, display, sell, license, alter, modify, or otherwise use any part of the Service or any Content except: (a) as expressly authorized by the Service; or (b) with prior written permission from YouTube and, if applicable, the respective rights holders." [2] The exception is YouTube Premium. If you subscribe to Google's paid subscription plan, you can download any video to your phone, tablet, or computer without worrying about legality or terms. But while using a YouTube video downloader does violate your contract with YouTube, the act of downloading a video is not necessarily illegal:
    • It is illegal to download a copyrighted YouTube video without permission from the copyright owner . [3]
    • It is illegal to use or redistribute YouTube videos in a way that is not protected by fair use . [4]
    • It is legal to download a video you own or have permission to download, videos that are public domain, and videos licensed by Creative Commons and Copyleft.
    • It is also legal to download videos to your mobile device using YouTube Premium, as you cannot distribute these videos.
Section 2 of 8:

Using a YouTube Video Converter Online (Computer & Mobile)

PDF download Download Article
  1. You can use one of many free online video converter sites to download YouTube videos to your computer or mobile device.
    • Because video downloaders are sometimes used to skirt YouTube's policies, they often disappear from the internet. We'll give you several options in case one of the options isn’t working.
    • Online converters are often supported by ads, some of which can be invasive or redirect you to strange or sketchy websites. Before downloading files with an online converter, we recommend turning on your ad blocker and making sure your computer or phone has active antivirus and antimalware protection .
    • Avoid websites that have lots of pop-up ads, ask you to pay for the service, ask you to enter personal information, or ask you to download software. We’ll recommend some software you can use to download YouTube videos.
    • iPhone & iPad: Apple makes it difficult to download files from the internet and view them in the Files app. Instead, download and install a third-party file manager app, such as Documents by Readdle from the App Store, and use that to view your downloaded video files.
  2. Highlight the URL in your browser's address bar, right-click (or long-tap) the highlighted address, and then select Copy . Alternatively, you can click or tap Share below the video and then click Copy next to the video URL.
  3. To get there, visit save.tube . This free video downloader website allows you to download HD videos from YouTube and other services on any platform.
  4. You can do this by right-clicking (or long-tapping) the field at the center of the page and selecting Paste . Once you paste the URL, SaveTube will prepare the download and show you a preview.
    • Other downloaders work similarly.
    • Depending on the site you're using, you may need to select a video format and resolution before you can download the video. The higher the resolution, the better the quality. However, a higher resolution will also produce a larger file size.
  5. The fastest download will appear at the top, but you will find other available video sizes and formats in the list below.
    • If you see Extract Links instead of Download , click that button instead, and then click Download Now .
    • When the download is complete, you can open your Downloads folder and click or tap the video to open it in your default video player.
    • On mobile devices, this may open the video in a separate browser tab. If this happens, tap the icon with three dots in the lower-right corner of the video playback, then tap the option to download the video.
    • If you are having trouble downloading your video on a mobile device, try using Firefox as your web browser.
Section 3 of 8:

Using 4K Video Downloader (Computer & Android)

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Download the 4K Video Downloader setup file. 4K Video Downloader is a free program that is available for Windows, Mac, Ubuntu Linux, and Android. Go to the 4K Video Downloader webpage, scroll down to where it says “4K Video Downloader,” and click the Download button next to your operating system.
    • 4K Video Downloader is safe as long as you download it from the official website.
    • 4K Video Downloader Plus is a paid version of 4K Video Downloader that has some additional features. The free version of 4K Video Downloader will work just fine to download videos from YouTube.
    • Android: 4K Video Downloader is not available in the Google Play Store. To download the Android version of 4K Video Downloader, scroll down and tap the Download button below the "4K Video Downloader for Android" header to download the APK file. You can use the APK file to sideload 4K Video Downloader on your Android.
  2. Once the 4K Video Downloader setup file finishes downloading, you can install it by using one of the following steps:
    • Windows: Double-click the setup file, click Yes when prompted, and follow the on-screen setup instructions.
    • Mac: Double-click the setup file, verify the installation if necessary, click and drag the 4K Video Downloader app icon onto the "Applications" folder, and follow any on-screen instructions.
    • Android: Tap Open when the file is finished downloading, then tap Install . If you get an error message, you may need to ensure your web browser is allowed to install apps from unknown sources .
  3. Go to www.youtube.com in a web browser. If you are using Android, you can use the YouTube app.
  4. Highlight and copy the video URL in the address bar at the top of the page, or click or tap Share below the video and then Copy.
  5. If 4K Video Downloader didn't automatically open upon finishing its installation, click its link in the Windows Start menu or your Mac's Applications folder. On Android, you can find it in the Apps menu.
  6. It's in the top-left corner of the 4K Video Downloader window. On Android, it’s at the bottom of the screen. This will paste the link and start processing and downloading the YouTube video.
    • If you want to change the video format or resolution, click Smart Mode at the top, use the drop-down menus to select your preferred format and resolution, then click OK .
    • By default, your downloaded videos will be saved to the 4K Video Downloader folder in your Videos folder.
Section 4 of 8:

Using Open Video Downloader (Computer)

PDF download Download Article
  1. This free, open-source downloading tool makes downloading any YouTube video on Windows and macOS easy. Because the original version of this tool is no longer maintained, a new developer has taken on the project. You can get the latest port of Open Video Downloader from [5] .
    • To install on Windows, click Open-Video-Downloader-Setup-2.5.5.exe to download the installer, or click Open-Video-Downloader-2.5.5.exe to download a standalone version that doesn't need to be installed.
      • If you downloaded the installer, double-click it and follow the on-screen instructions to install.
      • If you downloaded the standalone version, you can skip to the next step.
      • If you get a security warning that prevents the setup file from running because this app is from an unknown developer, click More Info, and then click Run Anyway . We have scanned this file with Windows Defender and Malwarebytes and found no threats.
    • On a Mac , click the Open-Video-Downloader-2.5.5.dmg link to download. Once downloaded, double-click the file and drag the app icon to the Applications folder to install.
  2. You can use any web browser, such as Safari or Chrome . Just highlight the video's URL in the address bar, right-click or control-click the highlighted area, and then select Copy .
    • Alternatively, you can click Share below the video playback and then click Copy next to the URL .
  3. You'll see it in your Windows Start menu or your Mac's Applications folder.
    • If you downloaded the standalone version for Windows, double-click the downloaded file to open it.
  4. If you don't have a right mouse button, use Ctrl + click instead. The address bar is at the top of Open Video Downloader. This pastes your video's URL into the field. [7]
  5. The tool will scan the video and display some options for download.
  6. The "Video + Audio" format is selected by default, ensuring you download the entire video, including the audio. You can also choose the video resolution and frame rate you want to download from the second drop-down menu. [8]
    • The higher the resolution and framerate, the better the quality. However, a higher-quality file will result in a larger file size.
  7. It's at the bottom of Open Video Downloader. The YouTube video will begin to download to your computer.
    • Depending on the size and length of the video, as well as your internet speed , the download can take some time. Keep an eye on the progress bar so you know when the download is complete.
    • The video will save to your computer's default downloads folder , which is usually called "Downloads." You can click Show file in folder when the download finishes to get there quickly.
Section 5 of 8:

Using MediaHuman (Computer)

PDF download Download Article
  1. This YouTube downloader is easy to use and reliable for downloading any video. You can use it to download 20 YouTube videos for free, though you'll need a subscription if you want to download more videos than that. To install MediaHuman:
    • Go to www.mediahuman.com and click Download Now! .
    • Under "YouTube Downloader," click the Download link for your operating system.
    • Double-click the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to install.
  2. You can use any web browser, such as Safari or Chrome.
  3. Just highlight the video's URL in the address bar, right-click or control-click the highlighted area, and then select Copy .
  4. It’s the icon with a plus sign (+) in the upper-right corner. After a few seconds, you'll see a list of video resolutions from which you can choose.
  5. The highest resolution will produce the best-quality video and the largest file. If you want a smaller file size, opt for a lower resolution.
  6. This downloads the YouTube video to your computer.
    • You'll find your downloaded videos in your Downloads folder in a new folder called MediaHuman .
Section 6 of 8:

Using NewPipe (Android)

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Ensure your web browser can download from unknown sources. NewPipe is a free and open-source Android application you can use to search, view, and download YouTube videos. Because it is not available in the Google Play Store, you will need to sideload the app , which means you'll need to ensure your web browser is allowed to install apps from unknown sources. Here's how:
    • Samsung Galaxy:
      • Swipe down from the top of the menu and tap the gear icon in the upper-right corner.
      • Tap Apps, and then the icon with three dots ( ⋮ ) in the upper-right corner.
      • Go to Special access > Install unknown sources .
      • Toggle on the switch next ot your web browser.
    • Stock Android:
      • Swipe down from the top of the screen and tap the gear.
      • Go to Apps > Advanced > Special access > Install unknown sources .
      • Toggle on the switch next to your web browser.
  2. 2
    Install NewPipe. Use the following steps to download and install NewPipe on your Android device:
    • Go to the NewPipe official page in a web browser.
    • Tap Get NewPipe.
    • Tap the red download button for the latest version of NewPipe.
    • Tap Open when the file is finished downloading.
    • Tap Install .
  3. 3
    Open NewPipe and search for a video. You can search and watch YouTube videos within the NewPipe app, as well as download them to your Android. To find a video, tap the magnifying glass icon in the upper-right corner to enter your search terms, then tap a video to start playing it.
  4. 4
    Tap Download . It's the arrow icon below the video playback.
  5. 5
    Select your video quality. To do so, tap the drop-down menu and tap the format and resolution you want to download the video in. The higher the quality, the larger the resulting video file.
    • You can also tap one of the radio options if you want to download audio only or include the captions.
  6. 6
    Tap OK . It’s in the upper-right corner of the dialogue window. This downloads the video to your Android.
    • The first time you download a video using NewPipe, you will need to select a location to download the video. You can tap your Downloads folder or create a new folder for your videos.
Section 7 of 8:

Using YouTube Premium (Mobile & Computer)

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you subscribe to YouTube Premium , it's easy to save videos to your Android, iPhone, iPad, or computer to watch offline . This is the only way to download videos that is completely legal and doesn’t violate YouTube’s terms of service.
  2. This opens the video's Watch page.
  3. It's the arrow pointing down toward a horizontal line below the video. Once the download is complete, the arrow icon will turn black.
    • To find your downloaded videos, tap your profile icon, then tap Downloads .
    • To remove a downloaded video, tap the three-dot menu next to the video in the Downloads area, then tap Delete from downloads . [9]
Section 8 of 8:

Using VLC Player (Computer)

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you have VLC Media Player on your computer, you may be able to use it to download videos from YouTube. Start by navigating to YouTube in your browser.
    • This method should work for most videos, but sometimes may display a "Your input can't be opened" error during the download.
    • If this method doesn't work, the video might be age or location restricted . You can try a different method in this case.
  2. 2
    Copy the video's URL. You can do this by highlighting the URL in the address bar at the top of the browser and pressing Ctrl + C (PC) or ⌘ Command + C (Mac).
  3. 3
    Open VLC Player. It should be in the Start menu on Windows and the Applications folder on macOS. It's the icon of an orange traffic cone.
    • If you don't have it already, you can download VLC for free at videolan.org . VLC is an open-source video player with many beneficial features for playing all kinds of files.
  4. 4
    Open a new network stream. Network streams allow you to play content from your web browser in VLC. The steps are a little different for Windows and macOS:
    • Windows: Click Media , then click Open Network Stream....
    • Click File and then Open Network .
  5. 5
    Paste the YouTube video's URL into the field. Click the "Please enter a network URL" text box, then press Ctrl + V (PC) or ⌘ Command + V (Mac).
  6. 6
    Click Play (PC) or Open (Mac). This will open the YouTube video in VLC.
    • If you are unable to play any YouTube videos, close VLC player and use this workaround:
      • Copy the code on this web page and paste it into a new Notepad or TextEdit file.
      • Save the file to your desktop as youtube.lua.
      • On Windows, go to C:\Program Files\VideoLAN\VLC\lua\playlist in File Explorer. On a Mac, go to /Applications/VLC.app/Contents/MacOS/share/lua/playlist in Finder.
      • Delete the file called youtube.luac from the folder.
      • Drag the youtube.lua file from your desktop into the folder.
      • Reopen VLC Media Player. It should work now!
  7. 7
    View the video's codec information. To do so:
    • Windows: Click Tools , then click Codec Information .
    • Mac: Click Window , then click Media Information .
  8. 8
    Copy the "Location" field. You'll see a long address at the bottom of the window that you'll need to copy. Highlight the entire address and then follow these steps to copy it:
    • Windows: Right-click the highlighted link and click Copy .
      • Mac: Control-click the text field and click Open URL .
  9. 9
    Paste the copied URL into your web browser and press ↵ Enter . You can skip this step if you're using a Mac, as the video should already appear in a browser. If you're using Windows, open a new browser tab, right-click the address bar, and then click Paste . [10]
  10. 10
    Right-click the video and select Save video as . This should open your computer's "Save" dialog.
  11. 11
    Download the video. Right-click the video in your browser, then click Save video as in the drop-down menu. The video will begin downloading onto your computer as an MP4 file with the name "videoplayback".
  12. 12
    Select a location and click Save . This downloads the video to your computer. Once the file is downloaded, you can view it by double-clicking it.
    • You may need to type .mp4 at the end of the file name to ensure that the file downloads as an MP4 video file.

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit

      Tips

      • Finding a music video and downloading it as an MP3 will result in a music file. The music may also not be of the best quality because it's from a video, not a high-quality audio format.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • Be patient! Depending on your Internet speed, even a one-minute video may take two to three minutes to download.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      Warnings

      • Downloading certain music and videos may breach intellectual property laws since companies own the rights to the video and music you are downloading. If you want to avoid this, only download from YouTube with the explicit permission of the content creator. Otherwise, you may be liable for copyright infringement.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

      You Might Also Like

      Uploading a Video to YouTube on a Computer or Phone
      How to
      Download Any Video for Free: 5 Step-by-Step Methods
      4 Ways to Download YouTube Videos on Mobile
      How to
      Disable YouTube History
      6 Easy Ways to Convert YouTube Videos to MP3
      3 Simple Ways to Link to a Certain Time in a YouTube Video
      Simple Ways to Download YouTube Videos without Software
      3 Easy Ways to Loop YouTube Videos on Repeat
      2 Easy Ways to Download YouTube Videos to the iPad
      How to
      Download All Videos from a YouTube Channel
      How to
      Remove a YouTube Video of Yourself Uploaded Without Permission
      4 Ways to Disable YouTube Video Thumbnail Images
      How to
      See Your Liked Videos on YouTube
      How to
      Delete YouTube Videos

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/t/terms
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/static?template=terms
      3. ↑ https://www.washington.edu/students/gencat/policy/p2pshare.html
      4. ↑ https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/11/riaa-abuses-dmca-take-down-popular-tool-downloading-online-video
      5. ↑ https://github.com/StefanLobbenmeier/youtube-dl-gui/releases/latest
      6. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/open-a-mac-app-from-an-unidentified-developer-mh40616/mac
      7. ↑ https://github.com/jely2002/youtube-dl-gui
      8. ↑ https://github.com/jely2002/youtube-dl-gui
      9. ↑ https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/11977233
      1. ↑ https://itsfoss.com/download-youtube-videos-vlc/

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 863,639 times.

      Is this article up to date?