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YouTube, the world’s second-most popular website behind Google, attracts more than 23 million monthly visitors. It consists of a website and a variety of downloadable applications. You can download YouTube videos for free in various formats, including MP4, AVI, MPEG, and more. You can download YouTube videos on a Windows computer or PC, Android, iPhone, or Mac.
You can download YouTube videos officially in two ways. The YouTube Go app is available in areas where mobile data is excessively costly and allows users to download YouTube content on their smartphones.
On the other hand, YouTube Premium is a paid-for service that allows users in countries, including the UK and US, to download YouTube content in the app. However, unofficial methods to save YouTube videos are simple and hassle-free if you don’t want to spend money downloading YouTube videos.
This article lists the most current methods to download YouTube videos. Let’s get started.
Is Downloading a YouTube Video Legal?
You’re only permitted to stream YouTube videos directly from its servers, and downloading them through third-party apps violates its terms of service. Using third-party apps to download YouTube videos puts you at risk of copyright infringement unless you have permission from the copyright holder, the video is in the public domain, or you own it yourself.
However, you can download videos from YouTube through its apps and web service. In this post, we provided information on how to do this and the alternatives available for iPhone, Android, Mac, and PC
Download YouTube videos using YouTube Premium
YouTube Premium users can download videos using YouTube or YouTube Gaming’s official applications. Unfortunately, you cannot download videos with YouTube Premium to your computer; you must use the app on your phone or tablet.
To download a video, open the app and navigate to the Video you want to obtain. You should see ‘Download’ next to the player. Tap it, select the video quality you want, and you’re done.
Once you download the Video, the icon underneath it will change from gray to blue. If you want to delete the Download, tap the blue checkmark. You may find your downloaded videos in the Library or Account tabs. You can also get a YouTube red subscription for free.
Download Youtube Videos on Windows
When choosing a desktop app to download YouTube videos for windows, there are several ways to download content. Some are free, but not all of them. We suggest using a 4K Video Downloader, a free option. It has a user-friendly interface, is frequently updated, and simplifies downloading video—or just audio—from YouTube.
Follow these steps to download youtube videos for free on windows:
1. Get 4K Video Downloader
To download YouTube content to a Windows computer, begin by installing a 4K Video Downloader (opens in a new tab). This free program can download entire playlists, and 360-degree and 3D videos, among other things.
We highly recommend this excellent YouTube download application. Once the installation is complete, check the box labeled ‘Launch’ and click ‘Finish.’
2. Copy and Paste the Video URL
Find a YouTube video and copy its URL from the address bar of your web browser. Then go to the 4K Video Downloader and click the green ‘Paste Link‘ button at the top. The software will gather data about the Video and provide quality alternatives.
Quality will vary depending on the quality of the original video, but YouTube videos in 4K may be downloaded if available.
3. Select the quality and format
You can download the entire video or just the audio using a 4K Video Downloader. From the drop-down menu on the left, choose what you want, and then select the format from the menu on the right. We prefer MP4s since they offer high quality and small file sizes, and they’ll play on any device. Choose whether you want the highest quality or the smallest file size.
The highest resolution will offer the best video quality, but it will take longer and require more space. You can estimate the file size by checking the file size estimate in the lower-left corner. You can use the ‘Browse’ option at the bottom to choose where the file is saved. Once you are ready, click ‘Download.’
4. Download the video
The YouTube video has been saved for you. If there is any other video in the creator’s channel, the 4K Video Downloader will ask if you want to download them. It can save up to 24 videos at one time.
You can either find the video in the destination folder or play it by right-clicking it in the 4K Video Downloader and selecting ‘Play.’
The video will remain on this list until you remove it, even if you close it and restart the program.
Download YouTube Videos via Web Browser
One of the many free online youtube video downloaders can download YouTube videos to your computer or Android device. Because video downloaders often circumvent YouTube’s policies, they are frequently taken offline.
We’ll provide you with several options if the initial online youtube video downloader we recommend isn’t working. If you use an online youtube video downloader, it might be wise to turn on your ad blocker.
Follow these steps to download youtube videos for free in a web browser:
1. Select the video you want to download
Go to YouTube and choose the video that you want to download.
2. Copy the video’s URL
You can copy the URL from your browser’s address bar by highlighting it, right-clicking (or long-clicking) it, and then selecting ‘copy.’
3. Visit SaveSubs.com in your web browser
Visit SaveSubs.com to download videos from YouTube and other websites on any device for free.
4. Paste the URL
Right-click (or long-tap) the center field on the page and choose Paste to paste in the copied URL.
5. Click Download
To download the video, click Download. After clicking the Video button, you can view all available video sizes and formats. Click the Download Now option next to your preferred version to see the video in your preferred form. It tells you how big the video will be after it is downloaded.
Click Download Now again to save the YouTube video. It will keep the video on your computer or Android’s “Downloads” folder. You can open the video in your default player after downloading it by clicking or tapping it in the Downloads folder.
If you are operating a web browser to watch YouTube videos, add this YouTube Tool Box to enhance your watching experience.
Download YouTube Videos on a Phone or Tablet
Besides the official YouTube Premium app, other apps allow you to download videos directly to your Android device (for free).
Follow these steps to download YouTube videos for free on a phone or tablet:
1. Download Tubemate app
The TubeMate YouTube downloader app is one of the most popular Android video downloaders and has the features you need without any hassle. Google doesn’t like video downloaders (such as TubeMate), so you’ll need to enable your Android device to install apps from other sources.
Make sure to download apps you know are safe when you turn on this setting. Keep in mind that you may only download apps from verified sites.
2. Select a video to download
TubeMate requires specific permission to operate, so it may present you with a message warning you not to download APK files. To begin using TubeMate, first, download and then launch the file. Tubemate will then notify you of which permissions are required to run the video downloader. If you agree, the app will then start operating.
Search for a video, play it, and then click on the bottom’s red ‘Download’ button. It resembles the official YouTube Android app with a black background.
3. Download the video
Here you will see various formats, including video and audio types and different quality and resolution options. The more the resolution of a video, the bigger the file, so if you have a high-end device, download the video in the highest quality version available.
You can use your phone as usual while downloading videos, but remember that the bigger the resolution, the bigger the file.
The YouTube video will start downloading in the background as soon as you tap the ‘Download’ button again. You can add videos to a queue to download later. You can download videos over Wi-Fi after you have connected to Wi-Fi. If you are operating an android device, here is a detailed guide to setting up YouTube on Android Auto.
Download YouTube videos on iOS and iPadOS
Many online YouTube video downloaders allow users to download YouTube videos on iOS and iPadOS.
Follow these steps to download YouTube videos for free on iOS and iPadOS:
1. Download Documents by Readdle on your iPhone or iPad
Here’s how to set up Documents by Readdle on your iPhone or iPad. You can’t download files directly to your iPhone or iPad, so you’ll use this app.
Here’s what to do:
- Click Search at the bottom-right corner of the App Store.
- In the top search bar, enter documents by Readdle and tap Search. Then, tap GET or the cloud icon next to “Documents – File Reader. Browser” by Readdle Technologies Limited. It is the gray ‘D’ icon with yellow and green accents. Follow the on-screen instructions.
After installing Documents, tap Open once to move through the introductory screens. You can skip the subscription by tapping Skip or X when the setup prompts.
2. Go to the YouTube app
Open the YouTube app, a white icon with a red square and white triangle inside. To download a video, search for it by tapping the magnifying glass at the top of the screen or browse through videos you have saved by tapping the Library at the bottom-right corner. Once you locate a video, it will start playing immediately.
3. Copy the Video’s URL
Click the Share icon below the Video (the arrow) to copy the link instantly. It is a gray icon with two overlapping rectangles in the bottom row of icons. It copies the Video’s link to your clipboard.
4. Return to the documents app
Open the “Documents” screen in the Documents app and click the blue compass icon at the bottom-right corner. This opens a web browser.
5. Visit Savefrom in your web browser
Visit SaveFrom.net to download videos from YouTube and other sites on any device for free.
6. Paste the URL
Right-click (or long-tap) the center field on the page and choose Paste to paste in the copied URL.
7. Tap download to save YouTube Video
Tap the blue Download button to begin the website’s scan for different sizes and formats of the Video to download. To download another form, tap the download now button present next to it. Once the online youtube video downloader converts the file, you’ll be asked to download it to your iPhone or iPad.
You can save YouTube videos at a location of your choice and click Done. It downloads the video to your iPhone or iPad.
8. Add the Documents folder to the Files app
You can make it easier to access your downloaded files by adding Readdle to your Files app.
Here’s how: Open the blue folder on your home screen (the Files app). It may be in a folder. To the right of the Browse button, tap Edit. Sliding the “Documents” switch to the ‘On’ position will enable the Files app to access your downloaded files. You’re all set if it’s already enabled. To the right of the Done button, tap ‘Done.’
Download YouTube videos on MacOS
With EaseUS Video Downloader for Mac, you can download videos from various sources to your Mac without encountering annoying advertisements or plug-ins. Follow these essential steps to download YouTube Videos on Mac easily:
1. Open EaseUS Video Downloader
Open EaseUS Video Downloader. Go to YouTube and find the video you want to download, then paste the URL into the Search box of EaseUS Video Downloader. Click ‘Search’ to continue.
2. Click the download button
You’ll see the video with a “Download” button below it. Click that button to continue.
3. Select the format
You can view all of the video formats and resolutions available by clicking the “Settings” button. You may also download the video with subtitles in the language of your choice. After that, click again “Download” to begin downloading the video.
Wait for the download to end, and then you can see the downloaded items in the Downloaded library.
Download YouTube videos on Mac using Online YouTube Video Downloaders
Are you against installing software on your computer but still desire to download YouTube videos? There are several online tools available to download YouTube videos. You can use Keepvid to obtain a YouTube video on your computer by inputting the video link into your browser’s address bar.
To save YouTube videos on your Mac:
- Visit the YouTube app and copy the URL of the video you want to obtain.
- Visit keepv.id/ on your Macintosh and click ‘Download.’
- After a processing phase, you will see the options for downloading many video formats and sounds. Click ‘Download’ to begin downloading YouTube videos on your Mac.
The Best Softwares To Download YouTube Videos For Free
The following YouTube video downloaders are the best to try.
1. Videoder
Videoder is a free video downloader for Windows and Android. It lets you download 4K content from over 1,000 websites, in addition to YouTube (whereas the Android variant enables you to obtain content from less than fifty websites). Furthermore, you can organize your favorite videos and sounds into custom lists. Buffering and sifting through thousands of files is a thing of the past.
2. Snaptube
Snaptube is a simple method for downloading YouTube videos in multiple sizes and formats. Snaptube supports M4A, MP4, and MP3 formats, among others. Currently, Snaptube is only available for Android but is not listed on the Google Store—you must therefore download the APK file. In addition to YouTube, you may download files from over 50 other sites with the Android version of Snaptube.
3. TubeMate
TubeMate is another straightforward YouTube video downloader that allows you to obtain MP4 and 4GP files (in addition to MP3 and WAV audio files). It also includes a video player and a search function to help you locate content efficiently. This program is available for Android and Windows.
4. 4K Video Downloader
4K Video Downloader is a widely used content-grabbing tool that allows you to obtain videos from YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook, and other sources. The 4K Video Downloader is the most well-known product from the 4K Downloader. You must download it before you can use it. It is currently only available for Windows. In addition to allowing you to download complete playlists, the 4K Video Downloader can also grab entire channels in one go.
5. Gihosoft TubeGet
Gihosoft is a well-known developer of (both free and paid) data recovery programs, file encryption, and an online youtube video downloader.
Gihosoft TubeGet is one of their most popular products available for Windows and Mac OSs. The tool lets you download YouTube videos in MP4, MKV, AVI, and MOV formats. You can also convert WebM files to various standard formats, add subtitles to your videos, and more.
6. VideoProc
VideoProc is a video processing tool that has a wide variety of features (developed by Digiarty). With this tool, you can chop, combine, crop, rotate, and make other adjustments to videos to make them more clickable. You may also use it to get videos from over 1,000 websites (in addition to downloading them).
This online YouTube video downloader converts downloads into MP4, MP3, and other formats compatible with both iPhone and Android devices. It is free for Windows and Mac (for the standard version).
7. VidMate
VidMate is yet another YouTube downloader for Android. VidMate can download videos from over 200 websites, in addition to YouTube. You can also stream online videos in high definition with this application. The integrated downloader provides rapid download speeds, even on slow internet connections.
Because this app is unavailable on Google Play, you must download the APK and install it manually on your device.
These are the best YouTube video downloaders to save videos for free. You can also check the list of best video editors for YouTube enthusiasts.
Wrapping Up
With a YouTube downloader, you can instantly access your favorite videos 24/7. Preparing for a meeting or relaxing on the sofa at the end of a long day isn’t enjoyable to discover that your Internet connection is slow or your video will not play.
Fortunately, the best free YouTube video downloader apps and online software mentioned in this article make this process simple. To use a video, you need to copy its URL, paste it into a downloader app, and voila, you have access to it at all times.