Offline viewing is certainly a good option, just in case you cannot connect to the internet all the time (it gives you a way to access content without internet connectivity). If you are on iPhone, Android, Mac, or PC there are a good number of ways to download YouTube videos without a Premium subscription. But, as YouTube Premium provides offline viewing, one may not want to spend on it. With this guide, you know the different devices on which you can save YouTube videos. Let’s look at these options and the legal aspects of video downloading.
Why Download YouTube Videos?
Saving videos to watch offline gives you a buffer in case of network slowdown, saves data, and means you can access content even in areas where connectivity might sometimes be limited. It makes downloading videos convenient for travelers or people elsewhere. In addition, critical lifesaving content is hosted on YouTube, and offline accessibility of this content can be crucial. But keep in mind that downloading YouTube videos outside Premium can mean that you are breaking YouTube’s terms of service and even risking your account.
How to Download YouTube Videos: A Device-Specific Breakdown
Download YouTube Videos on iPhone and iPad
Unlike other operating systems like Android, downloading videos on iOS is a bit longer and extra tedious, as apps in the App Store are not able to download. For a simple, jailbreak-free method, use the Documents by Readdle app:
- Install Documents by Readdle: Open the app, tap the compass icon, and open the browser.
- Download Options: Choose your format by quality. Specify the file name and specify the document download location.
- Save to iOS Storage: Move the video to your Photos app, easy, by finding the video in the Documents app in the Downloads folder, tapping the three dots, Share, then Save Video.
Download YouTube Videos on Mac
If you want to download YouTube videos to Mac, then 4K Video Downloader is a good option if you want high-quality files, else VLC Media Player can be used to get the files for a free download.
Using 4K Video Downloader:
- Get a 4K Video Downloader and get it downloaded.
- Paste your video URL into the application from YouTube, and choose the format and quality.
- Download your video to a specified place.
Using VLC Media Player:
- Play the video in open VLC by going to Media > Open Network Stream, then paste the video URL in there.
- Open VLC and click Media then select Open Network Stream, then paste the video URL. Go to Tools and select Codec Information, copy the Location link, paste it into your browser, and when the video opens in a new tab, right-click and select Save video to download the file.
Download YouTube Videos on Android
Google’s policies restrict YouTube downloader apps in the Play Store, but you can install apps like TubeMate by downloading its APK file:
- Install TubeMate APK: Change security settings so that installations can come from unknown sources.
- Search for Video and Download: Open TubeMate, click on any YouTube video you want, and tap the green download button.
- Format Options: Select the quality you prefer and format. After downloading, locate the video in the app’s download list or save it to another location.
Download YouTube Videos on PC
If you are a Windows user, you can use the same approach to download YouTube videos with 4K Video Downloader. Moreover, it is made simple by a VLC media player.
- Launch the video and copy its URL, then go to Media > Open Network Stream in open VLC.
- Paste the URL from Codec Information in Codec Information, then play the video and copy the URL.
- Find a URL for this video, right-click it, and save it as an MP4 file in a browser.
Is Downloading YouTube Videos Legal?
Content hosted on YouTube’s site cannot be downloaded without the video provider stating that they permit download. Such terms lead to account suspension if these terms are violated. However, YouTube Premium is a legal way to download content, and users may still turn to the alternatives, but it bears risk. Typically, public domain content, Creative Commons videos, and noncopyrighted media from personal contacts are printable. We recommend that users use caution and assume any liability that may arise from the use of this site.
In light of these, the methods offered here can be used to download from all iOS, Android, for Mac or PC and strictly following legalities. YouTube Premium is the safest way for regular access to offline content.
