This comprehensive guide will show you how to download YouTube videos on various platforms, including iOS, Android, Mac, and PC. Whether you want to watch videos offline during travel, save on your data usage, or enjoy smoother playback without buffering issues, we’ve got you covered. To keep you in compliance with the law and YouTube’s terms of service, we’ll also discuss whether downloading YouTube videos is legal.
Is Downloading YouTube Videos Legal?
Before we delve into the methods of downloading YouTube videos, it’s essential to understand the legal implications. According to YouTube’s terms of service, downloading videos without a ‘download’ or similar link on the platform is prohibited. The official way to download YouTube videos responsibly is by subscribing to YouTube Premium, which costs $11.99 monthly. Violating these terms can result in the termination of your account.
However, the legality of downloading YouTube videos isn’t entirely black and white. GitHub, for instance, reinstated the open-source tool YouTube-dl after initially taking it down due to complaints from the Recording Industry Association of America. GitHub found that journalists and educators used YouTube-dl for non-copyright infringing purposes.
Certain content on YouTube is permissible to download, including public domain videos, clips covered by a Creative Commons license, and videos shared by friends and family who have granted permission.
Please note that individuals who download YouTube videos should do so at their discretion, exercising independent judgment. Neither Future US LLC, its group companies, nor their employees, agents, or subcontractors bear any liability for using this information.
How to Download YouTube Videos
Common Steps
Regardless of the platform, downloading YouTube videos typically involves these common steps:
- Sign up for a YouTube Premium 1-month trial or opt for a YouTube downloading application.
- Find a YouTube video and copy its URL.
- Paste the URL into your chosen downloader application, such as Documents by Readdle, 4K Video Downloader, TubeMate or VLC Media Player
- Select a save path and export your video file.
Now, let’s explore platform-specific instructions for downloading YouTube videos:
How to Download YouTube Videos on iPhone and iPad
Downloading YouTube videos on iOS devices can be challenging due to Apple’s restrictions. However, there’s a straightforward method:
- Download and open the Documents by Readdle app.
- Tap on the compass icon to open the web browser and visit www.videosolo.com/online-video-downloader/.
- Paste the YouTube video link in the text box and click “Download.” Wait for the video to decode and display various output formats and quality options.
- Select your preferred output option and provide the video’s name and download location.
- Access your downloaded videos within the Documents app by navigating to the Downloads section in the bottom navigation bar.
- Open the Downloads folder on the main screen of the Documents app on your iPhone or iPad to save videos to the device’s hard drive. To save a video, locate it, hit the three dots icon next to it, select “Share,” and after that, “Save Video.”
- Open the iOS Photos app to access your downloaded video.
How to Download YouTube Videos on Mac
On a Mac, you have various options for downloading YouTube videos. Still, one of the best methods is to use a 4K Video Downloader:
- Download and install 4K Video Downloader and open the program.
- Copy the YouTube video link.
- Click “Paste Link” in the menu.
- Choose your preferred quality and format options from the list.
- After downloading, click the three-dot icon to perform various actions.
How to Download YouTube Videos on Android
Google Play store prohibits YouTube video downloading apps. However, you can still use an APK file to install a downloader, such as TubeMate:
- Download and install TubeMate on your Android device, adjusting security settings if necessary.
- Open TubeMate and search for a YouTube video.
- Tap the green “Download” button.
- Choose from the available quality and format options.
- Access your downloaded videos from the Downloads List icon in the bottom menu or by tapping the three-dot icon in the upper right corner of the TubeMate menu.
- Rename, relocate, or perform other actions by selecting the three-dot icon next to a video.
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How to Download YouTube Videos on PC
For Windows PC users, 4K Video Downloader is a reliable option, and the process is similar to that on Mac:
- Download and install 4K Video Downloader.
- Copy the YouTube video URL to your clipboard.
- Open the 4K Video Downloader, click “Paste Link,” and select quality and format options.
- After downloading, use the three-dot icon to manage your video.
Alternatively, you can download YouTube videos on your PC using VLC Media Player:
- Download and install the latest version of VLC Media Player if you don’t already have it.
- Copy the YouTube video URL.
- Open VLC, click “Media,” and select “Open Network Stream.”
- Paste the video URL and click “Play.”
- Go to “Tools” > “Codec Information” and copy the URL from the Location box.
- Copy the URL and paste it into the address bar of your browser. After clicking “OK,” right-click the video to save it as an MP4 file.
With these instructions, you can easily download YouTube videos on various platforms while staying informed about the legality of your actions. Enjoy your offline viewing experience!
