What you need to know before downloading videos
The videos on the video hosting service have authors and owners who legally own them. In addition, YouTube’s Terms of Use state that you may not upload, copy, or distribute content without the prior written consent of the service and its licensors.
Therefore, you are allowed to download content that falls under the free Creative Commons CC0 (Public Domain) and CC BY (Attribution) licenses. You can also download your own videos that you have previously published on YouTube. Otherwise, we do not recommend it.
How to download YouTube videos to any device using online services
This method is good because it does not require the installation of additional programs. All you need is a special download site. They are free and, as a result, contain a lot of ads. Therefore, it is best to use them with spam blockers.
Copy the link to the desired video and then open any of the sites listed below in a browser.
- X2 download. The maximum quality with sound is 1080p, there is a conversion to MP3.
- Youtube4KDownloader. The maximum quality is 4K, there is a choice of size, and conversion to MP3.
- y2mate.com. The maximum quality is 1080p.
- noTube. The maximum quality is 1080p.
- 9 Convert. The maximum quality with sound is 1080p, there is a conversion to MP3.
- YT1s. The maximum quality with sound is 1080p.
- UniDownloader. The maximum quality with sound is 720p, there is a selection of formats.
After opening the website, paste the link copied earlier in the special field. If possible, choose an appropriate quality and format for the final file. Click the download button and wait for the video to download.
If you have an iPhone or iPad, make sure you’re using Safari. Other browsers on these devices do not allow downloading video files. Also, the method will only work if you have iOS 13 or newer operating systems or iPadOS.
How to save YouTube videos to PC with browser extensions
After installing a special extension, you will see a button under the videos for easy download.
Unfortunately, Google is against downloading videos from YouTube. For this reason, the required plugins are often removed from the official stores of Chrome and other browsers. However, you can install the required extensions from other sources.
One of the best plugins for saving videos is YouTube Video Downloader. This plugin allows you to download clips in up to 4K quality and supports Chrome, Edge, Opera, UC, Vivaldi, “And Yandex Browser”.
To install YouTube Video Downloader, open the website, select your browser from the list and click “How to install”. It will launch a tutorial video that will explain to you how to install it.
Another good extension is y2mate. With it, you can download videos in Firefox or Google Chrome with a quality of up to 1080P. To install y2mate, go to the plugin website, click the download button in the lower right corner and follow the instructions.
How to download YouTube videos to your computer using special software
If you want to download videos to your computer at maximum speed, use software like ClipGrab or 4K Video Downloader. It’s faster than online services and extensions and lets you download videos in resolutions up to 4K.
To use one of these programs, all you have to do is paste a link to the desired clip, select the video parameters and click the download button.
Both options mentioned above are available for free for Windows, macOS, and Linux. But ClipGrab asks you to download an antivirus when you install it – don’t forget to turn it down. And 4K Video Downloader also has a paid version that allows you to save all the clips of the selected channels and playlists at once. Its price is 12 euros.
Another option is Videoder, which works on Windows and macOS computers. It’s completely free, without ads, and you can download videos of any quality. Even 8K videos.
How to save YouTube videos on Android devices using mobile apps
No suitable apps can be found on Google Play. They are not allowed to enter the store due to copyright issues. But you can install the desired app directly from the developer’s website.
Remember: Google Play is not responsible for programs downloaded from other sources. They may damage your device or lead to Google Account suspension.
If you’re willing to take the risk, install one of the programs listed below. To do this, enter the site from a mobile device, download the installation and activate it.
If the system tells you that the browser does not have permission to install, click Settings and grant permission. If this button is not displayed, go to the settings of your device. Open the “Security” section and allow the installation of applications from third-party sources.
These programs are free, but they display advertisements. They work in roughly the same way. To use one of these programs, find the video you want using the built-in search and click the “Download” button. Select the video quality and wait for the app to download the video.
All three apps are capable of downloading clips in 4K quality.
How to download YouTube videos to iPhone or iPad with a quick command
There are no apps to download videos on iOS, but there are still ways to do it. The easiest is to use the automation command, which will download the video and save it in the gallery or the files application.
Add the command by clicking the link and granting the necessary permissions. Open the video in the browser and using the usual share menu, run the YouTube PIP & Downloader command. Then select Save Video and select the save location – Gallery or Files app.
How to download YouTube videos to iPhone or iPad using Safari
You can always use one of the online services to download the video. Choose one from the list at the top of the article and open it in Safari. Paste the video link, specify the quality you want, and click the Download button. The file will appear in the downloads, from where it can be transferred to the gallery.