How to download YouTube videos on your phone or laptop
If you’re in for a long flight or headed somewhere without an internet connection, you may want to download a few videos. And while it’s easier todownload Netflix videosthan ones on YouTube, the process isn’t terribly complex. There are two ways to download videos: through the YouTube app or with a third-party tool. Downloading through the YouTube app requires a YouTube Premium subscription, while using third-party tools is free, it comes with the cost of convenience and reliability.
Warning: Downloading copyrighted content isn’t a good idea
Downloading a video through the official YouTube app is permitted byYouTube’s Terms of Serviceas the video cannot be watched outside the app, and you have no access to the file. However, if you download a YouTube video with a third-party tool you may fall afoul ofYouTube’s Copyright and Free Use policy, which can lead to account suspension.
Getting kicked off YouTube, however, may be the least of your worries. Violating theDigital Millennium Copyright Actis a criminal offense, so you may be better off paying for a YouTube subscription.
Download YouTube videos on Android
Using YouTube Premium
Downloading a video through YouTube requires aYouTube Premiumsubscription if you do not live inone of these countries. This subscription costs $11.99/month for individuals or $17.99 for up to 5 people in the same household and includes a wide range of benefits like asubscription to YouTube Music. Whether you need a Premium subscription or not, the process is exactly the same. While this is the easiest way to download a YouTube video, you won’t be able to access your video outside the app; a third-party tool is necessary for this.
Once downloaded, the Download button will turn into a black tick and readDownloaded. Downloaded videos can be accessed in theHometab of the YouTube app when offline.
You can delete a downloaded YouTube video by tapping theDownloadedbutton and tappingRemove.
Using the third-party TubeMate app for Android
TubeMate is one of many services that allow you to download YouTube videos. However, if you choose not to use TubeMate, be aware that not all these services are trustworthy and can put you at risk of downloading malware.
it’s possible to access your downloaded video in two ways. Either open the TubeMate app and tap theDownloadedbutton at the bottom of your screen, or you can find the video in your phone’s storage. They’ll be located in Files by Google inInternal Storage>Video.
Download YouTube on a Chromebook
Unfortunately, there is no reliable third-party tool for downloading YouTube videos on a Chromebook. Websites that provide a download tool do exist, but they are often subject to legal takedowns by Google. The safest option to download the video via a third party is to use the TubeMate method outlined above, thentransfer the downloaded file to your Chromebook.
Like Android, downloading a video through YouTube on Chromebook requires a Premium subscription. We’ve used the official YouTube app for this walkthrough, but the steps to download a video using Chrome are nearly identical.
You can access your downloaded videos by clicking your profile icon in the upper-right corner of the screen, then clickingDownloadsin the menu.
Downloaded videos can be deleted by clicking thethree-button menuto the right of the video, then clickingDelete from Downloads.
Download YouTube videos on Windows 10 and Windows 11
Downloading a YouTube video follows the same steps for Windows 10 and Windows 11. There are plenty of programs that offer the ability to download videos, but5KPlayeris a great balance between ease of use, download speed, and video quality. Don’t be alarmed if it asks for your name and email, this is not required for downloading YouTube videos.
Downloaded videos will appear in C:\Users\user\Videos\Download Videos
Download YouTube videos on macOS
To download a YouTube video on macOS, you’ll need 5KPlayer, just like Windows. Installing it follows the same steps as the Windows installation, and remember not to enter your name and email address as this is not necessary for downloading YouTube videos.
Downloading videos on iOS and iPadOS: Not quite as simple
Downloading a YouTube video on iOS is a fairly convoluted process, however, these steps will walk you through the process. After downloading the video, you have the optional step of moving it to your Photos app. This is not necessary, but it will make the video quicker to access later.
Download YouTube videos with Documents by Readdle
Move a downloaded video to the Photos app
Downloading YouTube videos on Linux: Not as hard as it sounds
The best way to download a YouTube video on Linux requires the youtubedl-gui program, which in turn requires Flatpak. Youtubedl-gui is a simplistic program, but is quick and easy to set up.
First steps: Install youtubedl-gui and Flatpak.
Firstly, you’ll need to install Flatpak. Installation of Flatpak varies between Linux distributions, instructions for each can be found on theFlatpak website.
Once you’ve installed Flatpak, you’ll need to download youtubedl-gui. You can either:
Downloading videos with youtubedl-gui.
Get your YouTube fix anywhere
Internet connection or not, there’s still a way to watch your favorite YouTube videos whenever. Right now, YouTube Premium is the safest and quickest way to download a YouTube video, but there are third-party options available.
Before you go on a downloading frenzy using a third-party app, be aware that doing so can put you at risk for malware or a straight-up ban from YouTube. If you’re dead set on using a third-party app, aChromebook with plenty of storageis the perfect companion for a long flight or subway ride.
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