YouTube has become a primary source of entertainment, education, and information. With over 2 billion monthly active users, YouTube hosts various videos covering different topics. While streaming YouTube videos online is convenient, you can download them for offline viewing or to share with others. And that’s why knowing how to download YouTube videos becomes essential.
This comprehensive guide will cover step-by-step instructions on downloading YouTube videos on different platforms, including iOS, Android, Mac, and PC. By the end of this article, you will clearly understand how to download YouTube videos, why they are necessary, and the tools you need to do it. So let’s get started and learn how to download YouTube videos!
Is it legal to download YouTube videos?
It’s generally not legal to download YouTube videos unless you have permission from the video’s owner or it’s a video that is available for downloading under “YouTube’s terms of service” or a Creative Commons license. YouTube’s terms of service expressly prohibit downloading videos and violating these terms could result in the removal of your account or legal action against you.
There are some exceptions, however. For example, YouTube provides a “Download” option for some videos available for offline viewing, but this option is only available within the YouTube app and only for specific videos. Additionally, some videos are available under a Creative Commons license, which may allow you to download and use the video under certain conditions.
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It’s essential to be aware of the legal and ethical considerations when downloading YouTube videos and to make sure that you have permission or a legal right to download and use the video before doing so.
How to download YouTube videos
The process for downloading YouTube videos depends on the device and platform you are using. Here are some common steps you can follow to download YouTube videos:
- Sign up for “YouTube Premium” 1 Month Free Trial. Or;
- Open YouTube on your Web Browser and navigate to the video you want to download.
- Copy the video’s URL (web address) from the address bar at the top of your browser window.
- Download a YouTube video downloader app. Some popular options include the 4K Video Downloader, Video DownloadHelper, and YTD Video Downloader.
- Paste the video’s URL into the downloader’s search bar or field.
- Select the video format and quality you want to download.
- Click the download button or link to start the download.
How to download YouTube videos on iPhone and iPad
Downloading YouTube videos on iOS devices is tricky compared to other platforms due to Apple’s strict policies. However, it is still possible to download YouTube videos on iOS devices using a third-party app. Here are the step-by-step instructions to do so:
- Download and install the “Documents by Readdle app” from the App Store.
- Open the app and tap the compass icon at the bottom right corner to open the built-in web browser.
- Go to YouTube and find the video you want to download.
- Tap the Share button below the video and copy the link.
- Go to the Documents app and paste the video link in the address bar.
- Once the video is playing, tap and hold on to the video player screen until a menu appears.
- From the menu, select “Download.”
- Choose the download location and tap “Done.”
Please note that downloading YouTube videos may violate YouTube’s terms of service and copyright laws. Additionally, Apple may remove third-party apps that allow downloading YouTube videos from the App Store at any time, making it difficult to continue using the same method.
How to download YouTube videos on Android
Downloading YouTube videos on Android devices is relatively straightforward, and there are several ways to do it. Here are the step-by-step instructions for one of the most popular methods:
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- Download and install the “TubeMate” app from the official website or a trusted third-party app store.
- Open the app and search for the video you want to download.
- Please tap on the video to play it, then tap on the red download icon at the screen’s bottom right corner.
- Choose the video resolution and format you want to download, and tap the download button.
- Once the download is complete, open your device’s file manager to locate the downloaded video file.
It is worth noting that Google Play Store does not host TubeMate, and downloading apps from third-party app stores can pose security risks. Also, like on iOS, downloading YouTube videos on Android may infringe on YouTube’s terms of service and copyright laws. It is advisable to use downloaded videos for personal use and distribute them with proper authorization.
How to download YouTube videos on Mac
Downloading YouTube videos on a Mac device is relatively easy and can be done using a web browser or a third-party app. Here are the step-by-step instructions for both methods:
Using a web browser
- Open your preferred web browser and go to YouTube.
- Find the video you want to download and copy the video’s link from the address bar.
- Open a new tab and visit the “YouTube Video Downloader” website.
- Paste the video’s link into the search bar on the website.
- Select the video format and resolution you want to download and click the “Download” button.
- Once the download is complete, open the downloaded video file from the Downloads folder.
Using a third-party app
- Download and install the “4K Video Downloader” app from the official website or a trusted third-party app store.
- Open the app and copy the video’s link from YouTube.
- Click on the “Paste Link” button in the app and select the video format and resolution you want to download.
- Click the “Download” button, and the app will download the video.
- Once the download is complete, open the downloaded video file from the Downloads folder.
Please note that downloading YouTube videos may infringe on YouTube’s terms of service and copyright laws. Additionally, some third-party apps may contain malware or spyware, so using a trusted and reputable app is essential.
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How to download YouTube videos on PC
Downloading YouTube videos on a PC is relatively easy and can be done using a web browser or a third-party app. Here are the step-by-step instructions for both methods:
Using a web browser
- Open your preferred web browser and go to YouTube.
- Find the video you want to download and copy the video’s link from the address bar.
- Open a new tab and visit the “YouTube Video Downloader” website.
- Paste the video’s link into the search bar on the website.
- Select the video format and resolution you want to download and click the “Download” button.
- Once the download is complete, open the downloaded video file from the Downloads folder.
Using a third-party app:
- Download and install the “4K Video Downloader” app from the official website or a trusted third-party app store.
- Open the app and copy the video’s link from YouTube.
- Click on the “Paste Link” button in the app and select the video format and resolution you want to download.
- Click the “Download” button, and the app will download the video.
- Once the download is complete, open the downloaded video file from the Downloads folder.
It is worth noting that downloading YouTube videos may infringe on YouTube’s terms of service and copyright laws. Additionally, some third-party apps may contain malware or spyware, so using a trusted and reputable app is essential.
Best Practices for Downloading YouTube Videos
When downloading YouTube videos, there are a few tips and best practices that users should keep in mind to ensure a smooth and safe experience. Here are some of the best practices for downloading YouTube videos on any platform:
Use trusted and reputable apps
When downloading videos, it is crucial to use trusted and reputable apps that have been tested and verified to ensure they are safe and free from malware or spyware.
Check the video quality
Before downloading a video, check its quality and resolution to ensure you get the best possible video.
Respect copyright laws
It is illegal to download copyrighted material without permission from the copyright owner. Always make sure to download videos available for download and respect the rights of content creators.
Avoid downloading videos for commercial purposes
It is illegal to download videos for commercial purposes, such as using them in a business or selling them to others.
Be mindful of your internet usage
Downloading large files can consume many data and slow down your internet speed. It is best to download videos when connected to a Wi-Fi network to avoid using too much mobile data.
Keep your device and software up to date
Keep your device and software updated with the latest security patches and updates to avoid any security vulnerabilities.
In conclusion, downloading YouTube videos can be a convenient way to watch your favorite videos offline. However, it is essential to be mindful of legal and ethical concerns and follow best practices to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Final Thoughts
This article provides step-by-step instructions on downloading YouTube videos on iOS, Android, Mac, and PC devices. We also shared tips and best practices for downloading YouTube videos on any platform and highlighted legal and ethical concerns that users should be aware of.
Following the steps and guidelines provided in this article is essential to ensure a safe and legal experience when downloading YouTube videos. Always use trusted and reputable apps, check video quality, respect copyright laws, and be mindful of your internet usage.
This article has helped guide you through downloading YouTube videos on different platforms. Please share this article with others who might find it helpful.
