How to Download YouTube Videos on PC, Mac, iPhone & Android?

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Imagine being able to watch your favorite YouTube video offline over and over again. This can be very handy in situations where there is no internet connection. After all, YouTube has it all, from learning different tutorials in various niches, listening to music, or just watching some entertaining videos. 

Free trial, from $11.99 per month

Download videos and playlists to watch offline when you aren’t connected to the internet

Almost everyone spends time watching YouTube videos, with around 2 billion monthly users each month. YouTube is the most popular website in the US and the second most used search engine after Google, which is very impressive. 

Here is everything that I have learned about downloading YouTube videos and my opinion on each method to use. 

How to Download YouTube Videos on PC, Mac, iPhone & Android

While the legal and ethical implications ⇣ are essential to note when downloading content from YouTube, some methods allow you to download the videos ethically and legally. A few applications that may not be as ethical but are still legal.  

Here are a few methods to easily download YouTube videos on PC, Mac and mobile devices to get over the legal implications, install each of these applications, and download videos using the application. 

ServicePriceSupported Platforms/Devices
YouTube Premium (previously YouTube Red) ⇣Free trial, or from $11.99 per monthWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
4K Video Downloader ⇣Free, or $15 for a lifetime licenseWindows, macOS, Linux, Android
VLC Media Player ⇣FreeWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
WinX YouTube Downloader ⇣Free, or from $29.95Windows and macOS
iTubeGo YouTube Downloader ⇣Free, or a lifetime license for $29.95Windows, macOS, Android
SnapDownloader ⇣Free trial, or a lifetime license for $19.99Windows and macOS
Y2Mate ⇣FreeWindows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS

1. YouTube Premium

YouTube Premium, formerly known as YouTube Red, is the paid version of the platform, giving us a wider range of features than the non-paid version. One of these features includes downloading YouTube videos on the app that you will watch offline.

youtube premium

This premium version gives us access to HD-free videos, exclusive content, background play, and more

Price: One-month free trial and after that a monthly fee of $11.99. 

How to install:

  1. Visit YouTube on your desktop or mobile app
  2. Login to your YouTube account 
  3. Click the menu bar on the top left corner and scroll down to ‘More From YouTube’
  4. Select YouTube Premium 
  5. Click ‘Try Free’ or ‘Get Your Premium Membership’ 
  6. Fill out the requested information to complete your purchase. 

How to Download videos:

  1. Select the Download icon under the video 
  2. Select the quality of the video
  3. Once the video has been downloaded, the Download icon will be ticked once the video has completed downloading. 
  4. Enjoy watching the YouTube video when offline.

YouTube Premium is what YouTube prefers all their users to use this membership to download videos from their platform.

I recommend this option for anyone who is a bit nervous about the legalities of downloading YT videos or is very interested in using this membership to get access to other features.

DEAL

Download videos and playlists to watch offline when you aren’t connected to the internet

Free trial, from $11.99 per month

2. 4K Video Downloader

4K Video Downloader is a very user-friendly shareware application. The application is compatible with a wide range of software, including Microsoft Windows, Android, macOS, and Linux.

4kvideodownloader

This application has various how-to and tutorial videos for its users. As someone who enjoys more guided tutorials, these videos can be beneficial, especially with their step-by-step guide.

4K Video Downloader allows downloads from YouTube and full playlist channels, YouTube subscriptions, 3D Videos, subtitles, and more.

This application downloads video from various platforms such as TikTok, Twitch, Vimeo, SoundCloud, and more. However, downloading video from each of these platforms will require a different version of the 4k Video Downloader application. 

Price: Free or $15 for a lifetime license

How to install:

  1. Visit 4k Video Downloader and click the Download tab
  2. Find your devices operating system and click on the Download button
  3. The application will automatically begin downloading
  4. Launch the application

How to Download videos: mainly

  1. Open YouTube and find the video that you would like to download
  2. Highlight and copy the URL of the video
  3. Open the 4K Video Downloader application
  4. Click on the Paste URL tab
  5. Select the preferred quality of the video
  6. Select the Download button
  7. Once the video has been downloaded, you will start watching it.

4K Video Downloader is a great application, and the best premium option out there, mainly because it allows downloads from various platforms and offers a variety of features.

4kvideodownloader download youtube videos

However, it is important to keep in mind certain features may require the paid version. Luckily, this is just a once-off fee. Making this one of the more affordable paid video downloaders. 

3. VLC Media Player

VLC Media Player has been one of the most popular applications to download YouTube videos. This open-source multimedia player has allowed me to download videos from YouTube without downloading any extra programs.

vlc media player

This application is compatible with a wide range of operating software, including macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, and Windows Phone.

Downloading video from YouTube is not the only feature VLC Media Player has. Other application features include converting videos, streaming media, subscribing to podcasts, and more.

Price: Free 

How to install:

Each device will require a different version of the VLC Media Player. If you have an Apple product, you will need to install the iOS version, or if you have Microsoft Windows,s you will download the Windows version of the application, etc.

Here is how to simply install the application on your device:

  1. Visit VLC Media Player’s website 
  2. Click on the drop-down list and select your devices operating system
  3. Once you choose the op operating system, your download should begin 
  4. Launch the application

How to Download videos:

  1. Open YouTube and find the video that you would like to download
  2. Highlight and copy the URL of the video
  3. Open the VLC Media Player
  4. Click the Media tab and then Open Network Stream from the drop-down list
  5. In the Network Protocol, paste the video URL and click play
  6. Once the video is playing, click the Tools tab and Codec Information 
  7. Scroll down to the Location section  and copy the text 
  8. Paste this text into your browser address bar 
  9. Once the video appears, right-click on it and select the Save Video option.
  10. You can then watch this YouTube video on your device offline.

VLC Media Player is a great video downloading application, and it is easy to use and compatible with most operating systems.

While the VLC Media Player interface may feel a bit outdated, the application does have a good, long-standing reputation and is reliable when it comes to downloading videos.

4. WinX YouTube Downloader

WinX YouTube Downloader is a program that allows users to download videos from YouTube easily. The application is friendly with popular operating systems like Microsoft Windows and macOS. This application is user-friendly, but it also has a good interface. 

winx youtube downloader

Despite the WinX YouTube Downloaders name, it can also download videos from other platforms, including Dailymotion, Vimeo, Facebook, and more.

What sets this application apart from its competitors is that it will allow me to download more than one video at a time and the application’s easy steps to download videos in a few minutes. 

Price: Free, or from $29.95

How to install:

  1. Visit WinX YouTube Downloader and select the application that is suitable for your device operating system
  2. Click the download button 
  3. The application will then automatically begin downloading
  4. Launch the application

How to Download videos:

  1. Open YouTube and find the video that you would like to download
  2. Highlight and copy the URL of the video
  3. Open Winx YouTube Downloader
  4. Click the Add URL tab and paste the video URL
  5. Select the Analyze button 
  6. Select the preferred resolution of the video 
  7. Select the Download Selected Videos button 
  8. Click Browse to choose where to save the video on the device
  9. Then click Download now
  10. The video will then be saved in the selected location

WinX YouTube Downloader is another good option that allows video downloads from various platforms.

winx free youtube downloader

However, this application is more limited in terms of the operating systems that it is compatible with, but it is a good choice for Windows and macOS devices.

5. iTubeGo YouTube Downloader

iTubeGo YouTube Downloader is friendly for the following operating systems, Windows, iOS, and Android. This program has more features than simply downloading videos from YouTube.

itubego youtube downloader

You can also use the program to download playlists, convert videos and audio, and cut YouTube videos and music. 

However, the features that make the program stand out as a YouTube downloader are the speed to download videos and that the program can download multiple videos at once.

You can use iTubeGo YouTube Downloader to download videos from some other platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Dailymotion, TikTok, and more. 

Price: Free, or a lifetime license of $29.95

How to install:

  1. Visit the iTubeGo YouTube Downloader website
  2. Choose between the programs free option or upgrade to the pro option
  3. Once you click on the option, the download should automatically begin
  4. Launch the application

How to Download videos:

  1. Open YouTube and find the video that you would like to download
  2. Highlight and copy the URL of the video
  3. Open iTubeGo YouTube Downloader
  4. Select Download option 
  5. Adjust the quality and location of the video, then select Apply
  6. Select the Paste URL button 
  7. Select download 
  8. The video will automatically start downloading and will be saved in the chosen location.

iTubeGo YouTube Downloader has a wide variety of features that many video downloaders don’t usually have.

itubego

Another great aspect is that you can download videos from other platforms, but it is limited to compatible operating systems. 

6. SnapDownloader

SnapDownloader is an application that downloads high-quality videos from over 900 platforms and websites. Some forms include YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo, Dailymotion, and others.

snapdownloader

SnapDownloader has several features other than downloading videos, such as cutting videos, exporting files, downloading subtitles, converting videos, and more.

The application has a neat user interface that is not very common for video downloaders, which is refreshing and sets it apart from its competitors. SnapDownloader offers the option of downloading multiple videos at once at an incredible speed.

However, this application is not compatible with all operating systems, but it is compatible with the more popular operating systems, Windows and macOS.

Price: Free trial and a lifetime license of $19.99

How to install:

  1. Visit SnapDownloader website 
  2. Select the Free Download option or the Buy Now option
  3. If you have selected the Buy Now option, choose the package that you would like
  4. Select your devices operating system 
  5. Select the Download button 
  6. Your download should automatically begin 
  7. Launch the application

How to Download videos:

  1. Search for the video in the SnapDownloader search bar or open YouTube and copy the link to the video
  2. Paste the link in the text box
  3. Adjust the name, quality, and location to save the video in
  4. Select the download button 
  5. The video will automatically begin downloading and will be saved in the chosen location.

SnapDownloader is a great video downloader. The application has a wide variety of functions, but the neat user interfaces the application offers give users a great experience.

7. Y2Mate

Y2Mate is a website used to download videos from YouTube in different formats including, MP3, MP4, 3GP, and more. This application is compatible with multiple operating systems including, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.

y2mate

Unlike several other YouTube video downloaders, you don’t need to download Y2Mate, and no registration will be required to use the program. The program is quick and easy to use and offers other features, including converting YouTube to MP3

Price: Free

How to Download videos:

  1. Open YouTube and find the video that you would like to download
  2. Highlight and copy the URL of the video
  3. Visit Y2Mate’s website 
  4. Paste the video URL in the toolbar
  5. Select the Start button 
  6. Decide on the format and file size of the video
  7. Select the Download button of your chosen video
  8. The video will automatically begin downloading

While Y2Mate is an excellent option for a video downloader because installation is not required, it is important to remember that Y2Mate contains malware and popup ads. Hence, it is important to be cautious when using this site as a video downloader.

As technology advances, many more tools are available that allow us to download videos easily, but is it legal to do this? With different video platforms, the rules may change. Specific platforms like MixKit and Vidzeey allow their users to download their videos.

However, these types of platforms usually only have stock videos. At the same time, platforms like Vimeo may not allow you to download certain videos of theirs.  

However, it is a bit more complicated to download videos from YouTube. According to YouTube’s Terms of Services, you are not allowed to do the following: “access, reproduce, download, distribute, transmit, broadcast, display, sell, license, alter, modify…”.

But, YouTube states that these actions are legal with the written permission from YouTube themselves and the owner of the content; this is usually because of copywriting purposes. This means that I am allowed to download videos from YouTube as long as I have the required permission.

YouTube has different legal implications for users that download videos of their platform without proper copyright permissions. This ranges from being banned from the platform to being sued, but rarely suing users who download their videos is worth noting. 

YouTube may not like their users downloading videos from their platform, and it is illegal to download videos off their platform and almost always breach their terms of service.

It is legal to use a third-party video downloader to download YouTube videos with copyright terms that allow you to reproduce their videos. These videos usually include creative copyright, copyleft, and public domain.

The Ethics of Downloading YouTube Videos

YouTube is a platform where millions of people upload and watch videos every day.

From music videos to tutorials, there is no shortage of content available on YouTube.

One of the great things about YouTube is that anyone can create and upload a video, making it a diverse platform with something for everyone.

Whether you’re looking for entertainment or education, there’s sure to be a YouTube video that fits the bill.

With the ability to search for specific topics or browse through recommended videos, YouTube has become a go-to destination for video content on the web.

While third-party video downloaders make it legal to download videos off YoutTube, it is important to keep in mind the ethics of the situation. After all, nobody wants videos they spend time making and editing to be downloaded by someone else. 

Video creators don’t want this because they won’t benefit from downloading their videos, unlike streaming their videos on YouTube. When you stream a creator’s video on the platform, they’ll benefit by gaining views on the video,

and the more views, the more exposure the video would get from the platform and increase the chances of the video to rank. 

So while it may be legal in some instances to download YouTube videos, when keeping the impact it has on the creator of the video in mind. As well as going against YouTube terms of services it is not ethical to download videos from YouTube even when using a third-party video downloader.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to download YouTube videos?

For desktop and laptop users, the best way to download a YouTube video on PC and Mac is through 4k Video Downloader. For mobile users, the best way to download YouTube videos on iPhone and Android is via YouTube Premium.

Is downloading YouTube videos illegal for personal use?

The short answer is, Yes. Downloading videos from YouTube is in breach of YouTube’s Terms of Service. Downloading copyrighted videos without written permission is in fact a criminal act. However, YouTube has never reached out to any individuals for using a video downloader to download copyrighted material.

How can I download YouTube videos without any software?

There are many online-based YouTube video downloaders that allow you to download YouTube videos, for free without using any software. The best web-based download site in my experience is Y2Mate.

What formats can I download YouTube videos in?

The most common video formats for downloading YouTube videos are MP4, 3GP, AVI and MOV, and many more. The #1 most common format most users choose to use is MP4.

How do I download a video from YouTube?

To download a video from YouTube, you can use the download feature available on various video downloaders. First, copy the link of the YouTube video you want to download. Next, open your video downloader and paste the link in the designated field. Then, follow the download steps provided by the downloader.

Some downloaders also have a “tap download” or “paste link” button that you can use to easily download videos. Whether you want to download a video in MP4 file format or any other format, you can find a suitable downloader that can help you download videos from YouTube.

How can I download YouTube videos using a web browser?

ere are several ways to download YouTube videos using a web browser. One simple way is to copy the URL of the YouTube video you want to download and paste it into a website that specializes in downloading videos.

Another way is to use a browser extension that adds a download button to the YouTube page, allowing you to download the video directly from the page. Some browser extensions even allow you to choose the format and quality of the video you want to download.

Can I download YouTube videos and share them on my social networks or video sites?

It is important to note that downloading and sharing copyrighted material is illegal and can result in serious consequences. While it may be tempting to share a YouTube video you’ve downloaded with your friends on social media or video sites, it’s best to avoid doing so unless you have explicit permission from the video’s owner or the material is in the public domain.

Additionally, some social networks and video sites have policies in place that prohibit the sharing of copyrighted material, so be sure to review the terms of service before sharing any content.

Can I download YouTube videos directly on my mobile device?

Yes, you can easily download YouTube videos on your mobile device. First, make sure you have enough storage space on your device to save the downloaded video. Then, connect to a Wi-Fi network to avoid using up your mobile data. Open your web browser and navigate to the video on YouTube. Tap on the video link to play it, then look for the download feature.

Alternatively, you can download a video downloader app from your device’s app store. Once the download is complete, you can find the video in your downloads folder or on your home screen, depending on your device’s settings. Just make sure to respect the copyright front and only download videos with proper permission or from sources that allow it.

Final Thoughts on Downloading YouTube Videos on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android

Downloading videos from YouTube has become increasingly popular, and with the various tools available, it’s easier than ever to do so.

If you want to download YouTube videos, there are several ways to do it. One way is to use the built-in download feature on YouTube.

To do this, simply find the video you want to download, click the “Download” button below the video, and follow the download steps.

Alternatively, you can download videos from YouTube using a video downloader. Simply copy the video link, paste it into the downloader, and tap download.

Whether you want to download a single YouTube video or multiple videos, there are several options available to you.

In conclusion, YouTube’s Terms of Service does make it clear that downloading their content is against their rules. However, third-party downloaders have made it possible to overcome this condition.

With various YouTube video downloaders available, it is pretty easy to download content from YouTube without any hassle. You should consider the ethical implications of using these third-party applications.

YouTube does provide their Premium Membership which is the best and completely legal option to download their content and watch it offline. 

References

Mathias Ahlgren is the CEO and founder of Website Rating, steering a global team of editors and writers. He holds a master's in information science and management. His career pivoted to SEO after early web development experiences during university. With over 15 years in SEO, digital marketing, and web developmens. His focus also includes website security, evidenced by a certificate in Cyber Security. This diverse expertise underpins his leadership at Website Rating.

The "WSR Team" is the collective group of expert editors and writers specializing in technology, internet security, digital marketing, and web development. Passionate about the digital realm, they produce well-researched, insightful, and accessible content. Their commitment to accuracy and clarity makes Website Rating a trusted resource for staying informed in the dynamic digital world.

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