How to download YouTube videos legally and safely
The legal ways to download YouTube videos to watch offline, what YouTube's rules say, and the risks of free download websites and converters.
Quick answer
The official way to download YouTube videos is the Download button in the YouTube app, available with YouTube Premium (and, in some countries and for some videos, without a subscription). Downloads stay inside the app for offline viewing. Sites that save MP4 files go against YouTube's terms and often carry deceptive ads or malware.
Key takeaways
- The official method is the Download button in the YouTube app.
- It requires YouTube Premium, with some exceptions by country and video.
- Downloads live inside the app, not as MP4 files.
- Free download sites break YouTube's terms and may carry malware.
Watching videos without internet is handy on a trip, on the subway or to save data. But not every way of downloading them is the same.
The official way: the Download button
- Open the YouTube app on your phone or tablet.
- Open the video and tap Download below the player.
- Pick a quality (higher quality uses more space).
- Find it under You > Downloads and watch offline.
This feature is part of YouTube Premium. YouTube also offers it without a subscription in some countries and for some videos; if you don’t see the button, it isn’t available to you or for that video.
What about MP4 download sites?
Sites and programs that convert videos to MP4 or MP3:
- Go against YouTube’s terms of service.
- May infringe the creator’s copyright.
- Often show fake “Download” buttons, pop-ups and files with malware.
If a site asks you to install a program or extension to “download faster”, close it.
Legal alternatives
| Need | Option |
|---|---|
| Watch without internet | The app’s Download button (Premium) |
| Listen to music offline | YouTube Music Premium or another music service |
| Download your own videos | YouTube Studio > Content > Download |
| Reuse a video | Look for Creative Commons–licensed videos and follow their terms |
Save space
High-quality videos take a lot of storage. If your phone fills up, see how to free up phone storage.
Frequently asked questions
Is it legal to download YouTube videos?
YouTube allows downloads through its own Download button for offline viewing. Saving files with other programs or sites goes against its terms of service and may infringe copyright, unless the video explicitly allows it or it is your own.
Where are downloaded videos stored?
In the Downloads section of the YouTube app, under You or Library. They can only be played inside the app.
How do I download a video I uploaded?
In YouTube Studio, go to Content, open the video's options menu and choose Download.
Sources
- Watch videos offline with YouTube Premium YouTube Help
- YouTube videos offline FAQs YouTube Help
This article is general and educational; it is not personalized financial, legal or tax advice. Financial product terms change: always confirm current terms with the institution.