How to download YouTube videos on any device

You are about to get on a long bus ride, and there is no Wi-Fi. Or your internet at home is slow in the evening. Either way, you want the video on your device before you need it. That is why so many people look for a YouTube video downloader.

This guide explains two ways to save a YouTube video. The first one is built into YouTube. The second one is a free website that works on any phone or computer. Each step is short and clear, so you can follow along even if you have never done this before.

Two ways to save a YouTube video

If you already pay for YouTube Premium, the official option is the easiest. If you want a real file that you can keep, move or play in any video player, use a downloader.

Way 1: The official YouTube download button

With YouTube Premium you will see a Download button under many videos in the YouTube app. Tap it, choose a quality, and the video is kept in your Library under Downloads.

There are a few limits. The video only plays inside the YouTube app. You cannot copy it to a USB stick or open it in another player. You also need to go online from time to time, or the downloads stop working. Google explains the details in the YouTube Help Center.

Way 2: Use a free YouTube video downloader

SnapVideoDL is a website, not an app. You paste a link, and you get the video as an MP4 file. Here is how it works on every device.

Step 1: Copy the video link

In the YouTube app, open the video and tap Share, then Copy link. On a computer, click the address bar at the top of your browser and copy the address. The link will look like youtube.com/watch?v=... or youtu.be/.... Both work.

Step 2: Paste it into the downloader

Open our YouTube downloader. Paste the link into the box at the top. On a phone, hold your finger in the box and tap Paste, or tap the small clipboard button.

Step 3: Tap the globe

Tap the spinning globe. After a few seconds you will see the title, the length and a small picture of the video. You will also see every quality that video has.

Step 4: Choose a quality

Pick a quality from the list. Higher numbers look sharper but make bigger files.

Not every video has every quality. If the person who uploaded it only had a 720p camera, you will not see 1080p.

Step 5: Download

Tap Download Now. A ring fills up while the file is prepared. Then your browser saves the MP4.

Where your video is saved

• Android: open the Files app and look in Download. Many phones also show it in the Gallery.
• iPhone and iPad: Safari saves it in the Files app, under Downloads. To move it to Photos, open the video, tap the share icon and choose Save Video.
• Windows and Mac: look in your Downloads folder.

What about Shorts, MP4 and thumbnails?

The same steps work for YouTube Shorts. We also have a page made just for them: the YouTube Shorts downloader. If you need a certain file type, the YouTube to MP4 page lets you pick MP4 right away. And if you only want the picture that shows before a video starts, try the YouTube thumbnail downloader.

Why a download sometimes does not work

1. The video is private or unlisted, and you do not have the right link.
2. The video is age-restricted. We do not download videos marked for adults only.
3. The video is a live stream that has not ended yet.
4. The video is longer than 3 hours. Very long videos are not supported.
5. YouTube is busy. Wait a minute and try again.

Is it okay to download YouTube videos?

YouTube's Terms of Service say you should only download a video when YouTube shows a download button or when you have permission. So the safe rule is simple: download your own videos, videos with a free license, or videos the creator says you may save. Never upload someone else's video as your own.

Want to learn how to save videos from other apps too? Read our step-by-step download guide.

Quick summary

Copy the YouTube link, paste it into our YouTube video downloader, tap the globe, choose 720p or 1080p and tap Download Now. The video saves as an MP4 file that plays on any device, with no app and no sign-up.