How to Download YouTube Videos (5 Legal Methods in 2026)
Learn how to download YouTube videos legally in 2026 using 5 proven methods. Step-by-step guide covers YouTube Premium, Creative Commons videos, your own uploads, and more. Works on Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube Premium ($13.99/month) is the only method that works for all videos
- Creative Commons videos can be freely downloaded and used
- Your own uploaded videos can be downloaded via YouTube Studio
- Third-party tools exist but violate YouTube's Terms of Service
- Downloaded Premium videos expire after 30 days without internet
- Always check video licenses before downloading for reuse
To download a YouTube video legally, use YouTube Premium for offline viewing in the YouTube app—this is the easiest and fully legal method. You can also download Creative Commons licensed videos, your own uploads, or public domain content. I'll show you exactly how to use each method step-by-step on any device.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube Premium ($13.99/month) is the only method that works for all videos
- Creative Commons videos can be freely downloaded and used
- Your own uploaded videos can be downloaded via YouTube Studio
- Third-party tools exist but violate YouTube's Terms of Service
- Downloaded Premium videos expire after 30 days without internet
- Always check video licenses before downloading for reuse
Method 1: YouTube Premium (Recommended)
YouTube Premium is the official, fully legal way to download any video on YouTube for offline viewing.
How to Download with YouTube Premium
On Mobile (iOS/Android):
Step 1
Open the YouTube app and sign in to your Premium account.
Step 2
Find the video you want to download.
Step 3
Tap the "Download" button below the video player.
Step 4
Select your preferred quality (720p, 1080p, etc.).
Step 5
Wait for the download to complete.
Step 6
Access downloaded videos in Library → Downloads.
On Desktop (Browser):
Step 1
Visit youtube.com and sign in to your Premium account.
Step 2
Navigate to the video you want to download.
Step 3
Click the "Download" button below the video.
Step 4
Choose your quality preference.
Step 5
Find downloads in the left sidebar under "Downloads."
YouTube Premium Download Settings
| Setting | Options | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Quality | 144p to 1080p | 720p for balance |
| Download over WiFi only | On/Off | On (saves data) |
| Auto-download recommendations | On/Off | Off (saves storage) |
| Storage location | Internal/SD | SD card if available |
Limitations of YouTube Premium Downloads
- 30-day expiration: Downloads require internet check every 30 days
- App-only playback: Cannot transfer to other apps or devices
- Limited quality: Max 1080p, even for 4K videos
- Region restrictions: Downloads may not work when traveling
YouTube Premium Pricing 2026
| Plan | Monthly Price | Annual Price |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | $13.99 | $139.99 |
| Family (6 members) | $22.99 | N/A |
| Student | $7.99 | N/A |
Method 2: Download Creative Commons Videos
Creative Commons licensed videos can be downloaded and reused according to their specific license terms.
Finding Creative Commons Videos
Step 1
Go to youtube.com and search for your topic.
Step 2
Click "Filters" below the search bar.
Step 3
Under "Features," select "Creative Commons."
Step 4
Browse the filtered results.
Understanding Creative Commons Licenses
| License | Can Modify | Commercial Use | Must Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| CC BY | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Required |
| CC BY-SA | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Required + Share Alike |
| CC BY-NC | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Required |
| CC BY-ND | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Required |
| CC0 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not required |
How to Download Creative Commons Videos
Since these videos are legally downloadable, you can use reputable tools:
Step 1
Verify the video has a Creative Commons license (check description).
Step 2
Copy the video URL.
Step 3
Use a download tool like 4K Video Downloader.
Step 4
Select your preferred quality and format.
Step 5
Download and credit the creator as required.
Best Sources for Creative Commons Video
- YouTube's Creative Commons filter: Built into search
- Wikimedia Commons: commons.wikimedia.org
- Pexels: pexels.com/videos
- Pixabay: pixabay.com/videos
- Videvo: videvo.net
Method 3: Download Your Own Uploads
You can download any video you've uploaded to YouTube through YouTube Studio.
How to Download Your Own Videos
Step 1
Go to studio.youtube.com and sign in.
Step 2
Click "Content" in the left sidebar.
Step 3
Find the video you want to download.
Step 4
Click the three-dot menu next to the video.
Step 5
Select "Download."
Step 6
The original file will download to your device.
Important Notes on Own Video Downloads
- Original quality: You get the exact file you uploaded
- No processing delay: Downloads start immediately
- Unlimited downloads: No restrictions on frequency
- All formats preserved: Original format maintained
When to Download Your Own Videos
- Backup before potential deletion
- Re-upload to another platform
- Edit and re-publish
- Archive your content library
Method 4: Download Public Domain Content
Public domain videos have no copyright restrictions and can be freely downloaded.
What Qualifies as Public Domain
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Old films (pre-1928 US) | Early silent films, newsreels |
| Government works | NASA footage, military content |
| Expired copyrights | Classic documentaries |
| Dedicated to public domain | CC0 licensed content |
Where to Find Public Domain Videos
- Internet Archive: archive.org/details/movies
- Prelinger Archives: archive.org/details/prelinger
- NASA Video Gallery: nasa.gov/multimedia/videogallery
- Public Domain Movies on YouTube: Search "public domain" + topic
Downloading Public Domain from YouTube
Step 1
Verify public domain status in video description or title.
Step 2
Double-check copyright status (some uploads are misclassified).
Step 3
Use a download tool to save the video.
Step 4
No attribution required, but good practice to mention source.
Method 5: Request Permission from Creators
For videos you want to use that aren't Creative Commons or public domain, you can request permission.
How to Request Download Permission
Step 1
Find the creator's contact information (About tab, description, website).
Step 2
Write a polite request explaining:
- Who you are
- Which video you want to use
- How you plan to use it
- How you'll credit them
Step 3
Wait for a response (allow 1-2 weeks).
Step 4
If approved, get permission in writing (email is fine).
Step 5
Download and use according to agreed terms.
Sample Permission Request Template
Subject: Permission Request to Use Your Video
Hi [Creator Name],
I'm [Your Name], a [your role/profession] working on [your project].
I found your video "[Video Title]" extremely helpful and would like to request permission to [download for personal use / use in my presentation / etc.].
I would properly credit you as: "[Credit Line]"
Would you be willing to grant permission? I'm happy to discuss any terms.
Thank you for your time,
[Your Name]Downloading YouTube Videos on Different Devices
On Windows PC
YouTube Premium Method:
- 1.Open Chrome or Edge browser
- 2.Go to youtube.com and sign in
- 3.Click Download button on any video
- 4.Access from Downloads section
For Creative Commons/Your Own Videos:
- 1.Install 4K Video Downloader
- 2.Copy video URL
- 3.Paste in the application
- 4.Select quality and download
On Mac
YouTube Premium Method:
- 1.Open Safari, Chrome, or Firefox
- 2.Visit youtube.com and sign in
- 3.Download videos from the player
- 4.Find in Downloads folder
Alternative Tools:
- 4K Video Downloader (Mac version)
- ClipGrab
- Downie (paid, Mac-only)
On iPhone/iPad
YouTube Premium Method:
- 1.Open YouTube app
- 2.Sign in to Premium account
- 3.Tap Download below any video
- 4.Access offline in Library tab
For Non-Premium Users:
- Limited to Safari workarounds
- Shortcuts app with download actions
- Documents by Readdle app
On Android
YouTube Premium Method:
- 1.Open YouTube app
- 2.Sign in to Premium account
- 3.Tap Download button
- 4.Select quality
- 5.View in Library → Downloads
For Non-Premium Users:
- TubeMate (from official site only)
- Snaptube
- NewPipe (open source)
Video Quality and Format Options
Understanding Quality Options
| Resolution | File Size (10 min) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 144p | ~15 MB | Slow connections |
| 360p | ~40 MB | Mobile data saving |
| 480p | ~80 MB | Standard mobile viewing |
| 720p HD | ~150 MB | Recommended default |
| 1080p FHD | ~300 MB | High-quality viewing |
| 1440p QHD | ~600 MB | Large screens |
| 4K UHD | ~1.2 GB | 4K displays |
Choosing the Right Format
| Format | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| MP4 | Universal compatibility | Larger files |
| WebM | Smaller files | Limited device support |
| MKV | Preserves quality | Not all players support |
| 3GP | Very small files | Low quality |
Troubleshooting Download Issues
"This Video Is Not Available for Download"
Possible causes:
- Video owner disabled downloads
- Geographic restrictions
- Age-restricted content
- Music copyright issues
Solutions:
- Check if video is available in your region
- Sign in for age-restricted content
- Try YouTube Premium for restricted videos
Download Gets Stuck or Fails
For YouTube Premium:
- 1.Check internet connection
- 2.Clear YouTube app cache
- 3.Update the YouTube app
- 4.Try a different quality setting
For Third-Party Tools:
- 1.Update to the latest version
- 2.Check if YouTube made changes
- 3.Try an alternative tool
- 4.Verify the video is still available
Poor Quality Downloads
Causes:
- Selected low quality option
- Original video is low quality
- Tool limitations
Solutions:
- Check available quality options
- View original video quality
- Use tools supporting higher resolutions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1Is it legal to download YouTube videos?
Downloading YouTube videos is only fully legal through YouTube Premium, for Creative Commons content, your own uploads, or public domain videos. Using third-party tools to download copyrighted content violates YouTube's Terms of Service and may infringe copyright laws in your jurisdiction.
Q2How can I download YouTube videos for free?
You can legally download for free: Creative Commons licensed videos, your own uploaded content, and public domain videos. Use YouTube's Creative Commons filter in search, or download your uploads via YouTube Studio. Third-party tools exist but may violate Terms of Service.
Q3Can I download YouTube videos on my phone?
Yes, YouTube Premium allows downloads directly in the YouTube app on iOS and Android. Tap the Download button below any video, choose quality, and access offline videos in Library → Downloads. Premium subscriptions start at $13.99/month ($7.99 for students).
Q4How long do YouTube downloads last?
YouTube Premium downloads expire 30 days after you last connected to the internet. To refresh, simply open YouTube while online. The app will verify your subscription and reset the 30-day timer for all downloaded videos.
Q5What quality should I download YouTube videos in?
720p offers the best balance of quality and file size for most users. Choose 1080p for larger screens or when quality is important. Use 480p or lower if you're limited on storage or using mobile data. YouTube Premium downloads max out at 1080p.
Q6Can I download entire YouTube playlists?
YouTube Premium allows downloading playlists for offline viewing in the app. Open a playlist, tap the Download button, and select quality. All videos in the playlist will download. The offline playlist syncs if videos are added or removed.
Q7Why can't I download some YouTube videos?
Some videos can't be downloaded because: the creator disabled downloads, the video contains copyrighted music, it's age-restricted (sign in required), or it's geo-blocked in your region. YouTube Premium can access more videos but still has some restrictions.
Q8How do I download YouTube videos to my camera roll?
YouTube Premium downloads stay within the YouTube app and can't be transferred to camera roll. For videos you legally can download (Creative Commons, your own), use third-party tools and save directly to your camera roll. iOS requires using the Documents app or Shortcuts.
Conclusion
Downloading YouTube videos legally is straightforward when you use the right methods. YouTube Premium is the most convenient option for accessing any video offline. For free alternatives, focus on Creative Commons content, your own uploads, and public domain videos.
Remember: while third-party download tools exist, using them for copyrighted content violates YouTube's Terms of Service. Stick to legal methods to enjoy YouTube content safely and ethically.
Related Resources:
- Best YouTube Downloader in 2026
- YouTube to MP4: Best Free Converters
- YouTube Premium: Is It Worth It?
Written By
NoteLM Team
The NoteLM team specializes in AI-powered video summarization and learning tools. We are passionate about making video content more accessible and efficient for learners worldwide.
AI/ML DevelopmentVideo ProcessingEducational Technology
Sources & References
Last verified: January 8, 2026
Pricing and features may vary by region. Always verify legal compliance before downloading content.
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