How to Download YouTube Videos on Android & iPhone (Free)

Want to know how to **download YouTube videos** to watch offline on your Android or iPhone? You’re in the right place! Whether you want to save your favorite tutorials, music videos, or documentaries for a flight, commute, or just to conserve data, this guide will show you how. We’ll cover the best free methods and tools to download YouTube videos safely and legally in 2025, ensuring you can enjoy your content anytime, anywhere.

1. Download YouTube Videos with YouTube Premium

The most straightforward and legal way to **download YouTube videos** directly from the official app is by subscribing to YouTube Premium. This service allows you to save videos for offline playback within the YouTube app on both Android and iPhone, without ads.

• How it works: With a Premium subscription, simply tap the “Download” button below any video.
• Benefits: Ad-free viewing, background playback, and access to YouTube Music Premium.
• Limitations: Videos are stored within the app and cannot be exported as separate files. Requires a monthly subscription.

2. Free Apps to Download YouTube Videos on Android

For Android users looking to **download YouTube videos** for free outside of YouTube Premium, several third-party apps offer this functionality. Be cautious when downloading apps from outside the Google Play Store.

• SnapTube: A popular choice for downloading videos from YouTube and other platforms. It’s user-friendly and allows you to choose video quality and format.
• TubeMate: Another well-known app that lets you download YouTube videos in various resolutions and audio formats. It has a built-in browser for easy navigation.
• VidMate: Offers similar features to SnapTube and TubeMate, allowing downloads from YouTube and other sites, often with support for high-definition quality.

How to use these apps:

1. Download the APK file from the app’s official website (since they are not on Google Play).
2. Enable “Install from Unknown Sources” in your Android settings.
3. Install the app, then paste the YouTube video link or browse within the app to download.

3. Free Apps & Methods to Download YouTube Videos on iPhone

Downloading YouTube videos directly onto an iPhone is more restrictive due to Apple’s App Store policies. However, there are still some free methods to **download YouTube videos**.

• Documents by Readdle: This app acts as a file manager with a built-in browser. You can use its browser to access online YouTube downloaders (mentioned below) and save videos directly into the app, then move them to your Photos app.
• Browser-Based Downloaders with Shortcuts: iOS Shortcuts can be configured to use web-based downloaders. While effective, these often require a bit more setup and can be less stable as YouTube changes its API.

Steps for Documents by Readdle:

1. Download “Documents by Readdle” from the App Store.
2. Open the app and tap the browser icon (usually a compass or Safari-like icon) at the bottom right.
3. Navigate to an online YouTube downloader website (e.g., SaveFrom.net, Y2Mate.com – see next section).
4. Paste the YouTube video URL, select your desired quality, and download.
5. Once downloaded within Documents, you can move the video to your Photos app.

4. Online YouTube Video Downloaders (Web-Based)

For a quick solution without installing any software, online tools are a great way to **download YouTube videos**. These work directly in your browser on both Android and iPhone.

• Y2Mate.com: A popular, free web tool that lets you paste a YouTube link and download videos in various formats and qualities, including MP4 and MP3.
• SaveFrom.net: Another reliable online downloader. You can paste the URL or simply add “ss” before “youtube.com” in the video URL (e.g., `ssyoutube.com/watch…`) to quickly access the download options.
• YT1s.com: Offers a straightforward interface to convert and download YouTube videos and audio.

How to use online downloaders:

1. Go to YouTube and copy the URL of the video you want to download.
2. Open your web browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox) and go to one of the online downloader websites mentioned above.
3. Paste the YouTube video URL into the designated field.
4. Select your preferred video quality and format.
5. Click the download button.

5. Legal & Safety Considerations When Downloading YouTube Videos

When you **download YouTube videos**, it’s crucial to be aware of copyright and potential security risks.

• Copyright: Downloading copyrighted content without permission is illegal. Only download videos that are explicitly marked as free to download, public domain, or with a Creative Commons license. YouTube’s terms of service strictly prohibit unauthorized downloads.
• Malware & Privacy: Third-party apps and websites, especially those not from official app stores, can sometimes contain malware, adware, or compromise your privacy. Always use reputable sources and keep your device’s security updated.
• Fair Use: In some regions, downloading for personal, non-commercial use might fall under “fair use,” but this is a complex area and varies by jurisdiction.

FAQ – How to Download YouTube Videos

1. Is it legal to download YouTube videos?

Downloading copyrighted YouTube videos without permission is generally against YouTube’s terms of service and can be illegal. Using YouTube Premium is the only officially sanctioned method.

2. Can I download YouTube videos directly to my phone’s gallery?

With Android third-party apps, yes. On iPhone, you might need to use a file manager app like ‘Documents by Readdle’ and then move the video to your camera roll.

3. Are free YouTube downloaders safe?

Some are safer than others. Always use highly-rated apps and well-known online tools. Exercise caution and ensure your device has up-to-date antivirus protection, especially for Android apps downloaded via APKs.

Final Thoughts

Knowing **how to download YouTube videos** can greatly enhance your viewing experience, especially when you’re without an internet connection. Whether you opt for the convenience of YouTube Premium, a dedicated Android app, an iPhone-friendly file manager, or a quick online downloader, remember to respect copyright laws and prioritize your device’s security. For more tech tips to get the most out of your devices, explore our guides on how to extend your phone battery life. You can also refer to the official YouTube Help Center for more information on offline viewing features.