If you’re someone who prefers storing files in the cloud, there’s an easy way to download YouTube videos directly to Google Drive. This process allows you to access your saved videos from any device with internet access, offering flexibility and convenience.
In this article, we’ll be showing you how to do it on different devices—on your iOS, Android, desktop, and online.
A Word on Copyright Before We Begin
Downloading YouTube videos that don’t belong to you for personal use may be legal under certain circumstances, but always be mindful of copyright laws. Some content on YouTube is protected by copyright, and unauthorised downloading or sharing may lead to violations. It’s always a good idea to review YouTube’s policies and the video owner’s rights before downloading and storing videos.
How to Download YouTube Videos to Google Drive on PC, Ubuntu or Mac
For those of you who have YouTube Premium, feel free to save videos with it. For those who don't, we'll show a few alternative options. We won't show you all the steps of downloading a video with YouTube Premium—all you have to do is to find the Download button under a video you want to save, and that's it.
Way 1. 4K Video Downloader Plus
Google doesn’t offer a direct download option for YouTube videos (apart from paying for Premium), so third-party software is required. One widely trusted tool for this task is 4K Video Downloader Plus. It's simple, free for personal use, and safe from unwanted extras like ads or malware. It also has an intuitive interface, making it suitable for people with all levels of technical expertise.
- Open the video you want to download on YouTube. In the address bar, copy the link.
- Launch the software. If you don’t have it installed, download it from the official website and install it.
- Click on the "Paste Link" button within 4K Video Downloader Plus. The software will automatically detect and analyse the link.
- You’ll be given options for video quality and format. For example, you might select 1080p for a balance between quality and file size. Choose the format that works best for your needs.
- Once you’ve selected the desired video quality and format, click “Download.” The video will be saved to your computer in the location you specified during setup. Keep in mind that high-definition videos can take a bit longer to download depending on the speed of your internet connection.
Now that the video is stored on your computer, uploading it to Google Drive is the final step:
- Open Google Drive in your browser and log in to your account.
- Simply drag and drop the downloaded YouTube video from your computer into the Google Drive window, or use the “+ New” button to upload the file manually.
- Optional: Organise your videos into folders for easy access later, especially if you plan to store more YouTube content on Google Drive.
Once the video is uploaded, you can access it from any device with an internet connection. Google Drive’s mobile app makes it particularly convenient if you want to stream the video while on the go. You can also share the video with others by generating a shareable link, although keep in mind copyright considerations when doing so.
Read also: How to Download Audio from YouTube on Mac: 8 Ways (Free & Paid) + 2 Bonus Ways
Way 2. Use the "Save to Google Drive" Extension
This is another method, and it streamlines the process by letting you save videos directly to Google Drive from your browser if you have no intention to install any third-party tools.
- Start by opening your Chrome browser and heading to the Chrome Web Store. Search for the "Save to Google Drive" extension, then click on “Add to Chrome” to install it.
- Go to YouTube and find the video you want to save.
- Copy the YouTube video link you want to download. Open any online downloader, paste the video URL into the search box, and generate the download link.
- Once the download link is generated, right-click the "Download" button and select "Save Link to Google Drive."
- Once the download is complete, you’ll find the video file in your selected Google Drive folder, ready to watch or share.
How to Download a YouTube Video to Google Drive on iPhone/iPad
To save YouTube videos to Google Drive on your iPhone or iPad, you’ll first need to download the video using a third-party tool, as there is no direct download option (again, unless you use the YouTube Premium—then you can find the Download button right under the video). Unlike desktop platforms, the iOS ecosystem has limitations that make finding reliable YouTube download apps difficult. A better solution is to use an online downloader via Safari or another browser.
You can use solutions like KeepVid, Savefrom.net, or alternatives. Then just follow these steps.
- Open the YouTube app on your iPhone or iPad, find the video you want to save, and copy the link.
- Head over to the video downloading website of choice using Safari or another browser.
- In the search box, paste the YouTube URL you copied. Select the video quality you want and hit the "Download" button.
- After the video is downloaded, find it in your device’s files.
- Tap the "Share" button and select the Google Drive app. The video will be uploaded to your Drive, where you can access it anytime.
💡 But be cautious with these online downloaders, as they often automatically redirect users to third-party sites that can be malware.
How to Download YouTube Videos to Google Drive on Android
Unlike iOS, Android allows users to download third-party apps through APKs, providing more flexibility for downloading videos. One reliable tool is the 4K Video Downloader for Android, which supports high-quality video downloads from YouTube and other major platforms.
- Download and install the 4K Video Downloader app on your Android device.
- Open the YouTube app, find the video you want, and copy its link.
- Launch the app and configure your download preferences if needed.
- Paste the YouTube link into the app’s search bar, and the downloading process will begin.
- Once the download is complete, open the Google Drive app on your Android device. Tap the menu icon in the top-left corner of the screen, find the video, and upload it to your chosen Google Drive folder.
Follow these steps to easily save YouTube videos to Google Drive on either iOS or Android, making them accessible from any device.
Bonus: How to Download a YouTube Video to Google Drive on a Chromebook
Chromebooks are popular for their simplicity, and saving YouTube videos directly to Google Drive can be done in a few steps using web-based tools and extensions. Since Chromebooks run on Chrome OS, downloading third-party software is not as easy as on other platforms. However, using online downloaders, such as KeepVid, Y2Mate, or Savefrom.net, and the 'Save to Google Drive' Chrome extension offers a simple and effective solution. Basically, these methods aren't different from what we've told you about above, so you can follow the steps we mentioned earlier in the article to download a YouTube video to Google Drive on your Chromebook.
Read also: How to Download Music from YouTube to iPhone With & Without a Laptop
Why Store Videos in Google Drive?
Storing videos in Google Drive not only saves space on your devices but also ensures your content is backed up. Cloud storage is especially handy for those who need access to their video collection across different platforms, whether at work, school, or while travelling.
Using Google Drive for this purpose can also keep your hard drive from being cluttered with large files, while allowing you to share video content seamlessly with friends, colleagues, or collaborators. With Google’s user-friendly storage management features, it’s easy to upgrade your account if you find your collection growing quickly.
In conclusion, while YouTube doesn’t offer a built-in option to save videos to Google Drive, the combination of third-party tools like 4K Video Downloader and cloud storage services like Google Drive makes the task straightforward. Just be mindful of storage limits and copyright laws, and you’ll have your favourite content neatly saved and accessible wherever you go.
