YouTube is one of the most popular platforms, with about 79% of all Internet users having an account and around 1.3 billion users are engaging with the platform daily. YouTube features a wide range of content, from music videos and tutorials to vlogs and educational materials, making it a go-to resource for entertainment and learning. And since there is so much great valuable content, lots of users search for ways to download videos to watch offline or to save their favorite clips in case they are removed by the creators or the platform itself.
Why Download Videos from YouTube
Downloading is a great way to ensure you can still access all the desired content from YouTube, and YouTube Premium is an excellent option to do that. The premium subscription offers a range of extra features that make the whole experience better. For instance, you can watch videos without any ads or turn on background play to watch your favorite podcasts. YouTube Premium provides access to YouTube Originals and YouTube Music as well. However, the subscription is quite pricey: $13.99/month.
Read also: How to Get YouTube Music Premium for Free
This is not the most budget-friendly and flexible option, though. Other methods to download videos may offer flexibility without long-term commitment and paying for a subscription you might not use regularly. For example, free methods are great when traveling or short periods without Internet access. Another benefit is that it makes it easier to access videos across multiple devices. You can store them locally on your phone, laptop, or even an external drive. Some videos may have regional restrictions or be unavailable for offline viewing, even for Premium subscribers. Using different ways to download can help you get around these restrictions so you can access videos that might otherwise be blocked in your region or unavailable for download.
So downloading YouTube videos without a Premium account is a more flexible, cost-effective, and customizable way to enjoy your favorite content offline. In this article, we share several methods of how to do it.
Is It Legal to Download YouTube Videos?
Yes and no. Ripping videos from YouTube is generally not allowed by YouTube’s Terms of Service. The platform specifically prohibits it unless YouTube provides a download button or link. However, in many countries, downloading videos for personal use and non-commercial purposes is considered legal, especially if the download does not result in the redistribution or sale of the content. Copyright law plays an important role in determining what is allowed. For example, fair use is a legal doctrine that exists in many countries.
How to Download YouTube Videos on PC (Windows & Mac)
PC users have a variety of effective methods for downloading YouTube videos. There are two main ways: Software programs and online tools.
4K Video Downloader Plus
4K Video Downloader Plus is one of the most reliable tools for downloading high-quality YouTube videos. You get 10 free downloads daily, and it is simple to use on Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu. After downloading and installing the program, all you need to do is copy and paste the URL of the YouTube video you want to download or search for the video in the built-in browser, and the downloading will begin automatically. You can also choose the format and resolution of the video you're about to save and even convert it to audio.
EaseUS
EaseUS is a popular desktop tool to download videos from YouTube and other platforms. To get started, you just need to install the software. The process is very similar to the previous tool and quite simple. You can either click the + Add URL button or paste the video link directly into the search bar. The tool will quickly analyze the input, and then you can choose from a variety of download options, including different resolutions and formats.
SaveFrom.net and Other Online Downloaders
SaveFrom is one of the most well-known online tools to download videos from YouTube without a premium subscription. Of course, there are other options like Y2Mate or KeepVid but SaveFrom has one peculiarity that makes it more comfortable to use. You simply need to add “ss” after “www.” to the URL of the YouTube video, and it will redirect you to the website without copying and pasting the link, speeding up the whole process.
Foxified Video Downloader Browser Extension
You can use Foxified on Chrome, Edge, and Opera. The program itself works by emulating Firefox add-ons on these browsers. After installing it, you will automatically receive the downloader extension. This tool adds a download button right on the website. You can choose different video qualities, from 360p to ultra HD. It supports all formats, including AVI, FLV, WebM, MP4 and MP3. It is also possible to choose a particular video fragment you want to download and take video screenshots.
How to Download YouTube Videos on iOS
If you are an iPhone or iPad user trying to download videos directly from YouTube without premium, you will probably find that Apple’s app policies put some restrictions in place. However, there is still a way you can download videos onto your device safely.
Using iTunes
The easiest way to watch downloaded YouTube videos on your iOS devices is by syncing them using the iTunes library. First, you need to download them onto your computer using the methods mentioned above. Do not forget to make sure the video files are compatible with iTunes (standard formats like MP4, MOV, and M4V work best). Here is what you should do next:
- Go to the File menu, then select “Add to Library”
- Head to the folder where your video is stored, select the file, and click “Open”
- Connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer with a USB
- To find your iPhone on iTunes, click on the device icon
- Сlick on “Movies” or “TV Shows”
- Сheck the box “Sync Movies” (or “Sync TV Shows”), then select the videos you want to transfer to your iPhone
- Сlick “Apply” or “Sync”
You can now open the TV app or Videos app on your iPhone or iPad, depending on your iOS version. You will find the videos under Library in the relevant section (e.g., Movies, TV Shows, or Home Videos) and watch them offline.
How to Download YouTube Videos on Android
Android users have more options when it comes to downloading YouTube videos thanks to a variety of third-party apps and websites and the freedom to upload files directly to the device. Here are several ways to download YouTube videos on Android without Premium.
Upload Videos From PC
This is a very obvious and easy way to download YouTube Videos. You just pre-download a video on Windows or Mac and then connect your smartphone or tablet with a USB cable and simply upload all the desired files. After that, you can use a built-in video player to enjoy your videos.
4K Video Downloader for Android
This app lets you save YouTube videos without premium on your Android device. It has a straightforward design and intuitive interface. You need to download the APK file from the official website and install it, then permit access to the device library. It also works for videos from other social media sites like Facebook, Dailymotion, Rumble, Bilibili, and others. It also supports batch downloading, for instance, from playlists or channels.
TubeMate YouTube Downloader 2
TubeMate is a popular Android app that lets users download YouTube videos straight to their devices for offline viewing. It supports a range of video formats and resolutions, making it a flexible choice for users who want to save videos for later without relying on YouTube Premium or an internet connection. TubeMate lets you download in different formats, like MP4, 3GP, and WebM, which are compatible with most devices. You can also download the audio as an MP3 file, which is excellent for listening to music or podcasts.
