How to Download a YouTube Video (On PC or Mobile)

Ever encountered a video on YouTube and wished you could use some parts or have offline access to it? While we get you, it is important to find out how to download a YouTube video legally first—and we’ll show you.

There are several ways to download a YouTube video to your device, with our top pick being a YouTube premium subscription. But how do you go about it? And what if you don’t want to pay for the YouTube premium service?

Wherever you stand, we’ve got you.

Here’s how to download a YouTube video on your PC or mobile phone.

Keynote: To download a YouTube video legally, the most reliable method is using YouTube Premium. Simply sign in to your YouTube account, subscribe to YouTube Premium, and download videos by tapping 'Download' under the video. Alternatively, you can use third-party tools like 4K Downloader or 10Downloader for additional options. Browser extensions like Video DownloadHelper or Internet Download Manager also enable video downloads directly from YouTube.

How to download a YouTube video on PC and mobile

You can download a YouTube video on your device using any of these three ways:

1. A YouTube Premium subscription.
2. Third-party video downloader web apps on PC or mobile.
3. Browser Extensions on PC.

We’ll explore each of these options and tell you how you can use them.

How to download a YouTube video on PC and mobile with YouTube Premium

If you asked us the most lawful way to download a video on YouTube, we’d say YouTube Premium for sure.

Downloading a YouTube video with a premium subscription is as straightforward as these three steps:

On Mobile

1. Sign in to your YouTube account and go to your profile.
2. Select “Get YouTube Premium” and follow the prompts.
3. When you have successfully subscribed, go to the video you want to download, select the three vertical dots, tap “Download Video” and choose the video quality you want.

On your PC

1. Sign in to your account.
2. Choose the “YouTube Premium” option on the tab on the left of the page.
3. Once you have finished with the subscription process, access the video you want to download, tap the three horizontal dots, select “Download”, and choose a video quality.

Once the download is complete, your video will be available for offline viewing on that device.

To find the videos you downloaded already:

●       On your PC

Sign in to your YouTube Premium account and select “Downloads” from the menu at the left side of the page.

●       On your mobile phone

Open the YouTube app and sign in to your premium account then tap on your profile at the bottom right of the screen. Finally, select the “Downloads” option.

How to download a YouTube video on mobile and PC with third-party websites

A not-so-secret way to download YouTube videos is through web apps designed for that purpose.

There is an array of third-party websites that make it easy to download videos on the internet and we’ll introduce you to a couple and show you how to use them.

Our first choice…

4K downloader

4K downloader is a video downloader web app that allows you to download videos easily from YouTube.

Features

●       4K downloader is compatible with different operating systems like Linux, Mac, PC, and Android.

●       However, if you use an iPhone, iPad, or iPod, you may be unable to access the platform.

●       You can download up to 30 videos for free daily.

●       You can get unlimited downloads with a paid subscription.

Enough chit-chat, how do you download a YouTube video with 4K downloader?

1. Using any browser, go to their website, download the web app compatible with your device’s operating system, and install it.
2. Copy the link to the YouTube video you want to download and paste the link into the designated text box in the 4K downloader app.
3. Choose the location where you want to save your file on your device.

10Downloader

Unlike 4K downloader, you can use the 10Downloader web app to download YouTube videos on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod.

Features

●       10Downloader works on iOS, Mac, Linux, and PC browsers.

●       You don’t need to download the app or extension to use it.

●       Free to use.

If you were to use 10Downloader, how would you typically go about it?

1. Open the 10Downloader website.
2. Next, go to YouTube and copy the link to the video you want to download.
3. Paste the link into the search box in the 10Downloader app and
4. Choose the resolution you want the video to be in tap the “Download” button.
5. Save it.

We’re not done yet...

You can also download YouTube videos on your computer using browser extensions. No need to worry though; It’s nothing technical.

How to download a YouTube video on PC with Browser Extensions

Think of the easiest thing you can do. Done yet?

Well, the process of downloading a YouTube video with browser extensions is almost as easy.

There’s one thing to remember though—you may have to pay for some browser extension services. That said, here are some of our top browser extension choices:

For FireFox, Safari, Chrome, and Edge Browsers - Video DownloadHelper

Video DownloadHelper allows video downloads in varying resolutions and formats. It is easy to use and enables YouTube video downloads.

Check out some of its other features:

●       Compatible with Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Chrome, and Edge browsers.

●       Its core features come at no cost.

Using Video DownloadHelper to download YouTube videos

1. Add the extension to your browser by visiting the website or checking your browser’s web store. Then finish setting the extension up.
2. Sign in to your YouTube account in your browser and open the YouTube video you want to download.
3. Check for the Video DownloadHelper icon in the browser toolbar, then select the resolution and format you want.
4. Select the location you want the video to save to and wait until it's done downloading.

Because we are so benevolent, here’s another browser extension that works great with many browsers (probably yours too):

For Edge, Chrome, FireFox, Maxthon, Safari, AOL, Internet Explorer, MSN, and Opera - Internet Download Manager

Internet Download Manager or IDM for short is a download tool for different types of documents, videos inclusive.

Explore some of its features:

●       Can be used to download different types of files.

●       30-day free trial, a $11.95/year license, and $24.95 for lifetime access to it.

●       Compatible with Chrome.

Want to try IDM?

Follow these steps to add it to your browser and download the YouTube video of your choice:

1. Download the IDM extension from your browser’s web store, and also, install the IDM software on your computer. Next, close your browser (not minimize) and open it.
2. Log into your YouTube account on the browser you installed the IDM extension. You should see an option that reads “Download this video”.
3. Select this option and choose the resolution and video format you want.
4. Finally, choose the folder you want the video to save to and tap on “Start Download”.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it legal to download YouTube videos?

When you download YouTube videos without the creator’s permission, you go against YouTube’s terms of service—which does not permit downloading videos unless through YouTube itself (YouTube Premium).

How can I download YouTube videos in HD quality?

Usually, when you are downloading YouTube videos (using any means), there’s an option to choose the video resolution you prefer. When you reach this point in the process, always select the highest option, which will likely be 720p, 1080p, or HD.