Video Production Tips

5 Easy ways to download YouTube videos 

Updated June 16, 2022
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How to download YouTube videos

Are you looking for easy and legal ways to download videos from YouTube? Whether you want to download YouTube videos for watching offline or for video editing, there are plenty of free and convenient ways to do it. 

Read on to learn how to download YouTube videos using YouTube Premium, Android, iPhone, Chromebook, and a YouTube video downloader for PC. We’ll also explore how to edit downloaded YouTube videos with Clipchamp’s free online video editor. 

Download YouTube videos with YouTube Premium

One of the easiest ways to download YouTube videos and avoid unethical downloads is signing up for YouTube Premium. YouTube Premium is a paid service that lets subscribers download unlimited YouTube videos and music and watch content offline or without ads. When signing up, users receive a 3-month free trial and then must pay a monthly fee if they want to continue downloading YouTube videos. 

Signing up for YouTube Premium is a straightforward process. All you have to do is log in to your existing YouTube account, click on your profile picture, then click Purchases and memberships.

Download YouTube videos on Android

We recommend using the YouTube app with YouTube Premium access for all YouTube downloads on an Android device. Users can tap on the Download button and then choose to download the YouTube video in three different video qualities. The higher the video quality, the more space the downloaded YouTube video will require on your Android device. The downloaded YouTube videos will appear in your gallery.

Image of downloading YouTube video from android

You can also use third-party apps like Savefrom to download for free, but you could risk breaching YouTube’s copyright policy.

Download YouTube videos on iPhone

The YouTube app for iPhone with YouTube Premium access lets you download directly to your iPhone camera roll.

Download YouTube video - iPhone

If you don’t want to purchase a YouTube Premium subscription, download Documents by Readdle from the app store for free. Tap on Documents, Browser, then open SaveFrom. Insert the YouTube video link. Download the YouTube video to your iPhone or iPad.

Download YouTube video - iPhone and iPad

Download YouTube videos for Chromebook

To download a YouTube video on your Chromebook, start by ensuring your device has the Google Play Store. Download the YouTube app on the Google Play Store. Like Android and iPhone, click on the Download button on the YouTube video. The downloaded YouTube videos will appear in your gallery.

How to download YouTube video from Chrome

Image source: Dignited

If you don’t have the YouTube app on your Chromebook, download YouTube videos using a third-party service.

Download YouTube videos on PC 

Don’t want to pay for YouTube Premium to download YouTube videos on your PC? Use VLC Media Player instead. The VLC media player on your PC is a secure, accessible, and great alternative to downloading YouTube videos. 

Head over to YouTube and copy the URL of the video you want to download. Once copied, launch the VLC media player app. For Windows users, click on the Media option, then Open Network Stream. For Mac users, click on File, then Open Network. 

Copy and paste the YouTube video's URL, then click Open. Once the video starts playing, select the Save video as option. Your YouTube video will save as an MP4 file with the default title video playback.

Download YouTube videos - to computer

If you’re unable to download your YouTube videos with VLC, SnapDownloader is an excellent YouTube downloader alternative. Download the free trial for 24 hours to your Mac or Windows device, or purchase a lifetime license.

Edit YouTube downloads with Clipchamp 

Once you have downloaded your YouTube video, it’s time to edit the clip. Turn YouTube downloads into high-quality memes, GIFs, slideshows, or tutorial videos with Clipchamp’s free online video editor.  

With hundreds of editing features to choose from, like background remover, crop, trim, picture in picture, and even our YouTube exporting integration, you’ll be creating professional videos in no time.

Frequently asked questions

Is it legal to download videos from YouTube?

Yes. If you purchase a YouTube Premium subscription, it is legal to download videos from YouTube. If not downloaded correctly, you could face some potential legal and ethical issues. But YouTube has never sued anyone for breaking these terms. Always consider YouTube’s copyright policy before downloading YouTube videos. 

How to download music from YouTube videos

If you want to download music from a YouTube video, you will have to download the whole video. For more information, check out our how to save YouTube audio blog.

Download YouTube videos in just a few clicks 

Downloading YouTube videos allows you to watch them without having an internet connection and the ability to use the videos in your video editing. You can also download YouTube gaming videos like Twitch clips to add to your video content.

Ready to start downloading YouTube videos? With our helpful tips and tricks, you can legally download YouTube videos and watch them when you need them. Create entertaining videos from your YouTube downloads with Clipchamp.

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