Learn how to easily download YouTube videos on your PC, iOS, Android, and Mac with ENBLE.

Our tutorial will instruct you on downloading YouTube videos on various devices such as PC, iPhone, iPad, Android, and Mac, while also educating you on the ethical considerations involved.

How to Download YouTube Videos: A Comprehensive Guide for PC, Mobile, and More

If you’re a YouTube fan like us, you might want to know the most viewed YouTube videos and even download them for offline viewing. YouTube has a vast collection of captivating videos, from music hits to informative tutorials, and knowing how to access them offline can be handy. In this article, we will explore various methods to download YouTube videos across various devices, such as PC, iOS, Android, and Mac. So buckle up and get ready to dive into the exciting world of YouTube video downloads!

Is Downloading YouTube Videos Legal? 🕵️‍♂️

Downloading YouTube videos may seem like a harmless activity, but it actually comes with its ethical and legal concerns. Not only is it a clear violation of YouTube’s Terms of Service, but it also affects the content creators and their revenue streams. Many content creators earn a significant portion of their income through ads displayed on their videos. By downloading these videos and watching them offline, you are essentially depriving them of their rightful revenue.

So, is there any scenario where downloading YouTube videos is legal? Well, if you are downloading videos for personal viewing and not distributing or monetizing them, then you are on the ethical side of the spectrum. However, it is important to note that YouTube doesn’t actively enforce individual downloaders unless they are extensively violating copyrights. To avoid any legal and ethical dilemma, it’s best to explore legitimate methods of downloading YouTube videos, such as using YouTube Premium.

How to Download YouTube Videos with YouTube Premium 📱💻

YouTube Premium on iPhone Image source: Phil Nickinson/Digital Trends

YouTube Premium is a subscription service offered by YouTube that allows you to download your favorite YouTube videos directly within the app. In addition to ad-free video viewing and offline downloads, YouTube Premium also includes access to YouTube Music, a separate music streaming service.

To enjoy the seamless experience of downloading YouTube videos legally, you can subscribe to YouTube Premium, which costs around $14 per month (or $8/month for the student plan). You can also opt for a family plan, which allows up to five members to share the subscription for $23 per month.

While downloading videos through YouTube Premium is convenient and legally compliant, it’s important to note that the downloaded videos are tied to your YouTube Premium subscription. If you cancel the subscription or the original video is removed from YouTube, the downloaded videos will no longer be accessible.

How to Download YouTube Videos on Your PC 🖥️

YouTube videos can be easily downloaded on your PC using various applications and websites. However, it’s crucial to be aware of the moral and legal implications of downloading YouTube videos and ensure that you abide by YouTube’s terms of service.

Using the YouTube Application to Download a Few Videos:

Open the YouTube Application: Launch the YouTube application on your PC and browse for the video you wish to download.
Tap the Download Button: Look for the download option beneath the video player and tap it to save the video directly within the app. Now you can enjoy watching the downloaded YouTube videos offline.
Access Offline Videos: Locate your downloaded YouTube videos within the YouTube application, providing instant access even without an internet connection.

YouTube Downloader and Browser Extension:

Explore YouTube Downloader: Consider using a dedicated YouTube downloader available online. Simply copy the URL or download links of the YouTube video you want to download and paste it into the downloader text box. Press enter to initiate the download.
Browser Extension Magic: Install a reputable browser extension that simplifies the downloading process. Once installed, navigate to your desired video, and a download button should appear on the page.

VLC Media Player’s Open Network Stream:

Download VLC Media Player: If you don’t have VLC installed, head to their official website or your computer’s app store to download and install it.
Copy Video Link: Copy the URL of the YouTube video you want to download.
Open Network Stream: In VLC, navigate to Media in the menu, choose Open Network Stream, and paste the YouTube video URL.
Save Videos Locally: VLC will start playing the video. To save it locally, go to Media again, select Convert/Save, choose your desired destination, and click Play or Start.

Android App from Google Play Store:

Explore Android Apps: If you’re looking to download YouTube videos on your PC, you can search for Android apps like TubeMate available on the Google Play Store.
Tap Download: Using the Android app, paste the video URL and tap the download button to save the video directly to your device.

Use Screen Record to Record YouTube Videos Locally 📲

Since the release of iOS 11, it has become possible to record your iPhone or iPad screen, including YouTube videos. This method is convenient as it doesn’t require any additional apps, and the recorded videos are accessible on your device.

Here’s how to use screen recording for YouTube videos: 1. Pull up the video on YouTube. 2. Change the orientation to landscape. 3. Swipe up on the Control Center and select the Record button (a circle inside a circle). 4. When the video finishes, select the Record button again to stop recording. 5. Save the video to your Camera Roll or download folder, and you can watch it anytime.

Use 4K Video Downloader+ ⬇️

The 4K Video Downloader+ desktop app interface Image source: screenshot/Anita George

The 4K Video Downloader+ is an excellent option for downloading YouTube videos on your PC. It is a versatile and user-friendly tool that works across various operating systems.

Follow these steps to use 4K Video Downloader+: 1. Head to the 4K Video Downloader+ website and download the appropriate version for your operating system. 2. Copy the URL of the YouTube video you want to download. 3. Open the 4K Video Downloader+ application and select the “Paste link” button to automatically fetch the video URL from your clipboard. 4. Wait for the software to process and download the video. Once done, your video will be available in the middle of the app. 5. Click on the “Show in folder” icon to open the web page containing the downloaded video’s file location.

How to Download YouTube Videos on Your Mobile 📱

Use a YouTube Video Downloader App like Offline

Offline - YouTube Video Downloader Image source: OSIT Studio/Apps on Google Play

To download and save YouTube videos on mobile devices, you’ll need to rely on third-party tools. One such tool is Offline, a free app available on iOS and Android. Offline not only supports YouTube videos but also enables downloads from various other apps, including Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and SoundCloud.

Here’s how to use Offline to download YouTube videos: 1. Download and install the Offline app from your app store. 2. Launch the app and search for the YouTube video you want to download. 3. Once you find the video, tap on the download button to save it to your device. 4. The downloaded videos can be played within the app, exported to iCloud, or transferred to your Mac via AirDrop.

It’s important to note that Offline saves videos in a maximum resolution of 640×480. While this resolution is sufficient for offline viewing on a smartphone, it might not be ideal for larger screens.

Download a YouTube Video on a PC or Mac and Transfer it to an iPhone or iPad 💾📲

If you want to download YouTube videos on your computer and transfer them to your iPhone or iPad, you can follow these steps:

Download YouTube videos on your PC or Mac using any preferred method, such as the 4K Video Downloader+ mentioned earlier.
Once downloaded, transfer the videos to your iPhone or iPad using AirDrop. Alternatively, you can save the files to a third-party cloud service like Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud and access the videos on your iPhone or iPad. You can also connect your device to your computer using a Lightning cable for a direct transfer.

💡 Additional Topics 💡

Q: Are there any legal alternatives to downloading YouTube videos for offline viewing?

A: Yes, YouTube Premium allows you to download videos legally within the YouTube app. This ensures that content creators receive their fair share of ad revenue.

Q: Can I transfer downloaded YouTube videos to other devices without using the internet?

A: Yes, once you have downloaded YouTube videos, you can transfer them between devices using USB cables or Wi-Fi connections.

Q: Are there any risks associated with downloading YouTube videos from third-party websites?

A: Yes, third-party downloader websites often pose security risks, such as malware-infested files. It’s advisable to use trusted desktop and mobile apps to ensure the safety of your device.

The Impact and Future Developments

As streaming services continue to evolve, the future of downloading YouTube videos remains uncertain. However, it’s safe to assume that the demand for offline video viewing will persist. Content creators and platforms might explore new methods to enforce copyright protection while still providing convenient options for offline access.

With advancements in technology, we can expect streaming platforms to offer more integrated and secure ways to download and watch videos offline. As the digital landscape evolves, it’s essential to stay informed about the latest developments and adhere to legal and ethical practices.

References

Conclusion

Downloading YouTube videos can be a convenient way to access your favorite content offline. However, it’s crucial to understand the legal and ethical implications involved. While YouTube Premium offers a seamless and compliant solution, there are also legitimate methods like using dedicated applications and browser extensions. By following the guidelines provided in this article, you can safely and responsibly enjoy offline YouTube content on your PC, mobile, or other devices.

If you found this guide helpful, feel free to share it with your friends and followers on social media. And remember, happy downloading and happy watching! 🎉📺