How to download a YouTube video?

Oliver Robey

Moderator
I’m trying to save a YouTube video for offline viewing, but I don’t see a download button. Does the download option depend on the video? How can I download it?
 
Yeah, it depends on a few things:
  • You need YouTube Premium; the download button often isn't there without it
  • The video's creator has to allow downloads
  • This doesn’t work on the desktop website, but only on the mobile app of YouTube
To download a video, open it in the YouTube app, tap "Download" under the video, and save it for offline viewing in the app.
 
If you don't see the download button, you probably don't have Premium. That's the main gatekeeper. No download button means no official way to save it without Premium.
 
Yep, it depends on the video. The Download button only shows up in the YouTube app or on desktop with Premium. Creators can turn it off for their videos. Live streams, premieres, and some music or region-locked content can't be downloaded at all.
 
Well, it depends on the video as well as your account and location. The Download button only comes up on YouTube if offline viewing is available for the video you are watching. If this is not the case, you won’t be able to download.
 
The simplest way is to visit YouTube's website, find the video you want, and search for the Download link under the video.

Tap it, set the quality then you're all set. View later from your Downloads without mobile data.

Depending on your country and the video, you might need YouTube Premium to use this feature.
 
Open the video in YouTube, tap Download, choose a video quality you want to download and find it later in You SkillsDownloads.

Please note: When the button is not available, the video or location might not be compatible for downloading.

Usually, these offline copies remain within the YouTube app.
 
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