Before you try to download any YouTube video, it’s important to understand both what is allowed and what is not, so you can stay on the right side of YouTube’s rules and copyright law.

This guide explains:

  • When it’s legal to download YouTube videos
  • The official ways to save YouTube videos offline
  • Common “YouTube downloader” tools and the risks they pose
  • Safer, legal alternatives to keep videos available when you’re offline

# 1. Is It Legal to Download YouTube Videos?

According to YouTube’s Terms of Service, you are not allowed to download content directly from YouTube unless:

  1. YouTube itself provides a download button or link, and
  2. You use that download only in the way YouTube allows (usually offline viewing inside the YouTube or YouTube Music app).

In other words:

  • Downloading a video using unofficial tools or websites that bypass YouTube’s systems usually violates the Terms of Service.
  • Downloading and redistributing copyrighted videos (movies, music videos, shows, etc.) without permission can also infringe copyright law, which is separate from YouTube’s rules.

If you need a video for a project, website, or social media, the safest approach is to:

  • Get written permission from the copyright owner, or
  • Use videos with a license that allows downloading and reuse (for example, Creative Commons).

You can read more about this in YouTube’s own help pages:

# 2. Official Ways to Save YouTube Videos Offline

The only fully compliant way to “download” YouTube videos for offline viewing is to use YouTube’s own download features, which keep the content inside YouTube’s apps and respect the creator’s settings.

# 2.1 YouTube Premium (Mobile & Desktop)

YouTube Premium offers built-in offline support in many regions.

How it works (mobile app, Android & iOS):

  1. Install or open the YouTube app.
  2. Sign in to your Google account.
  3. Subscribe to YouTube Premium (if it’s available in your region).
  4. Open the video you want to save.
  5. Tap the Download button (downward arrow icon) under the video player.
  6. Choose the quality (e.g., 360p, 720p).
  7. Wait for the download to complete.

You can find your saved videos later via:

  • Library → Downloads

Important limits:

  • Videos stay within the YouTube app — you can’t move them as regular .mp4 files.
  • Some videos may not be available for offline download if the creator disables that option.
  • You typically need to reconnect to the internet every so often so YouTube can verify your subscription and rights.

YouTube has a step‑by‑step guide here:
https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6141269

# 2.2 YouTube Mobile App (Without Premium, in Some Regions)

In some countries, YouTube allows free offline viewing for certain videos (often in the YouTube app only).

Steps (where supported):

  1. Open the YouTube app.
  2. Find the video you want.
  3. Look for a Download or Save offline button below the video.
  4. Choose quality and confirm.

Again, the video:

  • Stays in the YouTube app
  • Is meant for personal offline viewing, not for editing, reposting, or uploading elsewhere.

# 2.3 YouTube Music App (For Music & Playlists)

If you’re mainly interested in songs, playlists, or music videos, YouTube Music with a YouTube Music Premium or YouTube Premium subscription lets you:

  • Download songs and playlists for offline listening
  • Use “Smart Downloads” that auto-download songs you listen to a lot

Guide: https://support.google.com/youtubemusic/answer/7505314

# 3. About Third‑Party “YouTube Downloader” Tools and Sites

If you search online for “how to download YouTube videos”, you’ll see many:

  • Online websites (web-based downloaders)
  • Desktop programs (video download software)
  • Browser extensions or plugins
  • Command‑line tools

While these tools are popular, there are important risks and issues you should know.

# 3.1 Terms of Service and Legal Risks

Most third‑party downloaders work by:

  • Accessing YouTube’s video stream directly
  • Saving it as a file (e.g., .mp4, .webm, .mp3)
  • Skipping the official YouTube player and controls

This usually violates YouTube’s Terms of Service, even if you’re downloading for personal use only.

In addition, copyright law may be violated if you:

  • Download videos without permission and
  • Use them in public projects, commercial products, or share them widely.

To stay safe, only download and reuse videos when:

  • You have explicit permission
  • The videos are released under a permissive license (e.g., Creative Commons Attribution) that allows downloads and modifications
  • Or the content is your own creation that you uploaded yourself

# 3.2 Security & Privacy Risks

Many “free YouTube downloader” sites and apps come with hidden drawbacks:

  • Malware or spyware bundled with installers
  • Aggressive ads that may lead to phishing pages
  • Browser extensions that can track your browsing
  • Fake “Download” buttons that lead to other unsafe downloads

If you absolutely must use third‑party tools (for example, for your own content where you lost the original file), be extremely cautious:

  • Use reputable security software
  • Avoid downloading installers from unknown sites
  • Read the permissions carefully, especially for extensions
  • Consider scanning files with a service like VirusTotal before opening them

# 4. Legal Alternatives to Using Downloaders

If your real goal is to reuse YouTube content (e.g., in a presentation, video edit, or blog post), there are safer and legal options.

# 4.1 Use YouTube’s Built-In Sharing & Embedding

Instead of downloading:

  • Use the Share button under a video to get a link.
  • Use the Embed option (<iframe> code) to display the video on your website or blog.

This way:

  • The video still streams from YouTube’s servers
  • The creator keeps control and can earn revenue from ads
  • You remain within YouTube’s Terms of Service

Guide: https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/171780

# 4.2 Find Creative Commons & Reusable Videos

You can search specifically for Creative Commons or other reusable videos on YouTube.

Many creators upload content under licenses that allow:

  • Downloading
  • Editing and remixing
  • Reuse in your own projects (often with attribution)

To find them:

  1. Go to YouTube.
  2. Search for what you need (e.g., “nature background video”).
  3. Use filters (where available) to select Creative Commons-licensed content.

Always check the description and license text and follow the requirements (for example, crediting the creator).

You can also use dedicated free-stock video sites that encourage downloading and reuse, such as:

# 4.3 Get a Direct Download from the Creator

If you need a specific YouTube video:

  • Contact the creator directly (via YouTube, email, or social links).
  • Explain how you plan to use it.
  • Ask for permission or a direct download link (for example, from Google Drive, Dropbox, or their website).

This is often the cleanest and safest path when you need high-quality footage or want to be sure you’re fully compliant.

# 5. Backing Up Your Own YouTube Videos

If you uploaded a video to YouTube and lost the original file, you can legally download your own content from YouTube Studio.

Steps:

  1. Go to YouTube Studio.
  2. Sign in with the account that owns the video.
  3. In the left menu, click Content.
  4. Hover over the video you want to download.
  5. Click the three dots menu (⋮) next to the video.
  6. Select Download.

YouTube’s guide: https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/56100

This method:

  • Is allowed by YouTube
  • Lets you recover your own content without external tools

# 6. FAQ: Common Questions About Downloading YouTube Videos

Can I download YouTube videos for personal use only?
Technically, using unofficial tools usually violates YouTube’s Terms of Service, even for private use. YouTube expects you to use only its official download/offline functions.

Is it okay to convert YouTube videos to MP3?
Most “YouTube to MP3” converters are third‑party tools that bypass YouTube’s systems, which again conflicts with the Terms of Service. For music, use YouTube Music, or a legal music streaming/download service.

What about videos that clearly say ‘Free to use’?
Even if the video title or description says “free,” you should:

  • Check the exact license or permission
  • Follow any conditions (e.g., attribution, non-commercial use, no-derivatives)
  • Still avoid tools that violate YouTube’s TOS; better to ask the creator for a direct download or find the video on their official website or download page.

Can I download YouTube videos for school or education?
Educational use does not automatically override copyright or the platform’s Terms of Service. It may influence what’s allowed under “fair use” in some countries, but that’s a legal question and often nuanced. Safer options:

  • Show the video directly from YouTube in class
  • Embed it in learning platforms where allowed
  • Use content that is explicitly licensed for educational reuse

# 7. Summary: The Safest Ways to “Download” YouTube Videos

If you want to stay safe, legal, and within YouTube’s rules:

  1. Use official offline features

  2. Avoid untrusted third‑party downloaders

    • They often violate YouTube’s Terms of Service
    • They can expose you to malware, tracking, and privacy risks

  3. For reuse, not just viewing

    • Use embed codes or share links
    • Search for Creative Commons and reusable content
    • Get direct permission and files from creators
    • Download your own uploads via YouTube Studio

If you tell me your specific goal (for example: “I want a video for a PowerPoint presentation” or “I need background footage for YouTube Shorts”), I can suggest the most appropriate and legal option step-by-step.