Can you download YouTube videos to watch offline for free

Downloading a YouTube video can save a great amount of internet data if you plan on viewing it multiple times. Streaming a video multiple times consumes a lot of internet data, especially if you’re viewing it in HD. In this case, you’re better off downloading the video and watching it offline. In this article, we bring you the best ways to download YouTube videos for offline viewing.

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Table of Contents

  • Save videos offline using YouTube Premium
  • Download a YouTube video using an online video downloader
  • Download a YouTube video using a video download app
  • Download YouTube videos for offline viewing using a browser extension
  • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Is it legal to download videos from YouTube?
    • Are third-party download tools safe?

Save videos offline using YouTube Premium

Can you download YouTube videos to watch offline for free

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YouTube Premium is the only ‘official’ way to watch YouTube videos offline. You can read our detailed article on the benefits of YouTube Premium and the various subscription plans on offer here. Once you’re subscribed to YouTube Premium you can save any video for offline viewing by simply clicking on the download icon below every video. You can access the saved video in the YouTube app on your phone or the website on your desktop. Downloading a video using YouTube Premium does not save the video file on your device, it simply saves the video in the ‘Downloads’ folder on the YouTube app. Watching an offline video does not use any internet data. Once you download a video, it is available for offline viewing for 30 days, after which you’ll have to download it again.

Download a YouTube video using an online video downloader

Can you download YouTube videos to watch offline for free

There are tons of YouTube video downloaders online that you can use to download any video for offline viewing. Using these tools will save the video file on your device. PasteDownload, Free Video Downloader, Video Grabber, and KeepVid are some of the popular video download tools. Every video download tool follows the same process, copy the link of the YouTube video you want to download and paste it into the download box on the website. The download tool will save the video on your device. 

Download a YouTube video using a video download app

Can you download YouTube videos to watch offline for free

While most online tools work just fine on your smartphone browser, you can also download an app to do the same job. Apps like AZ Video Downloader do a good job of downloading YouTube videos at any resolution. All you need to do is search for the video in the downloader app and press download. The video will be saved to your smartphone.

Download YouTube videos for offline viewing using a browser extension

Can you download YouTube videos to watch offline for free

If you mostly use YouTube on your desktop browser, using a browser extension is the easiest way to download YouTube videos on your device. There are several extensions like Addoncrop, YouTube ByClick, and Video Downloader Professional that will do the job. Once you add a browser extension, it will give you a download option alongside every YouTube video. Once you click on the download button, the video will be saved on your device in a resolution of your liking.

Read Also: Here are 10 Easy To Use Free Video Editing Apps for iPhone and iPad

Frequently Asked Questions

The only ‘legal’ way of viewing YouTube videos online is by subscribing to YouTube Premium. Downloading a video as a file using any third-party tool or app is considered piracy. However, as long as you’re downloading the video for personal use and not distributing it, you will be fine.

Are third-party download tools safe?

The apps and tools we have mentioned in this article are safe to use. However, it is always a good idea to be on the side of caution and not allow these apps any permissions you deem unnecessary.

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Can you download YouTube videos to watch offline for free

Can I download a YouTube video and watch it offline?

You can download videos that you've already uploaded. If you haven't uploaded the video yourself, you can save it to a computer. You can download videos from the YouTube app to your mobile device only.

Can you download YouTube videos without a subscription?

Do I need a YouTube Premium account to download videos? Yes, you will need to have a YouTube account and to be a YouTube Premium member to download videos and watch them offline.

Can you download YouTube videos to watch offline 2022?

Once you're subscribed to YouTube Premium you can save any video for offline viewing by simply clicking on the download icon below every video. You can access the saved video in the YouTube app on your phone or the website on your desktop.