How to Download YouTube Videos on iPhone
YouTube is a treasure trove of videos, from entertaining vlogs to informative tutorials. While streaming these videos is convenient, sometimes you may want to download them for offline viewing or to save your mobile data. If you're an iPhone user wondering how to download YouTube videos on your device, you're in the right place. In this article, we'll explore various methods that allow you to save YouTube videos directly to your iPhone, ensuring you can enjoy your favorite content even without an internet connection.
Introduction
Downloading YouTube videos on an iPhone may seem like a challenging task, as the platform itself doesn't provide a built-in option to save videos offline. However, with the help of third-party apps, shortcuts, or online video downloaders, you can easily overcome this limitation. Let's dive into the different methods and explore how you can download YouTube videos on your iPhone.
Understanding YouTube's Download Policy
Before we explore the methods, it's essential to understand YouTube's download policy. YouTube's terms of service strictly prohibit the downloading of videos unless the platform itself offers a download button or feature. However, there are certain methods that exist within the boundaries of YouTube's policy, and we will focus on those methods in this article.
Method 1: Using a Third-Party App
One of the most popular and convenient ways to download YouTube videos on an iPhone is by using a third-party app called Documents by Readdle. This app combines a file manager and a web browser, allowing you to download videos from various sources, including YouTube. Here's how you can use this method:
3.1 Installing Documents by Readdle
To begin, head to the App Store and search for "Documents by Readdle." Once you find the app, tap on "Get" and follow the installation instructions. Once the app is installed, you'll find its icon on your home screen.
3.2 Using Documents by Readdle to Download YouTube Videos
Now, open the YouTube app and find the video you want to download. Tap on the share icon below the video and select the "Copy Link" option. Afterward, open the Documents app and tap on the compass icon located at the bottom right corner to open the built-in browser. In the browser, visit an online YouTube video downloader website, such as Y2Mate or SaveFrom.net. Paste the copied link into the provided field on the downloader website and follow the instructions to download the video.
Method 2: Using a Shortcut
Another method to download YouTube videos on your iPhone involves using Shortcuts, a built-in automation app provided by Apple. With the help of a pre-built YouTube video downloader shortcut, you can quickly save videos to your device. Let's see how you can set up and use this method:
4.1 Enabling Shortcuts on Your iPhone
Firstly, ensure that the Shortcuts app is enabled on your iPhone. If it's not already installed, download it from the App Store. Once installed, go to your iPhone's settings, tap on "Shortcuts," and toggle on the "Allow Untrusted Shortcuts" option.
4.2 Installing YouTube Video Downloader Shortcut
Next, open the Safari browser on your iPhone and visit a trusted Shortcuts gallery website, such as RoutineHub or Sharecuts. Find a YouTube video downloader shortcut that suits your needs, and tap on the "Get Shortcut" button. This will open the Shortcuts app, where you can review the actions performed by the shortcut and tap on "Add Untrusted Shortcut" to add it to your library.
4.3 Using the YouTube Video Downloader Shortcut
Once the shortcut is added, open the YouTube app and find the video you want to download. Tap on the share icon and select the "Shortcuts" option. From the list of shortcuts, choose the YouTube video downloader shortcut you installed earlier. The shortcut will process the video and provide you with options to select the video quality and destination for saving the downloaded video. After making your selections, tap on "Download" to start the download process.
Method 3: Using Online Video Downloaders
If you prefer not to install additional apps or shortcuts on your iPhone, you can use online video downloaders to save YouTube videos directly to your device. Here's how you can do it:
5.1 Finding a Reliable Online Video Downloader
Open the Safari browser on your iPhone and search for "online YouTube video downloader." You'll find various websites that offer this service. It's crucial to choose a reliable and trustworthy website to ensure the safety of your device and data.
5.2 Downloading YouTube Videos with an Online Video Downloader
Once you've found a reliable online video downloader, open the YouTube app and find the video you want to download. Tap on the share icon below the video and select the "Copy Link" option. Now, go back to the Safari browser and visit the online video downloader website you chose earlier. Paste the YouTube video link into the provided field on the website and follow the instructions to generate the download link. Once the download link is generated, tap on it to start the download process.
Method 4: Using YouTube Premium
If you're a frequent YouTube user and want a hassle-free method to download videos, subscribing to YouTube Premium is an excellent option. With a YouTube Premium subscription, you can enjoy ad-free videos and offline downloads directly within the YouTube app. Here's how you can use this method:
6.1 Subscribing to YouTube Premium
Open the YouTube app and tap on your profile picture at the top right corner of the screen. From the menu that appears, select "YouTube Premium" and follow the instructions to subscribe to the service. YouTube Premium offers a free trial period, so you can explore the features before committing to a subscription.
6.2 Downloading Videos with YouTube Premium
Once you have a YouTube Premium subscription, open the YouTube app and find the video you want to download. Below the video player, you'll find a download icon. Tap on it, select the video quality, and the download will begin. You can access your downloaded videos by going to the "Library" tab in the YouTube app.
Legal Considerations and Copyright
When downloading YouTube videos, it's important to be aware of legal considerations and respect copyright laws. Downloading copyrighted content without proper authorization from the content creator or owner may infringe upon their rights. It's recommended to download videos only for personal use or when you have permission from the copyright holder.
Conclusion
Downloading YouTube videos on your iPhone is possible through various methods, such as using third-party apps, shortcuts, online video downloaders, or subscribing to YouTube Premium. Each method has its own advantages and considerations, so choose the one that suits your preferences and respects legal boundaries. By following the instructions provided in this article, you can enjoy your favorite YouTube videos offline and on-the-go.
FAQs
FAQ 1: Is it legal to download YouTube videos?
Downloading YouTube videos without proper authorization may infringe upon copyright laws, so it's important to consider the legality of downloading specific videos. It's recommended to download videos only for personal use or when you have permission from the copyright holder.
FAQ 2: Can I download videos directly from the YouTube app?
YouTube doesn't provide a built-in option to download videos directly within the app. However, if you subscribe to YouTube Premium, you can enjoy offline downloads within the YouTube app itself.
FAQ 3: Are online video downloaders safe to use?
While there are reputable online video downloaders available, it's essential to exercise caution and choose reliable websites. Be cautious of websites that may contain malicious software or violate YouTube's terms of service.
FAQ 4: Will downloading YouTube videos consume a lot of storage space?
The storage space required for downloaded YouTube videos depends on the video quality and duration. Higher-quality videos will occupy more storage space. It's advisable to manage your downloaded videos and periodically delete ones you no longer need to free up storage space.
FAQ 5: Can I watch downloaded YouTube videos offline?
Yes, once you have successfully downloaded YouTube videos using any of the methods mentioned in this article, you can watch them offline at any time. Open the respective app or location where you saved the videos, and enjoy them without an internet connection.
