Downloading videos from YouTube on an iPhone is a common desire among users who want to save their favorite videos for offline viewing or to share with others. However, the YouTube app does not offer a direct download option, which can be frustrating for users who want to access videos without an internet connection. Fortunately, there are several methods available that allow users to download YouTube videos on their iPhones. In this blog post, we will explore different methods and discuss their pros and cons.
The Challenge of Downloading YouTube Videos on iPhone
- The YouTube app does not provide a built-in feature to download videos on an iPhone.
- iOS has strict restrictions on downloading content from the internet, making it challenging to find reliable third-party apps or services that can help with downloading YouTube videos.
- Downloading YouTube videos may violate copyright laws and the YouTube terms of service, so users must be cautious and responsible when downloading content from the platform.
Video Tutorial:
Method 1. How to Download YouTube Videos on iPhone using a Third-Party App
Downloading YouTube videos using a third-party app is one of the most popular methods. Here’s how you can do it:
- Download and install a reliable third-party app that allows YouTube video downloads, such as Documents by Readdle or MyMedia.
- Launch the YouTube app and find the video you want to download.
- Copy the URL of the video by tapping on the share button and selecting the "Copy Link" option.
- Open the third-party app you installed and look for a browser or download manager within the app.
- Paste the copied YouTube video URL into the browser or download manager and initiate the download.
Pros:
- Easy to use and accessible through a dedicated app.
- Allows downloading videos from other sources as well.
- Some apps offer additional features like video conversion and file management.
Cons:
- May require installing multiple apps before finding a reliable one.
- App store restrictions or app updates might render the method ineffective.
- Downloading videos may violate copyright laws and the YouTube terms of service.
Method 2. How to Download YouTube Videos on iPhone using a Video Downloader Website
Another method to download YouTube videos on an iPhone is by using online video downloader websites. Here’s how it works:
- Launch the YouTube app and find the video you want to download.
- Copy the URL of the video by tapping on the share button and selecting the "Copy Link" option.
- Open Safari or any other web browser on your iPhone and search for a reliable online video downloader website, such as SaveFrom.net or Y2Mate.
- Paste the copied YouTube video URL into the search bar on the video downloader website.
- Select the desired video quality and format, then tap the download button to initiate the download.
Pros:
- No need to install any additional apps on your iPhone.
- Works on any web browser, providing flexibility and convenience.
- Usually supports various video quality and format options.
Cons:
- Reliability of online video downloader websites may vary.
- May encounter intrusive advertisements or pop-ups on some websites.
- Downloading videos may violate copyright laws and the YouTube terms of service.
Method 3. How to Download YouTube Videos on iPhone using Video Downloading Shortcuts in Shortcuts App
If you prefer to use shortcuts, the Shortcuts app on iPhone provides a handy way to download YouTube videos. Follow these steps:
- Make sure you have the Shortcuts app installed on your iPhone. If not, download it from the App Store.
- Open the YouTube app and find the video you want to download.
- Tap on the share button and choose the "Shortcuts" option.
- If you have already created a YouTube video downloading shortcut, select it from the list. Otherwise, search for and install a YouTube video downloading shortcut from the Shortcuts gallery or other reliable sources.
- Follow the prompts in the shortcut to initiate the download of the video.
Pros:
- Integrates with the built-in Shortcuts app on iPhone.
- Offers automation and customization options.
- Enables quick and easy video downloads.
Cons:
- Requires a bit of setup, especially if you need to download a specific shortcut.
- Reliability and functionality of shortcuts may vary depending on the creator.
- Downloading videos may violate copyright laws and the YouTube terms of service.
Method 4. How to Download YouTube Videos on iPhone using an Online Video Converter
An alternative method to download YouTube videos on an iPhone is by using online video converters. Follow these steps:
- Launch the YouTube app and find the video you want to download.
- Copy the URL of the video by tapping on the share button and selecting the "Copy Link" option.
- Open Safari or any other web browser on your iPhone and search for a reliable online video converter website, such as Convert2MP3 or ClipConverter.
- Paste the copied YouTube video URL into the search bar on the video converter website.
- Select the desired video quality and format, then initiate the conversion process by tapping the "Convert" button.
- Once the video is converted, tap the download button to save the video to your iPhone.
Pros:
- No need to install additional apps on your iPhone.
- Enables video conversion to different formats if needed.
- Provides options for selecting video quality.
Cons:
- Reliability of online video converter websites may vary.
- May encounter intrusive advertisements or pop-ups on some websites.
- Downloading videos may violate copyright laws and the YouTube terms of service.
Alternatives: What to Do If You Can’t Download YouTube Videos on iPhone
If you encounter difficulties with the methods mentioned above or want alternative solutions, here are some options:
- Use YouTube Premium: YouTube Premium is a subscription-based service that allows users to download videos for offline viewing. With a YouTube Premium subscription, you can download videos directly from the YouTube app and watch them without an internet connection.
- Try YouTube’s Offline Feature: The YouTube app offers an offline feature, which allows users to save videos for a limited period within the YouTube app itself. While this feature does not allow you to access downloaded videos outside the app, it can still be useful for offline viewing.
- Use Screen Recording: If all else fails, you can use the built-in screen recording feature on your iPhone to record the YouTube video while playing it. This method allows you to create a video file of the YouTube content but may result in lower video quality.
Bonus Tips
- Ensure you have a stable internet connection when downloading YouTube videos to avoid interruptions or download failures.
- Be cautious and respect the copyright of the videos you download. Only download videos for personal use or with proper authorization.
- Regularly update your third-party apps, online tools, or shortcuts to ensure compatibility and functionality.
5 FAQs about Downloading YouTube Videos on iPhone
Q1: Is it legal to download YouTube videos on an iPhone?
A: Downloading YouTube videos may violate copyright laws and the YouTube terms of service. It is essential to understand and respect the rights of content creators when downloading videos.
Q2: Can I download YouTube videos directly from the YouTube app on my iPhone?
A: No, the YouTube app does not provide a built-in feature to download videos on an iPhone. You can only download videos from the YouTube app if you have a YouTube Premium subscription, which allows offline viewing within the app.
Q3: Are there any reliable third-party apps for downloading YouTube videos on iPhone?
A: There are several reliable third-party apps available, such as Documents by Readdle and MyMedia, that allow video downloads from multiple sources, including YouTube. However, app store restrictions or updates may affect the availability and functionality of these apps.
Q4: Can I download YouTube videos using online video downloader websites?
A: Yes, online video downloader websites like SaveFrom.net and Y2Mate provide a convenient way to download YouTube videos on your iPhone using a web browser. However, the reliability of these websites may vary, and some websites may have intrusive advertisements or pop-ups.
Q5: Are there any alternative methods for downloading YouTube videos on an iPhone besides the ones mentioned?
A: Besides the methods mentioned, you can consider using YouTube Premium, utilizing YouTube’s offline feature, or using the built-in screen recording feature on your iPhone to download or access YouTube videos offline.
In Conclusion
While downloading videos from YouTube on an iPhone may not be as straightforward as on other devices, various methods and tools can help you achieve your goal. However, it is essential to be mindful of copyright laws and respect the rights of content creators when downloading YouTube videos. Use the methods described in this blog post with responsibility and always download videos for personal use or with proper authorization.