Fullest Guide on How to Download YouTube Videos [2025]

If you've ever found yourself watching a YouTube video and thought, “I wish I could save this for later!”—you’re not alone. But how do you download YouTube videos the right way? Do you really need YouTube Premium? What tools and apps should you use? Well, you’ve come to the right place! This ultimate guide will walk you through all the ways you can download YouTube videos—whether you're on a PC, phone, or even downloading a clip from YouTube. Let’s get started!

1. Is YouTube Premium Worth It?

Before we dive into the methods, let’s quickly touch on YouTube Premium. While it’s easy to get swept up in the allure of ad-free videos, offline viewing, and background play, the question remains: is it worth your money?

Here’s the deal: With YouTube Premium, you can download videos for offline viewing. However, it’s important to note that the “download” feature is restricted by DRM (Digital Rights Management), meaning you can only watch the video offline within the YouTube app, and it’s not a standard video file format like MP4, AVI, or MOV that you can load in your preferred video player or editor. So, if you’re hoping for a DRM-free download, YouTube Premium may not meet your expectations.

If you're into the whole YouTube ecosystem—ad-free experience, exclusive content, and music streaming—then YouTube Premium could be a solid choice. However, if you’re just interested in saving a handful of videos to use freely on your device or repost it on other platforms, you might want to explore other free alternatives.

2. How to Download YouTube Videos without Premium

Not a fan of YouTube Premium? No problem! There are plenty of ways to download YouTube videos without Premium. Some websites, apps, and even browser extensions allow you to grab those videos without spending a dime. You just need to know where to look—and what to avoid.

Here are a few methods to try:

• Third-Party Websites: Websites like Y2Mate or SaveFrom.net allow you to copy and paste the video URL, and they’ll give you the option to download the video in different formats and resolutions (MP4, MP3, etc.).
• Browser Extensions: There are also Chrome extensions like Video DownloadHelper that add a download button directly to your browser for easy access.
• Third-Party Video Download Apps: Apps like iRocket Fildown not only provide efficient video downloading, similar to YouTube video download sites, but also offer greater versatility. In addition to downloading videos, these apps allow you to convert YouTube videos to GIFs, WAV files, and even edit videos, offering a complete multimedia experience.

3. How to Download YouTube Videos Safe

Downloading videos can be risky if you're not careful. Some shady sites and apps can infect your device with malware or steal your personal data through ads and redirects. Here are a few tips for downloading YouTube videos safely:

1. Stick to trusted sources: Use well-known websites and apps like iRocket Fildown or 4K Video Downloader.
2. Avoid shady sites: Be cautious with pop-up heavy websites or those with suspicious ads.
3. Use antivirus software: Always make sure your device is protected before downloading anything from the internet.

Need more specific tips? Check out our handpicked list: 5 Safe YouTube Downloaders [NO VIRUS Guarenteed]

4. How to Download YouTube Videos Online

Sometimes, you don’t want to mess with software—especially when you’re on the go. Luckily, you can download YouTube videos directly online through various websites. Here are your options:

1 Top 3 YouTube Videos Download Sites

1. iRocket Fildown Online Video Downloader: Fildown is a powerful tool for downloading YouTube videos online quickly and easily. Best of all, Fildown is ad-free, with no pop-ups or redirects.

2. SaveFrom.net: When you search for "YouTube video downloaders online" on Google, SaveFrom.net is the first name to pop up. It’s easy to use, always ready to fetch your favorite videos with just a few clicks, and gets the job done quickly. Perfect for those who want efficiency without the fuss.

3. Y2Mate: It allows you to download videos in both MP3 and MP4 formats, perfect for those who want both video and audio. With support for high-quality YouTube video downloads and batch processing, it's a solid all-rounder for any download needs.

More tips? Check out Top 6 YouTube Video Downloaders Online for 2025

2 Download YouTube Videos via Chrome Extension

Want to streamline the process? Try a browser extension like Video DownloadHelper or Addoncrop. These tools add a small icon to your browser, allowing you to download videos directly from the YouTube page without even opening another site.

For details, read [2025] 7 Best Free YouTube Video Downloader Chrome Extensions: Still Working

5. Best Apps for Downloading YouTube Videos

If you prefer apps for downloading YouTube videos (which is perfect for mobile users), there are several reliable options to consider.

1 How to Download YouTube Videos to PC

Apps like iRocket Fildown desktop version work wonders for downloading YouTube videos directly to your PC. It is built to make YouTube video downloads on computer a smooth sailing. With just a few clicks, you can save your favorite content effortlessly! It keeps your PC safe from viruses and suspicious pop-ups, which can be a concern with less trustworthy tools. With Fildown, you can download videos in one click and watch them without ads.

For more choices, check out: [Free & Safe] 5 Ways to Download YouTube Videos to PC

2 How to Download YouTube Videos to Phone

When it comes to download YouTube videos to phone, iRocket Fildown mobile version also reigns supreme. Available on both iOS and Android, this app is a powerhouse of features, making it super easy to download videos from YouTube to your phone and watch them offline.

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For more choices, check out: How to Download YouTube Videos to Your Phone [iOS/Android]

6. Advanced YouTube Video Download Options

Want to get a bit more specific? Let’s dive into advanced options for the YouTube video downloader pro!

1 How to download YouTube videos in high quality

Not all YouTube video downloaders guarantee crystal-clear quality. If you’re all about that HD videos, you can use the following tools to download videos in 1080p or even 4K resolution:

1. 4K Video Downloader: As its name suggests, 4K Video Downloader is a powerful tool that allows you to download YouTube videos in high quality, including 4K, 1080p, and even 8K resolutions. Whether you're looking to save a single video or an entire playlist, 4K Video Downloader makes the process quick and hassle-free.

2. Downloaderto.com: Works seamlessly on every modern device, making it easy to convert YouTube videos to a crisp 1080p. No matter where you are, this tool has your back for high-quality downloads.

3. YT5s.io: One of the best online video downloaders for HD YouTube videos. This gem allows you to effortlessly save 1080p videos and convert them to formats like MP3, 3GP, and MP4 — totally free of charge! It’s the perfect blend of variety and quality, ready to fulfill all your audio-visual cravings.

For more options, read: 1080p & Higher: 6 Tools to Download YouTube Video in Full HD

2 How to Download YouTube Shorts

For those catchy little YouTube Shorts, most YouTube video downloaders mentioned above can help you grab those 60-second gems. If you're looking for a quick, no-install option, here's a tool we highly recommend: Publer. It's super easy to use with a sleek interface. While it’s free, ad-free, and requires no registration, the downside is the long time it takes to process the download link, and you won’t have control over video resolution or format.

For more options, read: [3 Easy Ways] How to Download YouTube Shorts in 2025

YouTube Shorts Downloader iRocket Fildown

Tired of pesky ads? iRocket Fildown offers an ad-free experience with a high download success rate, ensuring a smooth, hassle-free way to grab your favorite YouTube Shorts!

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3 How to Download Private YouTube Video with VLC

Yes, you can even download private YouTube videos (with permission, of course), as long as you have the URL. VLC Media Player is a handy tool for this, offering more functionality than just video playback. While the process takes a few more steps compared to regular video downloaders, it’s totally manageable. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you download videos using VLC:

Step 1 Launch the VLC player, and click on Media.

Step 2 Select Open Network Stream.

Step 3 Paste your copied link and click Play.

Step 4 Click on the playing video, then choose Tools.

Step 5 Click on Media Information, and select Current Media Information.

Step 6 Copy the URL in the text box from Location.

Step 7 Paste it into the web browser.

Step 8 When the video begins to play, click the three dots and select Download.

For more methods, read: How to Download Private YouTube Videos in 2025: 5 Tested and Proven Ways

4 How to Download A YouTube Clip

Plenty of web-based video downloaders like Kapwing can help you save specific parts of a YouTube video. However, many of them only support downloads in standard definition. On top of that, some even require a subscription to unlock their clipping features. But what if I told you there's a smarter way to download youtube clips? Download the full video first, clip later—saving you money while keeping things hassle-free!

Step 1 Download the YouTube video in HD quality with Fildown

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Step 2 Open the video file with Photos

• For Windows: Right-click on the file, select Open wit, and then choose Photos from the list.
• For macOS: Open the Photos app on your Mac, then double-click the downloaded video to open it.

Step 3 Trim the video

1. For Windows:
   • Click the Video Trim icon, which is a photo icon with a pencil at the top-center.
   • Drag the left guide to where you want your clip to begin, and the right guide to where you want your clip to end.
   • Click Save as at the top.
   • Choose a saving location (and name, if desired) and click Save.
2. For macOS:
   • Click Edit to open the trimmer.
   • Drag the left guide to where you want your clip to begin, and the right guide to where you want your clip to end.
   • Click Done.
   • Click Save Video (to overwrite the long version with the short one) or Save as New Clip (to create a new file for the shortened version without affecting the original).

For more recommendations, read: [2025 Updated] How to Download a Clip from YouTube: 4 Ways

5 How to Download a YouTube Playlist

Got a playlist you love and want to binge offline? Whether it’s a music playlist, a series of tutorials, or your favorite vlogs, downloading the entire playlist at once can save you loads of time and effort.

To download an entire YouTube playlist, you'll need a video downloader capable of parsing playlist URLs or supporting batch downloads. iRcoket Fildown is an excellent choice. Additionally, YTD Video Downloader is another great choice. This desktop app allows you to effortlessly download YouTube playlists, YouTube Shorts, and even convert videos into MP3 or MP4 formats. It’s a versatile tool to streamline your playlist downloads while ensuring high-quality results.

For more choices, check out: [FREE] How to Download Playlist From YouTube to PC & Phone

YouTube Video Downloader — iRocket Fildown

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7. How to Convert YouTube Videos to Other Formats

Sometimes, downloading a YouTube video isn’t enough—you may need it in a specific format. Whether it’s for audio-only playback, editing, or a unique project, converting YouTube videos into formats like MP3, WAV, or GIF opens up a world of possibilities. Here’s how you can make it happen.

1 How to Convert YouTube to MP3

1. iRocket Fildown Video Converter: This powerful video format converter lets you transform any video into your desired format on both PC and phone, including MP3 without losing the sound quality. What’s even better? It simplifies the process—simply paste the video link, and it downloads the audio directly in MP3 format with crystal-clear 320kbps studio quality.


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2. VidMate: If you want to download YouTube videos to MP3 to phone, VidMate is a great helper. Available for iOS and Android phones, this app allows you to easily convert YouTube videos into MP3 files on your mobile device. However, tread carefully when downloading the app. The App Store, Google Play Store, and the internet are teeming with counterfeit and infected duplicates just waiting to ensnare the unwary.

For more choices, read: 7 Ways to Convert Youtube Video to MP3 for 2025

2 How to Convert YouTube to WAV

While MP3 if for convenience and storage efficiency, it may not be enough for audio enthusiasts or professionals working on music projects. Here are three recommended tools to download YouTube as WAV:

1. 4kdownload.to: A popular, easy-to-use online tool that converts YouTube videos into a variety of formats, including YouTube to wav, MP3, and MP4. It stands out for its high-quality audio conversions, which ensure your files maintain their original clarity.

2. YTConverter: offers a no-frills, fast way to convert YouTube to WAV format and other audio formats. This tool is ideal for users who want a simple and efficient way to extract audio without complicated steps.

3. YouTubetoWAV.com: As the name suggests, YouTubetoWAV.com focuses exclusively on converting YouTube videos into high-quality WAV files. This YouTube wav downloader tool is designed for users who prioritize audio quality above all else. The website’s clean and straightforward interface makes it easy to use for both beginners and more experienced users.

Want more choices? Read: 5 Best Free Online YouTube to WAV Converters for 2025

3 How to Convert YouTube Video to GIF

Want to create short, looping animations from your favorite videos? Converting YouTube videos into GIFs is a creative way to capture memorable moments or hilarious scenes.

Here are three useful tools to help you do that:

• Giphy: One of the most well-known platforms for creating GIFs from YouTube, allowing you to adjust the start and end time easily.You can also add text, stickers, and effects to make your GIF more engaging.

• EZGIF: A straightforward online tool designed specifically for creating and editing GIFs from videos, including YouTube videos. This GIF maker for YouTube offers numerous customization features, such as the ability to trim, resize, adjust the frame rate, and apply effects to your GIFs.

• GIFs.com: Allows you to convert YouTube video to GIF by pasting the video URL. It offers features like adding captions, stickers, and cropping the video to fit your needs.

For more tools, read: How to Convert YouTube Video to GIF: Simple Guide for Beginners

8. Final Words

Downloading YouTube videos doesn’t have to be a mystery. Whether you want to save a video to your phone, download a playlist to your PC, or convert that tutorial into MP3, you have options. Just make sure to choose safe, reliable tools and always follow the legal guidelines. Happy downloading!

Video Converter iRocket Fildown

Rocket Fildown is your all-in-one solution for seamless YouTube video downloads. Whether it’s private videos or Shorts, this powerhouse lets you effortlessly download and convert videos to various formats. Plus, with its AI-driven editing tools, you can enhance and customize your content—all in one convenient app!

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