YouTube is a popular platform for streaming and sharing videos, but unfortunately, it doesn’t offer a built-in option to download videos for offline viewing. However, there are ways to download YouTube videos on your iPhone without having to pay for a premium subscription. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of downloading YouTube videos on your iPhone without the need for a premium account.
Method 1: Using a Third-Party App
One of the easiest ways to download YouTube videos on iPhone without a premium subscription is by using a third-party app. There are several apps available on the App Store that allow you to download videos from YouTube. These apps bypass the restrictions imposed by YouTube and enable you to save the videos directly to your iPhone’s storage.
Step 1: Search for a Reliable Third-Party App
To begin, open the App Store on your iPhone and search for “YouTube video downloader.” You’ll find a variety of apps that claim to offer the ability to download YouTube videos. However, not all apps are created equal, so it’s important to choose a reliable and trustworthy app with positive user reviews and high ratings.
Step 2: Install the Chosen App
Once you’ve found a suitable app, tap on the “Get” or “Install” button to download and install it on your iPhone. Depending on the size of the app and your internet connection speed, the installation process may take a few seconds to a couple of minutes.
Step 3: Launch the App and Grant Necessary Permissions
After the app is successfully installed, locate its icon on your iPhone’s home screen and tap on it to launch the app. Upon opening the app for the first time, you may be prompted to grant certain permissions, such as access to your photos, videos, or microphone. These permissions are necessary for the app to function properly and enable you to download and save videos from YouTube.
Step 4: Search for the YouTube Video
Once you’ve granted the necessary permissions, you can start searching for the YouTube video you want to download. Most YouTube video downloader apps have a built-in search function that allows you to directly search for videos within the app. Enter the title or keywords of the video you’re looking for and tap on the “Search” button.
Step 5: Select the Video and Choose the Download Quality
After the search results are displayed, browse through the list to find the specific video you want to download. Tap on the video to open it and view more details. Within the video details page, you’ll typically find options to select the download quality. Choose the desired quality based on your preferences and the available options.
Step 6: Initiate the Download
Once you’ve selected the desired download quality, locate the download button or icon within the app and tap on it to initiate the download process. The app will start fetching the video from YouTube’s servers and save it directly to your iPhone’s storage. Depending on the size of the video and your internet connection speed, the download process may take a few seconds to a few minutes.
Step 7: Access the Downloaded Video
After the download is complete, the app will typically provide a notification or display a message indicating that the video has been successfully saved to your iPhone. You can then access the downloaded video within the app’s library or downloads section. From there, you can play the video directly within the app or choose to share it with other apps or devices.
Method 2: Using Online Video Downloaders
If you prefer not to install any additional apps on your iPhone, you can use online video downloaders to save YouTube videos directly to your device’s storage. These websites allow you to enter the YouTube video URL and download the video without the need for any software installation.
Step 1: Open a Web Browser
To get started, open the Safari or any other web browser on your iPhone. Online video downloaders work directly within the browser, so there’s no need to install any additional apps.
Step 2: Find a Reliable Online Video Downloader
Next, search for a reliable online video downloader website that supports YouTube. Some popular options include SaveFrom.net, Y2Mate, and KeepVid. These websites allow you to enter the YouTube video URL and download the video in a format of your choice.
Step 3: Copy the YouTube Video URL
On YouTube, locate the video you want to download and tap on the share button beneath the video player. From the sharing options, select the “Copy Link” or “Copy URL” option to copy the YouTube video’s URL to your device’s clipboard.
Step 4: Paste the Video URL
Return to the online video downloader website and locate the URL field or input box. Tap on it to activate the text input and then paste the copied YouTube video URL from your device’s clipboard. Most online video downloaders also provide a “Paste” button that you can tap to paste the URL.
Step 5: Choose the Download Quality
After pasting the YouTube video URL, the online video downloader website will typically display various options for download quality, format, or resolution. Choose the desired quality based on your preferences and the available options. Keep in mind that higher quality videos may take longer to download and require more storage space.
Step 6: Initiate the Download
Once you’ve selected the desired download quality, locate the download button or icon on the online video downloader website and tap on it to initiate the download process. The website will start fetching the video from YouTube’s servers and save it directly to your iPhone’s storage. The download time will depend on the size of the video and your internet connection speed.
Step 7: Access the Downloaded Video
After the download is complete, the online video downloader website may provide a notification or display a message indicating that the video has been successfully saved to your iPhone. The downloaded video is typically saved to the default download location on your iPhone, such as the Photos app or the Files app. You can then access the video from the respective app and play it directly on your device.
Method 3: Using a Shortcut
The Shortcuts app, available on iPhone, allows users to create custom shortcuts to automate various tasks. By utilizing user-created shortcuts, you can download YouTube videos directly on your iPhone without the need for additional apps or websites.
Step 1: Install the Shortcuts App
If you don’t already have the Shortcuts app installed on your iPhone, you can download it from the App Store. The app is developed by Apple and is available for free. Once downloaded, open the app to proceed with creating a YouTube video downloader shortcut.
Step 2: Search for a YouTube Video Downloader Shortcut
Within the Shortcuts app, tap on the “Gallery” tab at the bottom of the screen. This tab provides access to a collection of pre-built shortcuts created by both Apple and other users. In the search bar at the top of the screen, type “YouTube video downloader” or a similar keyword to find relevant shortcuts that enable downloading YouTube videos.
Step 3: Choose a Suitable Shortcut
Browse through the search results and choose a YouTube video downloader shortcut that suits your needs. Pay attention to the ratings, reviews, and descriptions provided by other users to ensure that the shortcut is reliable and trustworthy. Once you’ve found a suitable shortcut, tap on it to open its details page.
Step 4: Add the Shortcut to Your Library
On the shortcut’s details page, review the information provided and tap on the “Add Shortcut” button to add the shortcut to your personal library. This action will make the shortcut accessible within the Shortcuts app and allow you to use it to download YouTube videos.
Step 5: Use the Shortcut to Download YouTube Videos
After adding the shortcut to your library, return to the “My Shortcuts” tab within the Shortcuts app. Locate the newly added YouTube video downloader shortcut and tap on it to open its settings and configurations. Follow the instructions and prompts provided by the shortcut to download YouTube videos directly on your iPhone.
Method 4: Using Screen Recording
In addition to dedicated YouTube video downloading methods, you can also use the built-in screen recording feature on your iPhone to capture and save YouTube videos. This method allows you to record the video as it plays on the screen and save it as a video file on your device.
Step 1: Enable the Screen Recording Feature
First, ensure that the screen recording feature is enabled on your iPhone. To do this, open the “Settings” app, navigate to “Control Center,” and tap on “Customize Controls.” In the “More Controls” section, locate “Screen Recording” and tap on the green plus icon next to it. This action will add the screen recording feature to your iPhone’s Control Center.
Step 2: Access the Control Center
Swipe up from the bottom of your iPhone’s screen to access the Control Center. On iPhone models with a home button, swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen. On iPhone models without a home button, swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen.
Step 3: Start Recording the Screen
In the Control Center, you’ll find a variety of icons representing different features and functionalities. Look for the screen recording icon, which looks like a solid circle inside a circle. Tap on this icon to start the screen recording process. You may be prompted to confirm your action and choose whether you want to record audio as well.
Step 4: Play the YouTube Video
After initiating the screen recording, navigate to the YouTube app or open the YouTube website in your preferred browser. Find the video you want to download and start playing it. The screen recording feature will capture everything that happens on your iPhone’s screen, including the YouTube video playback.
Step 5: Stop the Screen Recording
Once the YouTube video has finished playing, or when you no longer wish to record, return to the Control Center and tap on the screen recording icon again. Alternatively, you can tap on the red status bar at the top of the screen and select “Stop” to end the screen recording. The recorded video will be saved to your iPhone’s Photos app.
Method 5: Using Documents by Readdle
Documents by Readdle is a versatile file manager app that also allows you to download YouTube videos. With this app, you can browse the web, access cloud storage, and download files, including YouTube videos, to your iPhone’s storage.
Step 1: Install Documents by Readdle
If you don’t already have Documents by Readdle installed on your iPhone, you can download it from the App Store. The app is free and provides a wide range of features and functionalities for managing files and downloading content from the web.
Step 2: Launch the App and Access the Web Browser
After installing Documents by Readdle, locate its icon on your iPhone’s home screen and tap on it to launch the app. Once the app is open, you’ll see a bottom navigation bar with various icons representing different features. Tap on the compass icon to access the built-in web browser.
Step 3: Visit a YouTube Video Downloader Website
In the web browser, navigate to a YouTube video downloader website of your choice. Some popular options include SaveFrom.net, Y2Mate, and KeepVid. These websites allow you to enter the YouTube video URL and download the video directly to your iPhone.
Step 4: Copy the YouTube Video URL
On YouTube, locate the video you want to download and tap on the share button beneath the video player. From the sharing options, select the “Copy Link” or “Copy URL” option to copy the YouTube video’s URL to your device’s clipboard.
Step 5: Paste the Video URL in Documents by Readdle
Return to the Documents by Readdle app and tap on the address bar at the top of the web browser to activate it. Tap on the “Paste and Go” option to paste the copied YouTube video URL from your device’s clipboard. The website will load the video details and present you with options for download quality and format.
Step 6: Choose the Download Quality and Format
After the video details are loaded, you’ll typically find options to select the download quality and format. Choose the desired quality based on your preferences and the available options. Keep in mind that higher quality videos may take longer to download and require more storage space on your iPhone.
Step 7: Initiate the Download in Documents by Readdle
Once you’ve selected the desired download quality and format, locate the download button or icon within the Documents by Readdle app and tap on it to initiate the download process. The app will start fetching the video from YouTube’s servers and save it directly to your iPhone’s storage.
Step 8: Access the Downloaded Video
After the download is complete, the Documents by Readdle app will typically provide a notification or display a message indicating that the video has been successfully saved to your iPhone. You can then access the downloaded video within the app’s library or downloads section. From there, you can play the video directly within the app or choose to share it with other apps or devices.
Method 6: Using YouTube Premium Trial
If you’re willing to try out YouTube Premium, you can take advantage of the free trial period to download YouTube videos on your iPhone. YouTube Premium is a subscription-based service that offers ad-free viewing, background play, and offline downloads. Although it requires a payment, YouTube provides a free trial period during which you can access all the premium features, including the ability to download videos for offline viewing.
Step 1: Sign Up for YouTube Premium
To get started, open the YouTube app on your iPhone and tap on your profile picture in the top-right corner of the screen. From the menu that appears, select “YouTube Premium.” On the YouTube Premium page, you’ll find information about the service and the option to start a free trial. Tap on the “Try It Free” button to begin the sign-up process.
Step 2: Choose a Plan and Enter Payment Details
YouTube Premium offers different subscription plans, including individual, family, and student plans. Select the plan that suits your needs and tap on the “Next” button. You’ll be prompted to enter your payment details, such as credit card information or PayPal credentials. Rest assured that your payment method will not be charged during the free trial period.
Step 3: Start the Free Trial
After entering your payment details, review the terms and conditions, and tap on the “Start Free Trial” button. YouTube will verify your payment information and initiate the free trial period. During the trial period, which typically lasts for 30 days, you’ll have access to all the premium features, including ad-free viewing and the ability to download videos on your iPhone.
Step 4: Download YouTube Videos
With a YouTube Premium subscription, you can start downloading videos for offline viewing. To download a video, open the YouTube app and find the video you want to download. Below the video player, you’ll see a download icon, usually represented by an arrow pointing downward. Tap on this icon to initiate the download process.
Step 5: Access Downloaded Videos
After the download is complete, you can access the downloaded videos within the YouTube app. Tap on your profile picture in the top-right corner of the screen and select “Library” from the menu. In the Library section, you’ll find a “Downloads” tab that contains all the videos you’ve downloaded for offline viewing. Simply tap on a video to start watching it, even without an internet connection.
Step 6: Cancel the Subscription
If you decide that YouTube Premium is not for you and you don’t want to be charged after the free trial period ends, it’s important to cancel your subscription before the trial period expires. To do this, open the YouTube app, tap on your profile picture, select “Settings,” and then choose “Paid Memberships.” From there, you can follow the prompts to cancel your YouTube Premium subscription.
Method 7: Using Cydia and Jailbreak
For users with a jailbroken iPhone, there are additional options available to download YouTube videos without a premium subscription. Jailbreaking is a process that allows users to bypass the limitations imposed by Apple on their devices, enabling them to install unauthorized apps and tweaks. By installing the Cydia package manager on a jailbroken iPhone, you can access various tweaks and apps that enable YouTube video downloading.
Step 1: Jailbreak Your iPhone
Jailbreaking your iPhone requires specific tools and knowledge, and it may void your warranty. If you’re not familiar with jailbreaking or you’re unsure about the risks involved, it’s recommended to proceed with caution or consult reliable sources for guidance. Jailbreaking methods and tools can vary depending on the iOS version and device model, so it’s important to research and choose a method that’s compatible with your specific iPhone.
Step 2: Install Cydia
After successfully jailbreaking your iPhone, you can install Cydia, which serves as a package manager for jailbroken devices. Cydia allows you to browse and install various tweaks, apps, and modifications that are not available through the official App Store. Open the Cydia app and follow the on-screen instructions to set it up.
Step 3: Search for YouTube Video Downloader Tweaks
Within Cydia, you’ll find a vast range of tweaks and apps that enable YouTube video downloading. Search for terms like “YouTube downloader,” “YouTube video download,” or similar keywords to find relevant tweaks. Pay attention to user ratings, reviews, and compatibility information to ensure that the tweaks are compatible with your iOS version and device model.
Step 4: Install a YouTube Video Downloader Tweak
Once you’ve found a suitable YouTube video downloader tweak, tap on it to view more details and information. Check the compatibility, features, and user reviews before proceeding with the installation. To install the tweak, tap on the “Install” or “Purchase” button, depending on whether the tweak is free or paid. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
Step 5: Configure and Use the Tweak
After the installation is complete, you may need to configure the YouTube video downloader tweak to customize its settings and functionalities. Open the Settings app on your iPhone and locate the settings section related to the installed tweak. From there, you can adjust settings such as download quality, file format, and download location.
Step 6: Download YouTube Videos
With the YouTube video downloader tweak properly installed and configured, you can start downloading videos from the YouTube app. Open the YouTube app on your iPhone and find the video you want to download. Within the video player, you’ll typically find a download button or icon that allows you to initiate the download process. Tap on this button to start downloading the video to your iPhone’s storage.
Method 8: Using Video Downloader Pro+
Video Downloader Pro+ is a popular app that allows you to download YouTube videos on your iPhone without a premium subscription. With this app, you can browse YouTube and other video-sharing platforms, select the videos you want to download, and save them directly to your iPhone’s storage for offline viewing.
Step 1: Install Video Downloader Pro+
To begin, open the App Store on your iPhone and search for “Video Downloader Pro+.” Locate the app in the search results and tap on the “Get” or “Install” button to download and install it on your device. Once the installation is complete, locate the app’s icon on your iPhone’s home screen and tap on it to launch the app.
Step 2: Browse YouTube Within the App
Upon launching Video Downloader Pro+, you’ll find a built-in web browser that allows you to browse YouTube and other video-sharing platforms. Tap on the search bar at the top of the screen and enter keywords related to the videos you want to download. Tap on the search button to initiate the search.
Step 3: Find and Play the Video
After performing the search, a list of search results will be displayed. Browse through the results and tap on the video you want to download. Video Downloader Pro+ will open the video within its own player, allowing you to preview and play the video before downloading it.
Step 4: Start the Download
While playing the video within Video Downloader Pro+, you’ll typically find a download button or icon on the screen. Tap on this button to initiate the download process. The app will begin fetching the video from YouTube’s servers and save it directly to your iPhone’s storage.
Step 5: Access the Downloaded Videos
After the download is complete, you can access the downloaded videos within the Video Downloader Pro+ app. Tap on the library or downloads section within the app to view and play your downloaded videos. From there, you can watch the videos offline without an internet connection.
Method 9: Using Video Download Browser
Video Download Browser is a powerful browser app that enables you to download videos from various websites, including YouTube. With this app, you can browse YouTube and other video-sharing platforms, play videos, and save them directly to your iPhone for offline viewing.
Step 1: Install Video Download Browser
To get started, open the App Store on your iPhone and search for “Video Download Browser.” Locate the app in the search results and tap on the “Get” or “Install” button to download and install it on your device. Once the installation is complete, locate the app’s icon on your iPhone’s home screen and tap on it to launch the app.
Step 2: Browse YouTube Within the App
Upon launching Video Download Browser, you’ll find a built-in web browser that allows you to browse YouTube and other video-sharing platforms. Tap on the search bar at the top of the screen and enter keywords related to the videos you want to download. Tap on the search button to initiate the search.
Step 3: Find and Play the Video
After performing the search, a list of search results will be displayed. Browse through the results and tap on the video you want to download. Video Download Browser will open the video within its own player, allowing you to preview and play the video before downloading it.
Step 4: Start the Download
While playing the video within Video Download Browser, you’ll typically find a download button or icon on the screen. Tap on this button to initiate the download process. The app will begin fetching the video from YouTube’s servers and save it directly to your iPhone’s storage.
Step 5: Access the Downloaded Videos
After the download is complete, you can access the downloaded videos within the Video Download Browser app. Tap on the library or downloads section within the app to view and play your downloaded videos. From there, you can watch the videos offline without an internet connection.
Method 10: Using MyMedia
MyMedia is a file manager app that allows you to download YouTube videos to your iPhone. With this app, you can browse the web, access cloud storage, and download files, including YouTube videos, to your iPhone’s storage.
Step 1: Install MyMedia
To begin, open the App Store on your iPhone and search for “MyMedia.” Locate the app in the search results and tap on the “Get” or “Install” button to download and install it on your device. Once the installation is complete, locate the app’s icon on your iPhone’s home screen and tap on it to launch the app.
Step 2: Launch the App and Access the Web Browser
After installing MyMedia, launch the app and tap on the browser icon at the bottom of the screen to access the built-in web browser. The web browser allows you to browse the internet and visit websites, including YouTube.
Step 3: Visit a YouTube Video Downloader Website
Within the MyMedia web browser, navigate to a YouTube video downloader website of your choice. Some popular options include SaveFrom.net, Y2Mate, and KeepVid. These websites allow you to enter the YouTube video URL and download the video directly to your iPhone’s storage.
Step 4: Copy the YouTube Video URL
On YouTube, locate the video you want to download and tap on the share button beneath the video player. From the sharing options, select the “Copy Link” or “Copy URL” option to copy the YouTube video’s URL to your device’s clipboard.
Step 5: Paste the Video URL in MyMedia
Return to the MyMedia app and tap on the address bar at the top of the web browser to activate it. Tap on the “Paste” option to paste the copied YouTube video URL from your device’s clipboard. The website will load the video details and provide options for download quality and format.
Step 6: Choose the Download Quality and Format
After the video details are loaded, you’ll typically find options to select the download quality and format. Choose the desired quality based on your preferences and the available options. Keep in mind that higher quality videos may take longer to download and require more storage space on your iPhone.
Step 7: Initiate the Download in MyMedia
Once you’ve selected the desired download quality and format, locate the download button or icon within the MyMedia app and tap on it to initiate the download process. The app will start fetching the video from YouTube’s servers and save it directly to your iPhone’s storage.
Step 8: Access the Downloaded Video
After the download is complete, you can access the downloaded video within the MyMedia app. Tap on the “Media” tab or navigate to the downloads section to view and play your downloaded videos. From there, you can watch the videos offline without an internet connection.
Conclusion
Downloading YouTube videos on your iPhone without a premium subscription is possible through various methods, each with its own advantages and considerations. Whether you choose to use third-party apps, online video downloaders, shortcuts, screen recording, or specialized apps like Documents by Readdle, Video Downloader Pro+, Video Download Browser, or MyMedia, it’s important to stay within the boundaries of copyright laws and respect the terms of service of YouTube. Choose the method that suits your needs and preferences, and enjoy offline viewing of your favorite YouTube videos on your iPhone.