Get your favorite YouTube videos for offline viewing, no premium needed.

1️⃣ Download SoftOrbits MP4 Downloader for YouTube.
2️⃣ Copy the YouTube video URL.
3️⃣ Paste it into the program.
4️⃣ Download.

YouTube Premium lets you download videos inside the YouTube app (on mobile devices). These 'Downloads' generally stay within the YouTube app's system. They aren't standard video files, like MP4 or MOV, that you can transfer to other devices or play with other media players. However, several ways exist to download YouTube videos without a Premium subscription on any device:

Desktop Applications
Online Video Downloaders
Browser Extensions
Mobile Apps (Android)
Download Your Own Uploaded Videos
Frequently Asked Questions

Way #1 Using Desktop Applications

How to Download YouTube on PC

Download and Install

Use the Downlaod button to get it for Windows or Mac.

SoftOrbits MP4 Downloader for Youtube installer..

Copy a YouTube Video URL into the Program

Copy and paste the YouTube video URL from your browser's address bar into the program. You can also find videos in the program using the Search Box. Just enter the video's title. Playlist or album searches are also available.

YT Downloader screenshot: Copy Url From..

Choose Your Download Format and Quality

When you click the download arrow, a pop-up shows available video streams (1080p, 720p, etc.). You can also download only the MP3 stream to grab your favorite music.

Softorbits downloader screnshot: chose video quality...

Start the Download

After you click download, simply watch the progress until it's ready. You can batch download playlists or lists of URLs. The program downloads 5 videos simultaneously.

MP4 Downloader for Youtube

Download YouTube videos to MP4, and MP3 at maximum quality. A free Windows and macOS MP4 YouTube Downloader Software.

Download (Win)

Download (Mac)

Dedicated desktop downloaders offer the most extensive features. SoftOrbits tools let you find and download entire albums from your favorite musical artists. They allow downloading playlists and private videos. The SoftOrbits MP4 Downloader for YouTube not only supports YouTube but also over 1000 other websites, including Vimeo, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, DailyMotion, Bilibili, and many more.
I suggest using desktop tools for PC if you need the most flexible and powerful tools for regular downloading.

Way #2: Using Online Video Downloaders

These online tools let you download YouTube videos without installing special software. They work well for a couple of videos but offer fewer functions compared to dedicated software (no playlist download, no private video download, no album download, no batch mode). However, they are free and easy to use for a few videos. I suggest them if you need to quickly download one or two videos.

How it works (SaveFrom.net):

How to use SaveFrom.net Online Downloader..

Copy the YouTube URL from the address bar.

Visit one of the online downloader websites.

Paste the URL into the provided field.

Choose your desired format and quality.

Click the Download button.

Way #3: Using Browser Extensions

Browser extensions are similar to downloadable desktop software, but you install them directly into your browser. This is potentially more secure. Another advantage is that, unlike online downloaders, they can download private videos because you can log into YouTube using your browser. However, extensions aren't as ready-to-use as online tools, and they have slightly fewer functions than dedicated desktop tools. I might suggest them if you need simple functions and download videos regularly.

How it works (Yt5s Downloader):

Install the extension from your browser's extension store (Chrome Web Store, Firefox Add-ons).

Navigate to the YouTube video you want to download.

Look for a download button or icon the extension adds to the video page.

Click the button and choose your download options.

Way #4: Using Mobile Apps (Android)

Due to Google's policies, YouTube downloaders are prohibited from publication on Google Play. However, you can find third-party APKs outside Google Play. I don't prefer this option due to security concerns; I always install apps from Google Play. But you might find some well-known apps like TubeMate YouTube Downloader. This option is a good choice if you need to download videos and music directly to your device. If you need an iPhone App, you can also look on the App Store. On the screenshot below I've found the Youtube downloader at Uptodown download arhive. CNET, SoftOnic or Uptown are trusted download sources to work with.

How it works:

How to use download Youtube on Android Device..

Download the APK from its official website (beware of unofficial tools! They may contain viruses).

Enable Unknown sources in your Android device's security settings.

Locate the downloaded APK file and install it.

Open the app, paste the YouTube video URL, and follow the download instructions.

Way #5: Downloading Your Own Uploaded Videos

If you are the creator and owner of the YouTube video, you can download it directly from YouTube Studio:

How to Download Your Own YT Videos

How to use download videos from Youtube studio..

Go to YouTube Studio.

Navigate to the Content page and find your video.

Click Options (three dots) next to the video.

Select Download (this usually provides an MP4 format, though it might be slightly compressed compared to the original upload).

Alternatively, for a complete backup of all videos under your YouTube account, use Google Takeout.

I've covered all available options to download videos from YouTube, even if you don't have a Premium subscription.
I suggest SoftOrbits YouTube Downloader as the most powerful and flexible tool, or using online tools if you need to download quickly.
Personally, I don't like installing browser extensions for such tasks (they may slow down your browser) or downloading illegal APKs outside Google Play, as they carry risks. However, these options are available. If you're downloading your own videos from your channel, it's easier to download them from YouTube Studio than using third-party tools.