YouTube offers a wealth of content, from music videos and tutorials to documentaries and vlogs, making it a go-to platform for millions around the world. However, downloading videos for offline viewing is restricted unless you have a premium subscription (with pricing rising globally each year!). Luckily, there are ways to download YouTube videos even without needing a premium account.

That’s what we’ll explore in this article: different options for downloading YouTube videos without a premium subscription to let you know exactly how to save any content you want.

Best Option: 4K Video Downloader Plus (Desktop, Android)

4K Video Downloader Plus is one of the simplest and safest tools for downloading videos from YouTube, Bilibili, Dailymotion, Rumble, BitChute, Twitch, and many more platforms. The app is available on Mac, Android, PC, and even Linux and is free to use for up to 30 video downloads per day. If you’re looking to download playlists, dubbed audio, members-only videos, subtitles, or even channels, as the entire Mr. Beast's YouTube collection, a Premium one-time fee plan gives you unlimited access.

How to download YouTube videos without Premium

Visit the 4K Video Download Plus website page and install the app.
Open the app and go to the YouTube video you want to save.
Copy its URL.
Open 4K Video Downloader Plus, click Paste link.
Select the location to save the file, its quality, format (you can convert YouTube videos to audio as well) and you're all set!

Alternatively, you can use the in-app browser to search for videos and download them right within the app with no need to leave them. Just click on the platform icon and browse through the content you want to save for good.

Method 2. Online Methods

Online downloaders, such as Savefrom, iTubeGo, TubeNinja, or EasyWMA are another way to download YouTube videos, offering a convenient, web-based method with no software installation required. Such tools typically provide most of the features found in desktop downloaders, including HD-quality downloads. One significant advantage of online methods is that they are accessible directly from a web browser, though they may also offer Android apps for those who prefer it.

How to use them:

Copy the URL of the YouTube video you want to download.
Head to Savefrom’s homepage, paste the link into the empty field, and click "download."

While some of such websites are safe, others are absolutely not, so it’s wise to keep your system security up to date and use an ad blocker when visiting the site. Be cautious of suspicious ads and avoid clicking on anything that looks unsafe—better to stay protected when downloading online content.

Method 3: Browser Extensions

Downloading YouTube videos directly from your browser is incredibly convenient, and with the right extension, you can skip the need for external websites altogether. Browser extensions make this process seamless by integrating into your browser, allowing you to download videos straight from YouTube without switching between apps or sites.

Here’s how to use them:

Search for YouTube video downloader extensions in your browser's add-on store.
Once installed, a "Download" button typically appears under the YouTube video, making downloading quick and easy.

However, always be cautious. Check user reviews to ensure the extension is both effective and safe. If it has few downloads or limited reviews, it's wise to proceed carefully. Also, make sure your browser stays up to date for compatibility.

Is Downloading YouTube Videos Legal?

With a YouTube Premium subscription, you’re allowed to download videos for offline viewing but if you stray from official methods, you could run into legal risks. While YouTube hasn’t pursued legal action over downloading, staying within their copyright guidelines is always wise.

According to YouTube's Terms of Service, downloading content without the creator's permission unless a download button is provided by YouTube is explicitly prohibited. This is made in order to protect the intellectual property rights of creators.

If you don’t own the content or haven’t obtained permission, downloading or repurposing the video could infringe on copyright laws, which, in turn, may lead to takedowns, strikes, or potential legal action.

In some cases, fair use allows for the use of copyrighted material for purposes like criticism, commentary, education, or news reporting. However, fair use is complex and judged on a case-by-case basis. The safest approach is to get explicit permission from the creator, often through a licensing agreement. Some creators upload content under Creative Commons or royalty-free licenses.

The takeaway? Always check the terms before using such content.