How to download YouTube videos

Overview

The same three steps on every device

Whether you’re on a laptop or phone, how to download a YouTube video online comes down to link → paste → save.

1. Copy the YouTube link

   Grab the watch URL, youtu.be short link, or youtube.com/shorts/… share link.

2. Paste into Ytsow

   Drop the link in the box above (or on the matching tool page) to load available formats.

3. Choose quality and download

   Pick MP4 for video, or MP3/M4A for audio when listed, then save to your device.

Desktop

How to download YouTube videos on Windows or Mac

Use Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari — the flow is the same.

1. Open the video on youtube.com

   Play the video you want to save (and have the right to download).

2. Copy from the address bar

   Select the full URL, or use Share → Copy link if you prefer a clean share URL.

3. Paste into Ytsow and download

   Paste above, pick an MP4 or audio row, then check your Downloads folder when the file finishes.

iPhone / iPad

How to download YouTube videos on iPhone

YouTube’s iOS app doesn’t expose a direct “save file” button — copy the link instead.

1. Share → Copy link

   Open the video or Short in the YouTube app, tap Share, then Copy link.

2. Paste in Safari

   Open ytsow.com (or this page), paste the link into the download box, and submit.

3. Save to Files

   When the browser offers a download, save the MP4 or audio file to Files, then open it in Photos, Files, or VLC.

Android

How to download YouTube videos on Android

Works in Chrome with the YouTube app for copying the link.

1. Copy the link from the YouTube app

   Open the video → Share → Copy link (or Copy URL).

2. Paste in Chrome

   Open Ytsow, paste the URL, and choose MP4 or audio when the list appears.

3. Find it in Downloads

   Pull down the notification shade or open the Downloads app to play or move the file.

Which page?

Pick the right tool for what you’re saving

This guide covers the shared steps. Use a focused page when you already know the format.

• Long-form video → MP4

  For watch-page videos you want offline with picture, use YouTube to MP4.

• Audio only → MP3

  For talks, podcasts, or music you have rights to save, use YouTube to MP3.

• Vertical clips → Shorts

  For youtube.com/shorts/… links, use the YouTube Shorts downloader.

• Not sure yet

  Stay on the homepage downloader — Video and Audio tabs cover both after you paste.

• Public links only

  Private, age-restricted, or blocked videos may not return formats.

• One link at a time

  Paste each URL separately. This guide doesn’t cover playlist bulk download.

Tips

If something doesn’t work

Quick checks before you try another site.

• Paste the full URL

  Include https:// and the full path. A truncated link won’t resolve to a video ID.

• Try the share link

  If the address bar URL fails, use Share → Copy link from YouTube and paste that instead.

• Allow the download

  Pop-up or download blockers can stop the file. Allow downloads for this site when prompted.

• Quality follows the source

  Missing 1080p or 4K usually means the upload doesn’t offer it — not a settings bug on your phone.

Responsible use

Download only what you’re allowed to save

Knowing how to download YouTube videos doesn’t change copyright. Keep saves personal and permitted.

• Your own content

  Backing up videos from a channel you manage is a common, clear use case.

• Permission or license

  Get the creator’s OK, or use content under a license that allows offline copies.

• Prefer official options

  When YouTube offers download or offline viewing for that title, use that first.

This guide is general information, not legal advice.

FAQ

How to download YouTube videos — FAQ

Short answers to common guide questions.

• How to download YouTube videos online?

  Copy the video URL, paste it into Ytsow, wait for available formats, then choose MP4 or audio and download. Works in a normal browser — no app install.

• How do I copy a YouTube link on my phone?

  In the YouTube app, open the video or Short, tap Share → Copy link. Paste that link into Ytsow in Safari or Chrome.

• Should I use MP4, MP3, or the Shorts page?

  Use YouTube to MP4 for long-form video, YouTube to MP3 for audio-only, and the Shorts downloader for youtube.com/shorts/… links. The homepage tool works for all of them.

• Where do downloaded files go?

  On desktop, check your browser’s Downloads folder. On iPhone, save to Files when prompted. On Android, open the Downloads app or notification after the file finishes.

• Why don’t I see 4K or MP3 for my link?

  Ytsow only lists formats the source exposes. If the upload has no 4K, or no separate audio option, those rows won’t appear.

• Is it legal to download YouTube videos?

  Only download content you own, have permission to save, or that YouTube itself offers to download. Respect creators’ rights and YouTube’s Terms. This guide is not legal advice.

A practical YouTube download guide