Downloading YouTube videos provokes ethical concerns depending on the original intent of the content. Some videos are shared for informational purposes, others have a goal of earning revenue through advertisements.
Downloading videos for personal offline use hinders content creators from earning ad revenue. However, Google doesn't actively enforce this on an individual level, it occasionally takes measures against third-party apps designed for downloading YouTube videos.
How to download YouTube videos on computer
To download YouTube videos on a PC or Mac effortlessly, utilise the 4K Video Downloader programme.
- Begin by visiting the official 4K Video Downloader website and acquiring the suitable version for your operating system.
- Install the programme and copy the URL of the desired video from the address bar of your web browser.
- Finally, launch the 4K Video Downloader app and it will automatically recognise the copied URL, enabling the users to initiate the download process.
How to download YouTube videos on iPad
For iPhone or iPad users, subscribing to YouTube Premium offers a seamless and legal way to download videos directly from the YouTube app. YouTube Premium allows offline viewing at a maximum resolution of 1080p, but the downloaded videos are tied to the subscription and original content.
Cancelling the subscription or the video being removed from YouTube will result in the loss of downloaded videos. If users prefer third-party tools, consider using an app like Offline, available for iPhone and iPad. It's free, ad-supported, and allows downloading from various platforms, including YouTube. However, it saves videos at a maximum resolution of 640x480.
Keep in mind that while downloading YouTube videos can provide offline viewing convenience, it's essential to respect ethical considerations and comply with copyright laws.