Downloading YouTube videos for free on Android devices has become a common practice for many users. Whether you want to watch your favorite videos offline or save them for later, having the ability to download videos from YouTube can be incredibly convenient. In this blog post, we will explore various methods to download YouTube videos for free on Android.
Why You Need to Download YouTube Videos
There are several reasons why you may want to download YouTube videos on your Android device. Here are a few:
- You can watch videos offline: Sometimes, you may find yourself in a situation where you don’t have access to the internet. By downloading YouTube videos, you can watch them offline without any interruptions.
- You can save data: Streaming videos on YouTube can consume a significant amount of data, especially if you are on a limited data plan. By downloading the videos, you can save on data usage.
- You can share videos easily: Having the ability to download YouTube videos allows you to easily share them with others. Instead of sending a link, you can directly share the downloaded video file.
- You can watch videos without ads: YouTube videos often come with advertisements. By downloading the videos, you can watch them without any ads.
Now, let’s dive into the various methods to download YouTube videos for free on Android.
Video Tutorial:
Part 1. Using a Third-Party App
One of the easiest ways to download YouTube videos on Android is by using a third-party app. These apps are specifically designed to help you download videos from YouTube and other platforms. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Install a third-party app: There are several apps available on the Google Play Store that can help you download YouTube videos. Some popular options include TubeMate, VidMate, and Snaptube. Choose one that suits your preferences and install it on your Android device.
2. Launch the app: Once the app is installed, open it on your device. You will see a search bar where you can search for the YouTube video you want to download.
3. Search for the video: Enter the name of the video or paste the YouTube video URL into the search bar. The app will display the search results for you to choose from.
4. Select the video: Tap on the video you want to download from the search results. You will be presented with different options for the video quality and format.
5. Choose the download format and quality: Select the desired format and quality for the downloaded video. Keep in mind that higher quality videos will take up more storage space on your device.
6. Start the download: After selecting the format and quality, tap on the download button. The app will start downloading the YouTube video to your Android device.
7. Access the downloaded video: Once the download is complete, you can access the saved video from within the app. Some apps also provide an option to directly open the video in a media player of your choice.
Pros of Using a Third-Party App:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Easy and convenient way to download YouTube videos. | 1. Some apps may contain ads or require in-app purchases for additional features. |
| 2. Allows you to choose different video formats and qualities. | 2. May not be available on the official Google Play Store and require sideloading. |
| 3. Can download videos from other platforms as well, not just YouTube. | 3. Quality of downloaded videos may vary depending on the source and app used. |
Part 2. Using a YouTube Video Downloader Website
Another method to download YouTube videos on Android is by using a YouTube video downloader website. These websites allow you to paste the URL of the YouTube video and download it directly. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Find a YouTube video downloader website: There are several websites available that offer YouTube video downloading services. Some popular options include Y2mate, SaveFrom.net, and KeepVid. Open one of these websites in your preferred Android browser.
2. Copy the YouTube video URL: Go to the official YouTube app on your Android device and find the video you want to download. Tap on the share button and select the option to copy the video URL.
3. Paste the video URL: Return to the YouTube video downloader website and paste the copied URL into the provided field. Some websites may also offer additional options, such as choosing the video format or quality.
4. Start the download: After pasting the URL, click on the download button or any similar button available on the website. The website will start processing the video and generate a download link for you.
5. Download the video: Once the download link is generated, click on it to start the download. The video file will be saved to your Android device’s storage.
Pros of Using a YouTube Video Downloader Website:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. No need to install any additional apps on your device. | 1. Some websites may display ads or have a cluttered user interface. |
| 2. Can be accessed from any Android browser. | 2. Reliance on the availability and reliability of the website. |
| 3. Can choose different video formats and qualities. | 3. The process may involve more steps compared to using an app. |
Part 3. Using a YouTube Video Downloader Browser Extension
If you frequently download YouTube videos on your Android device, using a browser extension can be a convenient option. These extensions add a download button to the YouTube video page, allowing you to directly download the video without leaving the site. Here’s how to use a YouTube video downloader browser extension:
1. Install a compatible browser: Before you can use a browser extension, you need to have a compatible browser installed on your Android device. Popular options include Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge. Install the browser of your choice from the Google Play Store.
2. Install the browser extension: Once the browser is installed, open it and search for a YouTube video downloader extension. Some popular extensions include Video DownloadHelper, FastestTube, and SaveFrom.net helper. Install the extension by following the instructions provided on the extension’s page.
3. Restart the browser: After installing the extension, you may need to restart your browser for the changes to take effect. Close the browser and open it again.
4. Find a YouTube video: Go to the official YouTube website using the installed browser on your Android device. Find the video you want to download.
5. Click on the download button: When the video starts playing, the browser extension should display a download button near the video player. Click on the button to initiate the download.
6. Select the download format and quality: Depending on the extension and its settings, you may be prompted to choose the desired video format and quality before the download begins.
7. Download the video: After selecting the format and quality, click on the download button again to start the download. The video file will be saved to your Android device’s storage.
Pros of Using a YouTube Video Downloader Browser Extension:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Convenient and quick way to download YouTube videos. | 1. Requires specific browsers and may not be available for all browser versions. |
| 2. Can download videos directly from the YouTube page. | 2. The availability and reliability of the extension may vary. |
| 3. Some extensions offer additional features like video conversion or batch downloading. | 3. The process may be more complicated for users who are not familiar with browser extensions. |
Part 4. Using YouTube Premium
YouTube Premium is a subscription-based service offered by YouTube that provides an ad-free experience, offline playback, and access to YouTube Originals. As part of the subscription, you can also download YouTube videos for offline viewing. Here’s how to download YouTube videos using YouTube Premium:
1. Subscribe to YouTube Premium: If you don’t already have a YouTube Premium subscription, you need to subscribe to the service. Open the YouTube app on your Android device, tap on your profile picture, and select “Get YouTube Premium.” Follow the prompts to subscribe to the service.
2. Find the video to download: After subscribing, find the YouTube video you want to download on the official YouTube app.
3. Tap on the download button: When you are on the video page, you will see a download button below the video player. Tap on the button to start the download.
4. Choose the download quality: You will be presented with different options for the video quality. Select the desired quality based on your preferences and available storage space on your Android device.
5. Start the download: After selecting the video quality, tap on the download button again to initiate the download. The video will be downloaded and saved to your Android device’s storage.
6. Access the downloaded video: Once the download is complete, you can access the saved video from within the YouTube app. Go to the Library tab, tap on “Downloads,” and you will find the downloaded videos in the list.
Pros of Using YouTube Premium:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Official and legal way to download YouTube videos. | 1. Requires a subscription to YouTube Premium. |
| 2. No need to install any additional apps or extensions. | 2. Restricted to offline viewing within the YouTube app. |
| 3. Provides an ad-free experience and access to YouTube Originals. | 3. Can’t transfer downloaded videos to other devices. |
What to Do If You Can’t Download YouTube Videos
If you are unable to download YouTube videos using the methods mentioned above, here are three alternative solutions you can try:
1. Use a screen recording app: If downloading videos directly is not an option, you can use a screen recording app to capture the video playback while watching it. There are several screen recording apps available on the Google Play Store, such as AZ Screen Recorder and DU Recorder.
2. Convert online videos into offline-friendly formats: You can use online video converter websites to convert the YouTube video into a downloadable format, such as MP4 or AVI. Websites like Any Video Converter and OnlineVideoConverter offer this service.
3. Use YouTube offline feature: YouTube offers an offline feature within the app itself, allowing you to save videos for offline viewing. This feature, however, varies depending on your region and YouTube app version. Look for the offline feature option within the YouTube app to see if it is available for you.
Bonus Tips
Here are some bonus tips to enhance your YouTube video downloading experience:
1. Clear cache: If you encounter any issues while downloading YouTube videos, clearing the cache of the YouTube app can often solve the problem. Go to the app settings on your Android device, find the YouTube app, and clear its cache.
2. Ensure sufficient storage: Before downloading YouTube videos, make sure you have enough free storage space on your Android device. Videos, especially high-quality ones, can take up a significant amount of storage.
3. Explore video editing apps: After downloading YouTube videos, you may want to edit them or extract specific parts. There are plenty of video editing apps available on the Google Play Store that can help you achieve this. Some popular options include Adobe Premiere Rush, KineMaster, and FilmoraGo.
The Bottom Line
Downloading YouTube videos for free on Android can greatly enhance your video watching experience. Whether you choose to use a third-party app, a YouTube video downloader website, a browser extension, or YouTube Premium, each method has its pros and cons. Evaluate your needs and preferences to choose the method that suits you best.
5 FAQs about How to Download YouTube Videos Free on Android
Q1: Is it legal to download YouTube videos?
A: Downloading YouTube videos for personal use is generally considered acceptable. However, distributing or using the downloaded videos for commercial purposes may violate copyright laws. It is always best to check the terms of service and copyright policies of YouTube before downloading videos.
Q2: Can I share downloaded YouTube videos with others?
A: Sharing downloaded YouTube videos with others is possible, but it is important to respect copyright laws. If the video is protected by copyright, sharing it without permission may infringe on the rights of the content creator. It is always best to obtain permission or share the original YouTube link instead.
Q3: Can I download YouTube videos in bulk?
A: Some YouTube video downloader apps and extensions offer the ability to download multiple videos at once or create playlists for batch downloading. However, these features may vary depending on the app or extension you are using. Check the features and capabilities of the specific app or extension for batch downloading options.
Q4: Can I download YouTube videos in HD quality?
A: Yes, you can download YouTube videos in high-definition (HD) quality, provided the video is available in that format. When using apps, websites, or services to download YouTube videos, they often offer the option to select the desired video quality before initiating the download. Choose the HD quality option for the best video playback experience.
Q5: Can I download YouTube videos on iOS devices?
A: Yes, it is possible to download YouTube videos on iOS devices as well. The methods may differ slightly from Android devices, but there are various apps and websites available that cater to iOS users. Look for YouTube video downloader apps on the App Store or search for YouTube video downloader websites compatible with iOS devices.