The legal ways to download YouTube videos in 2026 are to use YouTube Premium for offline viewing inside the YouTube app, download your own videos from YouTube Studio, use videos released under a Creative Commons licence, or get permission from the creator. Most other methods, especially third-party downloader sites and apps, break YouTube’s rules and may break copyright law. Here is what is allowed and what to avoid.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube Premium is the official way to watch videos offline, inside the YouTube app.
- You can download videos you uploaded yourself from YouTube Studio.
- Videos marked with a Creative Commons licence can be reused if you follow the licence terms.
- YouTube’s Terms of Service generally prohibit downloading other people’s videos without permission, and third-party downloaders are risky.
- Fair use is a narrow, case-by-case legal idea, not a general permission to download.
Is It Legal to Download YouTube Videos?
It depends on what you download, how you do it and what you do with the file. Two things matter: YouTube’s Terms of Service and copyright law. YouTube’s terms generally prohibit downloading videos without permission from YouTube or the copyright owner, apart from features that YouTube provides itself. Most videos are protected by copyright, so copying or sharing them without a licence or permission can also be copyright infringement.
Nothing in this article is legal advice, and the rules differ by country. If you plan to use a video for work, a business or publishing, check the licence or ask the creator first.
What Are the Legal Ways to Download YouTube Videos?
| Method | Allowed? | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube Premium offline downloads | Yes, it is YouTube’s own feature | Watching videos offline in the app |
| Downloading your own uploads in YouTube Studio | Yes | Backing up your own videos |
| Creative Commons videos | Yes, if you follow the licence | Reusing videos with credit |
| Public domain videos | Yes | Old or government-released footage |
| Videos the creator lets you download | Yes, with permission | Creators who share download links |
| Third-party downloader sites and apps | Generally no, they break YouTube’s terms | Not recommended |
Method 1: Use YouTube Premium for Offline Viewing
YouTube Premium is the official way to watch videos without a connection. It lets you save videos inside the YouTube app on your phone, tablet or computer, and they appear in your Library under Downloads. The downloads stay inside the app, they are not separate video files, and you must keep your subscription active. You also need to go online from time to time, reported at around every 30 days, to keep them available.
- Open the video in the YouTube app.
- Tap the Download button below the video.
- Choose the quality you want.
- Find the video later in Library, then Downloads.
Some videos cannot be downloaded because of the creator’s or a rights holder’s settings. In some regions, YouTube also offers limited offline downloads on mobile without Premium, so check what is available where you live.
Method 2: Download Your Own Videos From YouTube Studio
If you uploaded the video, you are allowed to download it from your own channel. Sign in to YouTube Studio, open the Content page, find your video and use the options menu to download it. This is a handy way to back up your uploads, and it is worth doing regularly. For a safe backup routine, follow our guide to backing up your data safely.
Method 3: Use Creative Commons Videos
Some creators publish videos under a Creative Commons licence, which lets others reuse them if they follow the licence terms, such as giving credit. You can filter YouTube search results to show only Creative Commons videos.
- Search for your topic on YouTube.
- Open the search filters and choose Creative Commons under the features options.
- Open the video and read the description to confirm the licence.
- Follow the licence terms, such as crediting the creator.
Even here, check the exact licence, because some versions do not allow commercial use or changes. If you edit or share the clip, keep the credit and licence information with it.
Method 4: Ask for Permission or Use Public Domain Material
If you want to use a video for a project, the simplest and safest path is to ask the creator. Many are happy to say yes if you explain how you will use it and give credit. Some creators also provide download links in the description. Public domain footage, such as certain old films and government material, can be used freely, but confirm its status first.
Is Fair Use a Way to Download YouTube Videos?
No. Fair use is a legal idea, mainly from US law, that allows limited use of copyrighted material for purposes such as criticism, commentary, news reporting, teaching and research. It is judged case by case, and it is not a general permission to save a whole video. Simply downloading a full video for personal enjoyment is unlikely to count as fair use, and fair use does not override YouTube’s own terms. If your project depends on fair use, talk to a legal professional.
Why Should You Avoid Third-Party YouTube Downloaders?
- They usually break YouTube’s terms. Your account could face consequences.
- They may cause copyright problems. Downloading and reusing protected videos can lead to takedowns or legal trouble.
- They are a malware risk. Many downloader sites and apps are filled with ads, fake buttons or bundled malware. Read our guides to the best free antivirus software and to removing malware from your PC if you have ever installed one.
- They can harm creators. Creators earn from views, subscriptions and ads, so unauthorised copies reduce their income.
What Can You Do Instead of Downloading?
- Use Watch Later and playlists to save videos inside YouTube.
- Share the link or embed the video instead of copying the file.
- Use official offline features such as YouTube Premium.
- Look for the same content from the creator’s own site or channel when they offer downloads.
How to Download YouTube Videos Legally: Step-by-Step
Step 1 — Decide what you need
Do you want to watch offline, back up your own video or reuse someone else’s clip? The answer decides which legal method fits.
Step 2 — Check who owns the video
If it is yours, use YouTube Studio. If it is someone else’s, check for a Creative Commons licence or permission.
Step 3 — Use the official route
For offline viewing, use YouTube Premium in the app. For reuse, follow the licence or get written permission.
Step 4 — Give credit and keep records
Credit the creator, and keep a note of the licence or permission in case you need it later.
Step 5 — Keep your device safe
Download only from official apps and websites, and keep your accounts protected with strong passwords and two-factor authentication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to download YouTube videos?
It depends. Using YouTube Premium, downloading your own uploads, and using Creative Commons or public domain videos are legal routes. Downloading other people’s videos without permission generally breaks YouTube’s terms and may infringe copyright.
What is the legal way to download YouTube videos?
The main legal ways are YouTube Premium offline downloads, downloading your own videos from YouTube Studio, using Creative Commons videos according to their licence and getting permission from the creator.
Can I download YouTube videos for personal use?
Personal use does not automatically make a download legal. YouTube’s terms still apply, and downloading a whole video for personal enjoyment is unlikely to count as fair use. Use YouTube Premium for offline viewing.
Does YouTube Premium let me keep videos forever?
No. Premium downloads stay inside the YouTube app, are not separate video files and need an active subscription and an occasional internet connection to keep working.
Are free YouTube downloader sites safe?
Not usually. They often break YouTube’s terms, can contain misleading ads and malware, and may expose you to copyright problems.
Can I download a Creative Commons video?
Yes, if the video is licensed under Creative Commons and you follow the licence terms, such as giving credit. Read the licence carefully before you reuse the video.
Conclusion
The safest way to download YouTube videos is to use the tools YouTube offers: Premium for offline viewing and Studio for your own uploads. For other people’s videos, rely on Creative Commons licences, public domain material or the creator’s permission. Avoid third-party downloaders, which break YouTube’s rules and put your device at risk, and give credit whenever you reuse someone’s work.
Related reading: Best free antivirus · How to remove malware from your PC · How to back up your data safely · What is two-factor authentication?