How to download YouTube videos for free

YouTube is full of incredible videos, and it’s compelling to reuse parts of another video in one’s own content to enhance it. However, before adding any footage to a project, it’s important to download YouTube videos safely and legally.

This updated 2026 guide covers reliable tools and methods to access and save YouTube files for personal libraries or when creating social media videos. If making great videos is the goal, Clipchamp video editor is a free online video editor that can help tell any story when the footage is downloaded.

Method 1. YouTube Premium

Considering a hassle-free and lawful way to download YouTube videos? Subscribing to YouTube Premium might be the golden ticket.

Benefits

• Legally download videos using the "save offline" feature.

• Enjoy an ad-free viewing experience with the premium subscription.

• Choose from individual, family, and student plans tailored to specific needs.

• Access a one-month free trial to explore the features before subscribing.

How to use

Sign up to the YouTube Premium free trial and follow these steps for detailed instructions.

Tip

Note that videos saved this way are tailored specifically for the YouTube app. While enjoying them offline in the app is possible, they aren't free like a standard video file format. This means uploading these videos into video editing software is not possible.

Method 2. 4K Video Downloader

4K Video Downloader Plus is widely regarded as one of the easiest ways to download online videos. The original 4K Video Downloader was discontinued in February 2026 and replaced by the Plus version, which offers enhanced features and performance.

Benefits

• Compatible with Mac, Android, PC, and Linux devices.

• Free to use for up to 30 video downloads per day.

• Offers a premium subscription for unlimited downloads, including entire YouTube playlists.

• Allows downloading of previously live-streamed YouTube videos, just like regular uploads.

• Version 26.0 released in January 2026 with improved stability and Ubuntu 24 support.

How to use

1. Visit the 4K Video Downloader Plus website and download the app using any web browser.

2. Install the app on the device.

3. Open the YouTube video to download and copy its URL.

4. Launch the 4K Video Downloader Plus app and click paste link.

5. Select the save location for the file.

Tip

Saving videos at the highest quality settings in the free version is possible (how great is that?), but if there’s a need to save space, selecting a lesser quality setting is always an option. In addition, regularly check for software updates, as they often include enhanced features and bug fixes.

Method 3. Firefox browser extensions

Browser extensions can simplify downloading YouTube videos directly from the browser. They integrate with the browser and allow downloads to start without switching between tools.

Video DownloadHelper is a popular and reliable browser extension that enables video downloads in multiple formats and resolutions, including MP4 and WEBM. It's user-friendly, well maintained, and updated as recently as January 2026, and supports downloading from YouTube when used with compatible browsers.

Unfortunately, the Chrome Web Store does not allow extensions that enable downloading YouTube videos. As a result, the Chrome version of Video DownloadHelper does not include this feature. However, the Firefox version of the extension can be used as a YouTube video downloader.

Benefits

• Browser extensions like Video DownloadHelper integrate directly with the browser, making it easy to download videos without switching between tools.

• Supports multiple formats and resolutions, allowing choosing the best quality for specific needs, in HD or smaller file sizes.

• Ensures getting a ready-to-use, high-quality video file that's compatible with various devices and video editing software for professional results.

• Video DownloadHelper offers its core features without any cost, making it an accessible solution for personal projects.

How to use

1. Visit the Video DownloadHelper website or search for it in the Firefox add-ons store.

2. Add the extension to Firefox browser and complete the setup process.

3. Open the YouTube video to download in Firefox.

4. Click the Video DownloadHelper icon in the Firefox toolbar.

5. Select the preferred video format and resolution.

6. Choose a location to save the file on the device and wait for the download to finish.

Tip

Be sure to keep the extension updated and avoid clicking on any suspicious ads or prompts while downloading.

Method 4. Stacher

A modern, user-friendly application, Stacher simplifies downloading videos from YouTube and more than 1,000 other websites. Serving as a graphical interface for the powerful command-line tool yt-dlp, Stacher makes video downloading accessible without technical expertise. Version 7.1.5 was released in January 2026.

Benefits

• Stacher is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring a seamless experience across different operating systems.

• It supports downloading videos in various resolutions, including HD and 4K, catering to diverse quality preferences.

• Users can extract audio from videos and save it in formats such as MP3 for easy playback.

• Stacher allows users to download entire playlists or channels, streamlining bulk video saving.

• Advanced users can configure custom post-processing commands, such as merging video and audio files with FFmpeg, to tailor downloads to specific needs.

How to use

1. Visit the Stacher website and download the installer for the operating system. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the application.

2. Upon first launch, Stacher will automatically install yt-dlp.

3. Copy the URL of the YouTube video to download.

4. Open Stacher and paste the URL into the designated field.

5. Select the desired format and resolution.

6. Click "Download" to save the video to the device.

Tip

If getting a download error, go to Tools > Force Reload UI and try again. This quickly solved an error during testing.

Method 5. ClipGrab

ClipGrab is a free, open‑source desktop downloader for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It detects compatible URLs from the clipboard, offers an integrated YouTube search, and converts downloads into MP3, MPEG4, WMV, and more formats.

Benefits

• 100% free and open‑source under GPL v3 license.

• Download from YouTube, Vimeo, Dailymotion, and Facebook with one tool.

• Automatic clipboard monitoring and built‑in search for quick downloads.

• Convert video files to MP3, MPEG4, OGG Theora or WMV without extra software.

How to use

1. Download and install from the ClipGrab website.

2. Launch ClipGrab and paste a video URL or use the search field.

3. Choose the desired format and quality.

4. Click 'grab this clip!' to download and convert the file.

Tip

The Windows installer may include an OpenCandy adware module. Consider the alternate installer link on the ClipGrab site for an ad‑free setup.

Method 6. Y2Mate

Y2Mate is a free, web‑based downloader that lets you save YouTube videos and audio without installing software. Its user-friendly interface supports MP4, MP3, and other formats, delivers fast download speeds, and handles bulk playlist processing.

Y2Mate was the top pick for many looking to download YouTube videos in the past. However, it now has significant limitations: standard-definition videos only, aggressive advertising, and occasional reliability issues reported in 2026.

Benefits

• Download videos and extract audio in MP4 or MP3 with one click.

• High‑speed downloads minimize waiting time.

• Supports entire playlists and bulk downloads at no extra cost.

• No registration or software installation required.

• Works on any browser.

How to use

1. Go to Y2Mate for the main site.

2. Paste the YouTube video or playlist URL into the input box.

3. Select MP4 or MP3 and pick the preferred resolution or bitrate.

4. Click "Download" to save the file to the device.

Tip

Videos longer than two hours may not download, and server load can affect speed. Be aware of aggressive pop-up advertisements and avoid clicking on fake download buttons when using this service.

Quick comparison

Here's how to choose the right method based on specific video editing needs:

• For legal peace of mind: YouTube Premium

• For highest quality (4K/8K): 4K Video Downloader Plus

• For simplicity: Firefox extensions (Video DownloadHelper)

• For batch and playlist downloads: 4K Video Downloader Plus or Stacher

• For zero ads and clean interface: Stacher or Firefox extensions

• For quick web-based downloads: Y2Mate (with caution regarding ads)

Understanding the legal landscape: downloading and editing YouTube videos

Can someone legally download videos from YouTube? The answer is yes, with a YouTube Premium membership. With this subscription in place, legally grabbing those videos is fully permitted. But a heads-up: straying from the correct download methods might land someone in legal trouble. While YouTube hasn't taken anyone to court over this, it's always wise to stay on the right side of their copyright guidelines regarding video downloads.

It's essential to be aware of the legal implications when downloading YouTube videos for personal or commercial purposes:

1. YouTube's Terms of Service: the terms explicitly prohibit users from downloading content without the content creator's permission, unless YouTube clearly provides a download button or link. This rule is in place to protect creators' intellectual property rights.

2. Copyright laws: downloading or repurposing a video without owning the content or securing explicit permission from the content creator may infringe copyright laws. Potential consequences include the video being taken down, the YouTube account receiving a copyright strike, or even legal action in more serious cases.

3. Fair use: there is a concept called "fair use" in many jurisdictions, including the U.S. Fair use might allow using copyrighted material without permission for purposes like criticism, commentary, news reporting, education, and research. However, fair use is a complex legal doctrine and is determined on a case-by-case basis.

How to avoid copyright issues on YouTube

• Seek permission from creators: The safest way to use someone else's content in a video is to get explicit permission from the content creator. This often comes in the form of a licensing agreement or written consent. If receiving this is not possible, consider making a YouTube Clip instead.

• Use royalty-free media: Some creators license their videos under Creative Commons licenses, which allow others to use their content under specific conditions. Additionally, there are platforms where creators upload videos that others can use freely, often called royalty-free videos for browsing. Always check the licensing details before using such content.

YouTube videos downloaded. What next?

Saving a YouTube video for offline viewing or editing has never been easier. From quick online tools to dedicated pieces of software, downloading online videos is now possible for everyone.

If the goal is to get eyes (or ears) on a track from a YouTube clip, turning a long-form interview into a podcast for on-the-go listening may be appealing. To get that tune or audio track, see the guide on saving YouTube audio for detailed steps.

Add downloaded audio and video to Clipchamp video editor to see how easy video editing can be. Clipchamp video editor is an online video editor with pro features that help bring video ideas to life. Creators can use professional YouTube video templates for a quick start.

Start editing today with Clipchamp video editor or download the Microsoft Clipchamp Windows app for desktop editing.