How To Download YouTube Videos On iPhone Without Premium

As you already know, YouTube does not allow users to download videos without a premium subscription.

Source: YouTube help

But what if I told you there are ways to go around this policy?

Yes, you read that right.

Many of us have experienced this:

You find a great video but can only save it for later if you pay for YouTube Premium.

This gets to you more when you would love to watch videos offline.

But don’t worry; I’ve got alternatives for you.

In this post, I’ll show you how to download YouTube videos on iPhone without a Premium subscription.

Each method I’ll discuss has pros and cons so that you can choose the best option.

Ultimately, you will not need to spend a dime on a subscription.

Let’s get started!

First, Why Download YouTube Videos Without Premium?

As earlier stated, this may seem impossible. But you’re not alone.

Many users want to save videos for later without paying extra.

Here are a few reasons to save YouTube videos:

Save Data:

You can save a lot of data when you watch YouTube videos offline. How?

Once you download a video file, you can watch it anytime for as long as you want.

So you don’t have to use your mobile data whenever you want to watch that video.

This is great if you have a limited data plan or are in a place with a weak signal.

Avoid Costs:

You don’t have to pay for a YouTube Premium subscription to enjoy offline videos.

With the methods I’ll show you, you can save money and watch your favorite YouTube videos whenever you like.

It’s a win-win situation.

Convenience:

Having your favorite videos downloaded means you can watch them anytime, anywhere.

For example, downloaded videos are super convenient if you have a weak signal or want to save battery by staying offline.

This means you won’t have to worry about buffering or losing your connection in the middle of a great video. 

Save Your Favorite Content:

Sometimes, your favorite videos might be taken down or made private.

By downloading them, you have a copy that you can watch anytime. It’s like having a backup of your favorite content.

Share Easily:

You can easily share saved videos on your iPhone with your friends without an internet connection.

In short, it makes sharing content quick and easy.

Methods to Download YouTube Videos on iPhone

You can download YouTube videos on your iPhone in many ways without a premium subscription. Here are a few:

1. Use the Shortcuts App

2. Use a Document Management App with an Online Video Downloader

3. Use a Download Manager

4. Using VLC Player

Use the Shortcuts App

Like other YouTube downloaders, the Shortcuts app has become popular.

You can use it to download YouTube videos on your iPhone for free.

This method is easy and efficient. It works directly within the iOS system, so you don’t need extra apps or websites.

Here’s how it works:

1. First, ensure the Shortcuts app is on your iPhone—it usually comes with it.

2. Then, add the ‘Just Another YouTube Downloader’ shortcut to your Shortcuts library.

3. Do this by clicking on a shared link for the shortcut.

4. Set it up to make it easy to download a YouTube video.

5. Copy the video link from YouTube.

6. Paste the link in the Shortcuts app when prompted, and the download starts.

Pros:

1. These shortcuts are great because they blend smoothly with your iPhone.

2. It is easy to use, and you don’t have to switch between different apps or browsers.

3. You can customize them to fit your preferences. For example, you can choose the video quality to download or where to save the file.

Cons:

Shortcuts from spammy websites can bring viruses to your phone. So, for security reasons, ensure they are from trusted sources.

Use a Document Management App with an Online Video Downloader

This is a simple way to download YouTube videos on your iPhone. You only need a document management app and an online video downloader.

The process is straightforward:

1. Open the YouTube app on your iPhone and find the video you want to download. Copy the video link by tapping the share button and selecting “Copy Link.”

2. Open a document management app, such as Documents by Readdle. This app has a built-in browser, which makes downloading videos easy.

   

3. In the Documents app, tap on the browser icon and go to an online video downloader website. Some popular ones include y2mate.com and savefrom.net.

   

4. Paste the copied video link into the search bar on the downloader website. Choose the video quality and format you prefer for your downloaded videos.

   

5. Tap the download button. The video will download and be saved in the Documents app’s download folder.

   

6. Once the download is complete, you can move the video to your camera roll for easy access. Just tap on the downloaded video, select “Move,” and choose “Photos.”

Pros:

1. This method is free. You can download YouTube videos without paying for a YouTube Premium subscription.

2. The steps are straightforward. Copy the video link, paste it into the downloader, and save the video. Simple and quick.

3. While you need a document management app, you don’t have to install a separate video downloader app. Just use the browser within the document app.

Cons:

1. Sometimes, the video quality might be lower than when you watch directly on YouTube. This can be a downside if you want the best viewing experience.

2. Online video downloader websites often have lots of ads. This can annoy or confuse you, especially if you accidentally click the wrong link.

Use a Download Manager

Whatever your video preference, a download manager has you covered.

With them, you can download videos from YouTube and enjoy them offline without an internet connection.

Pros:

1. Download managers work with many platforms (YouTube, Vimeo, and more).

2. Access to download options like your desired resolutions and formats.

3. Fast download speeds.

Cons:

1. Some are not available in official iPhone app stores.

2. Too many ads during app usage.

3. No regular updates and bug fixes.

Download managers are easy to use and efficient.

Here are a few popular options and how to use them:

4K Video Downloader

1. Go to the App Store and search for “4K Video Downloader.” Then, download and install the app on your iPhone.

2. Open the YouTube app, find your favorite video, tap the share button, and choose “Copy Link.”

3. Open the 4K Video Downloader and paste the copied link into the search bar.

4. Choose the video quality and format you prefer. Then, click the download button.

5. The video will be saved in the app, and you can move it to your camera roll for offline viewing.

VidBurner:

1. Search for “VidBurner” in the App Store, download, and install it.

2. Copy the video link of your desired YouTube video.

3. Open VidBurner and paste the link into the search bar.

4. Choose the video format and quality you want and click the download button.

   

5. The downloaded video will be stored in the app, which you can transfer to your camera roll.

TubeMate:

1. Download the app. TubeMate might not be available on the App Store, so you may need to download it from their official website.

2. Open YouTube, find your favorite video, and copy the link.

3. Open TubeMate and paste the video link into the search bar.

4. Choose the video quality and format you prefer and click download.

5. The video will be saved in the TubeMate app, and you can move it to your camera roll.

Using VLC Player

Using the VLC Player is an excellent option if you want high-quality downloads.

This method takes a few more steps than others, but it’s worth it.

This is because it supports high-quality videos and various formats.

Here’s a simple guide to help you through the process.

1. Download and install VLC Player from the App Store on your iPhone. It’s a free and powerful app for playing and saving videos.

2. Open the YouTube app and locate the video you wish to save. Copy the video link by tapping the share button and selecting “Copy Link.”

   

3. Open VLC Player on your iPhone. Tap on the “Network” tab at the bottom of the screen.

   

4. In the “Network” tab, select “Open Network Stream.” Paste the copied YouTube video link into the text box.

5. Tap “Open Network Stream” to play the video. Tap the download button while the video is playing to start the download process.

   

6. Once the video is downloaded, save it to your downloads folder in VLC Player. You can also move the saved video to your camera roll for easy access.

Like other methods discussed above, using VLC Player has ups and downs. Let’s break them down.

Pros:

1. VLC Player lets you save high-quality YouTube videos.

2. It supports various video formats. You can save your video in MP4, AVI, or other formats. It’s flexible and versatile.

Cons:

1. Setting up VLC Player for downloading can be tricky. It involves more steps than other methods, which might be confusing initially.

2. You must download and install the VLC Player app from the App Store. This is an extra step, especially if you want a quick solution.

Tips for Managing Downloaded Videos

Here are some easy tips to keep things organized and make playback smoother on your iPhone:

1. Organize Your Videos:

Create folders on your iPhone for different content, such as music videos, tutorials, or entire YouTube playlists. This will make it easier to find what you want to watch.

1. File Management:

Use the Files app on your iPhone to move, rename, and organize your downloaded videos. This helps keep everything tidy and accessible.

1. Playback:

Use a reliable video player app like VLC Player for the best viewing experience. This app supports various video formats and makes it easy to play your saved videos.

My Advice:

Do these to enjoy watching your favorite content more easily.

Potential Risks and How to Mitigate Them

You may face risks downloading YouTube videos, especially from unknown sources.

Here’s what you need to know to stay safe.

Security Risks:

Downloading from untrusted websites can expose your iPhone to malware or viruses.

This can harm your device or steal your personal information.

How to Stay Safe with Third-Party Tools:

1. Use Trusted Sources: Only download videos from trustworthy websites or apps. Look for well-known video downloaders with good reviews.

2. Check Permissions: Before installing any app, check what permissions it asks for. Avoid apps that request access to unrelated features.

3. Update Regularly: Keep your apps and iOS updated. Updates often include security patches that protect against new threats.

4. Avoid Suspicious Links: Be careful of clicking on unknown links. They might redirect you to harmful websites.

Is downloading YouTube Videos Legal?

Always remember to download videos for personal use only.

Using them commercially can get you into legal trouble.

Stick to downloading content that you have permission to save.

Conclusion

Now you know that there are various options on how to download YouTube videos on iPhone without premium.

Notably, Each method has its advantages and disadvantages.

So, go with what works for you.

Whether you have internet access, prefer specific video quality, or need ease of use, there’s a method for you.

Remember to be careful and respect copyright laws when using downloaded YouTube content.

This way, you can enjoy videos responsibly while showing appreciation for the creators.

I hope you found this article helpful. Don’t hesitate to like and share.

If you have any questions or thoughts, please leave them in the comments below.