YouTube is designed primarily for streaming, but you don’t always need an internet connection to enjoy your favorite videos. Downloading videos can be especially useful when you’re offline or want to keep a backup of videos that might be removed from the platform. While subscribing to YouTube Premium is the official way to download videos directly from the app, there are other methods available if you prefer not to pay for a subscription.
Google restricts the Play Store from offering apps that download YouTube videos without a Premium subscription. This might lead you to believe that free downloads aren’t possible on Android, but you can bypass these restrictions by using third-party apps installed via APK files. One of the most recommended apps for this purpose is TubeMate.
How to Download YouTube Videos with YouTube Premium
If you’re a YouTube Premium subscriber, downloading videos is straightforward. Just navigate to the video you want to save and tap the download button on the video’s page. The video will be downloaded to your device, allowing you to watch it offline whenever you like. However, this option requires a subscription fee of $13.99 per month, which might be steep for some users.
How to Download YouTube Videos for Free on Android
Using third-party apps like TubeMate to download YouTube videos for free is technically against YouTube’s Terms of Service. This method involves some risk, and YouTube does not typically enforce these rules aggressively, but it’s advisable to avoid uploading downloaded content to YouTube, as the platform actively tracks such activities.
To start, you’ll need to download and install TubeMate. Since this app isn’t available on the Google Play Store, you’ll need to enable installation from unknown sources on your Android device.
- Enable Installation from Unknown Sources:
- If you’re using Google Chrome, go to the settings when prompted and toggle “Allow from this source.” This will let you install apps outside the Play Store.
- Download and Install TubeMate:
- Find the TubeMate APK file online and download it. Follow the prompts to install the app on your device.
- Download Videos Using TubeMate:
- Open TubeMate and search for the YouTube video you want to download. Once you find it, tap the green download button. Choose your preferred format and quality, and the download will begin.
- Access Downloaded Videos:
- To view your downloaded videos, tap the three-dot menu at the top of TubeMate and select “Downloads List” from the dropdown menu.
Can You Download Any YouTube Video?
Yes, with TubeMate, you can download virtually any YouTube video to your Android device without needing a YouTube Premium account. The only limitation is the available storage space on your phone.
