How to download YouTube videos on iPhone

Saving a YouTube video on iPhone takes two parts: download it in Safari, then move it into Photos if you want it with your camera roll. You don't need an app from the App Store.

Part 1: download the video

1. In the YouTube app, tap Share, then Copy link.
2. Open Safari and go to the YouTube downloader.
3. Tap the box and paste. Leave it on Video and MP4.
4. Tap Download. Safari asks whether to download the file. Tap Download again.

A small arrow appears in Safari's address bar while the file saves. Tap it to see progress.

Part 2: move it to Photos

1. Open the Files app and go to Downloads (in On My iPhone or iCloud Drive, depending on your settings).
2. Tap the video to open it.
3. Tap the Share button in the bottom corner.
4. Choose Save Video. It now appears in Photos with your other videos.

Pictures of each step are in how to save a downloaded video to iPhone Photos.

Why MP4 is the right choice on iPhone

iPhones play MP4 and MOV without any fuss, and the Photos app accepts both. Avoid MKV and WebM on iPhone: Photos won't import them, and you'd need a third-party player like VLC to watch them.

Saving just the audio

For a podcast or lecture, switch to Audio and pick M4A or MP3. Audio files stay in Files rather than Photos. You can play them from there or open them in another app.

Troubleshooting

• Nothing happens when you tap Download? Check that Safari isn't blocking downloads in Settings, under Apps then Safari.
• Can't find the file? In Files, tap Browse and search for the video's title.
• Plays without sound? Check that the ring/silent switch isn't on silent, then see video has no sound.

The same steps work on iPad.

Quick answers

Can I use the YouTube app's own download?

YouTube Premium lets you watch offline inside the YouTube app, but those downloads stay locked in the app. A downloaded MP4 is a normal file you can keep, edit or put in a slideshow.

Does it work in Chrome on iPhone?

Yes. Chrome also saves to Files. The move to Photos works the same way.

How much space will a video take?

A ten-minute video in 1080p can be a few hundred megabytes. Check Settings, then General, then iPhone Storage if space is tight.