Want to watch YouTube videos without internet? Whether you're traveling, have limited data, or just want offline access, here are all the ways to download YouTube videos in 2026.
Official Method: YouTube Premium
YouTube Premium ($13.99/month) allows you to download videos for offline viewing within the official app.
- Download in up to 1080p quality
- Videos expire after 30 days (need to reconnect)
- Works on mobile only (not desktop)
- Can't export outside YouTube app
Third-Party Download Methods
yt-dlp (Desktop - Best Quality)
Command-line tool that downloads in any format/quality. Open-source and regularly updated.
NewPipe (Android)
Open-source YouTube client with built-in download feature. Supports video and audio-only downloads.
4K Video Downloader (Desktop)
User-friendly desktop app. Free for basic use, paid version removes limits.
Online Downloaders (Risky)
Websites like y2mate, ssyoutube, etc. Work but often have aggressive ads and privacy concerns.
Quality Options Explained
- 1080p: Full HD, ~150MB per 10 minutes
- 720p: HD, ~80MB per 10 minutes
- 480p: SD, ~40MB per 10 minutes
- 360p: Low quality, ~25MB per 10 minutes
- Audio only (MP3): ~10MB per 10 minutes
Important: Why Mod APKs Don't Enable Downloads
YouTube Mod APKs unlock features like ad-blocking and background play, but they cannot enable downloads. This is because downloads require server-side authentication with YouTube's servers – something that can't be bypassed through app modification.
For downloading, use the third-party tools mentioned above.
Legal Considerations
Downloading YouTube videos for personal use generally falls under fair use, but redistributing copyrighted content is illegal. Always respect content creators' rights.