YouTube Video Download iPhone: best Only Guide You Need 2025

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Ever found yourself on a long flight, wishing you had downloaded that hilarious cat video or tutorial you saw last night? You’re definitely not alone. Thousands of iPhone users search for ways to youtube video download iphone every single day, and for good reason.

The good news? You have options. In this complete guide, we’ll show you how to download youtube videos on iphone using five different methods—from the official YouTube Premium approach to clever free alternatives that actually work in 2025. By the end, you’ll know exactly which method fits your needs, whether you’re looking for youtube video download iphone free solutions or premium quality downloads.

Before we dive into the methods, let’s address the elephant in the room: Is downloading YouTube videos legal?

The Legal Side of Downloading YouTube Videos

According to YouTube’s Terms of Service, you’re only allowed to download videos through YouTube Premium’s offline feature. Downloading videos through third-party apps or websites technically violates their terms.

However, there’s an important distinction:

• For personal use: If you’re downloading a video you created yourself, or content clearly marked as free to download, you’re generally safe.
• For redistribution: Never download and re-upload someone else’s content. That’s copyright infringement and could get you in legal trouble.

⚠️ Important Safety Note: Only download videos you own or have explicit permission to save. This guide is for educational purposes and personal backup only.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s explore your options for downloading youtube videos to iphone.

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Method 1: YouTube Premium – The Official Way

If you want the easiest, safest, and 100% legal way to download youtube video to iphone, YouTube Premium is your answer. Yes, it costs money ($11.99/month in the US), but it comes with perks that go beyond downloads.

What You Get with YouTube Premium

• Legal downloads directly in the YouTube app
• No ads on any video
• Background playback (listen with your screen off)
• YouTube Music Premium included
• High-quality downloads up to 1080p
• 30-day offline viewing before videos need refreshing

How to Download YouTube Videos with YouTube Premium

Step 1: Subscribe to YouTube Premium

Open the YouTube app on your iPhone, tap your profile picture in the top right, then select “YouTube Premium.” You can start with a free trial if you’re a new user.

Step 2: Find Your Video

Browse or search for the video you want to save offline. Open it like you normally would.

Step 3: Tap the Download Button

Below the video player, you’ll see a download icon (downward arrow). Tap it.

Step 4: Choose Your Quality

Select from Low (144p), Medium (360p), or High (720p-1080p). Higher quality means larger file sizes, so choose based on your iPhone storage.

Step 5: Access Your Downloads

Tap your profile picture, then go to “Downloads.” All your saved videos live here, ready to watch anytime—even in airplane mode.

Pros and Cons of YouTube Premium

Pros	Cons
✅ 100% legal and safe	❌ Costs $11.99/month
✅ Best video quality	❌ Videos locked to YouTube app
✅ Super easy to use	❌ Must refresh every 30 days
✅ No ads anywhere	❌ Can’t transfer to other apps

Best for: Regular YouTube users who value convenience and want ad-free viewing across all devices.

Visit the official YouTube Premium page to learn more or start your free trial.

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Method 2: iOS Shortcuts – Free & No Apps Needed

Want a free youtube downloader for iphone that doesn’t require installing sketchy apps? iOS Shortcuts is your friend. This built-in Apple feature lets you create automated workflows—including one that downloads YouTube videos directly to your Photos app.

What Is iOS Shortcuts?

Shortcuts is Apple’s automation app, pre-installed on all iPhones running iOS 13 or later. You can download pre-made shortcuts that others have created, or build your own.

How to Download YouTube Videos Using iOS Shortcuts

Step 1: Download a YouTube Downloader Shortcut

Open Safari and search for “YouTube video downloader shortcut.” Look for trusted sources like Reddit’s r/shortcuts community. Download a reputable shortcut and tap “Add Shortcut” when prompted.

⚠️ Security Warning: Only download shortcuts from trusted sources. Malicious shortcuts can access your data.

Step 2: Enable Untrusted Shortcuts

Go to Settings → Shortcuts and toggle on “Allow Untrusted Shortcuts.” You’ll need to enter your passcode.

Step 3: Copy Your YouTube Video Link

Open the YouTube app, find your video, tap “Share,” then “Copy Link.”

Step 4: Run the Shortcut

Open the Shortcuts app, find your YouTube downloader shortcut, and run it. Paste the link when prompted.

Step 5: Choose Quality and Save

Select your preferred video quality (usually up to 720p). The shortcut will download the video and save it to your Photos app automatically.

Pros and Cons of iOS Shortcuts

Pros	Cons
✅ Completely free	❌ Quality limited to 720p
✅ Saves to Photos app	❌ Shortcuts can break with YouTube updates
✅ No third-party apps	❌ Initial setup required
✅ Works offline once downloaded	❌ May not work with all videos

Best for: Tech-savvy users who want a youtube video download iphone free solution and don’t mind occasional troubleshooting.

Pro Tip: Keep your Shortcuts app updated, and check for new versions of your downloader shortcut every few months. YouTube frequently changes their backend, which can break older shortcuts.

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Method 3: Documents by Readdle – Most Reliable Free Method

If you’re searching for how to download youtube videos on iphone without app (well, technically one app), Documents by Readdle is the gold standard. This powerful file manager has a built-in browser that makes downloading youtube videos to iphone surprisingly simple.

Why Documents by Readdle?

Documents isn’t just a downloader—it’s a full-featured file manager with a browser, PDF reader, and cloud storage integration. Best of all, it’s completely free and available on the App Store.

Step-by-Step: How to Download Videos from YouTube to iPhone

Step 1: Install Documents by Readdle

Head to the App Store, search for “Documents by Readdle,” and install it. Open the app once it’s ready.

Step 2: Copy Your YouTube Video URL

In the YouTube app, open your desired video, tap “Share,” then “Copy Link.”

Step 3: Open the Built-in Browser

In Documents, tap the compass icon (bottom right corner). This opens the built-in web browser.

Step 4: Visit a YouTube Downloader Website

Type in savefrom.net or videosolo.com in the address bar. These are reliable sites for youtube video download iphone online needs.

Step 5: Paste and Download

Paste your YouTube link into the download box on the website. Select your preferred quality (up to 1080p on most sites), then tap “Download.”

Step 6: Name Your File

Documents will ask where to save the file. Give it a descriptive name and tap “Done.”

Step 7: Find Your Downloaded Video

Tap the folder icon (bottom left) and go to “Downloads.” Your video is ready to watch offline.

BONUS Step: Save to Photos App

Find your video in Downloads, tap the three dots next to it, select “Share,” then “Save Video.” Now it’s in your Photos app too!

Recommended Download Sites for 2025

• SaveFrom.net – Fast, clean interface, multiple formats
• VideoSolo.com – Supports 1080p downloads, reliable
• Y2Mate.com – Works with most video platforms

⚠️ Ad Warning: These sites have ads and pop-ups. Don’t click anything except the actual download button. Never install browser extensions or apps they suggest.

Pros and Cons of Documents by Readdle

Pros	Cons
✅ Free to use	❌ Requires multiple steps
✅ Up to 1080p quality	❌ Download sites have ads
✅ Can save to Photos	❌ Needs internet to access sites
✅ Works with many video sites	❌ Some videos may be protected

Best for: Users wanting a reliable, free youtube downloader for iphone with good quality options and don’t mind a few extra steps.

If you’re managing lots of videos, you might also want to learn How to iPhone Backup to PC to free up storage space.

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Method 4: Online Downloaders – Quick But Risky

Need to download youtube video to iphone right now without installing anything? Online downloaders accessed through Safari can work, but they come with significant drawbacks.

How Online Downloaders Work

You copy a YouTube link, paste it into a website like SSYouTube or Y2Mate, choose your quality, and download directly to your Files app. Simple, right? Sometimes.

Quick Steps

1. Copy your YouTube video URL
2. Open Safari and visit ssyoutube.com or y2mate.com
3. Paste the link and tap “Download”
4. Select quality and save to Files app
5. Find your video in Files → Downloads

Why You Should Be Cautious

⚠️ Major Risks:

• Aggressive ads and pop-ups that can be confusing or malicious
• Potential malware if you click the wrong thing
• Privacy concerns – some sites track your data
• Unreliable – sites get shut down frequently
• No downloads to Photos – videos stay in Files app only

Pros and Cons of Online Downloaders

Pros	Cons
✅ No app installation	❌ Tons of ads and pop-ups
✅ Quick for one-time use	❌ Security risks
✅ Works in Safari	❌ Unreliable availability
✅ Free	❌ Can’t easily move to Photos

Best for: Emergency one-time downloads when you don’t have Documents by Readdle installed. Not recommended for regular use.

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Method 5: Third-Party Apps – Hit or Miss

If you search the App Store for “youtube video download iphone app,” you’ll find several options. But here’s the truth: Apple regularly removes these apps for violating YouTube’s terms of service.

Currently Available Apps (as of October 2025)

• Video Saver PRO+ – Sometimes works, frequently updated
• Total Files – File manager with download capabilities
• iDownloader – Hit-or-miss reliability

The Problem with Third-Party Apps

Apple’s App Store guidelines prohibit apps that facilitate downloading copyrighted content. This means:

• Apps appear and disappear constantly
• Many don’t work as advertised
• They may contain ads or require subscriptions
• Your downloaded videos might be deleted if the app gets removed

⚠️ Warning: Never download apps from outside the App Store (unless you’re jailbroken, which we don’t recommend). Third-party app stores can install malware on your iPhone.

Pros and Cons of Third-Party Apps

Pros	Cons
✅ Simple interface	❌ Apps get removed frequently
✅ Sometimes offer features	❌ Unreliable functionality
✅ Some are free	❌ May contain excessive ads
	❌ Privacy concerns

Best for: Honestly? We don’t recommend this method. Use Documents by Readdle or iOS Shortcuts instead for more reliable video downloader for iphone free solutions.

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Which Method Should You Choose?

Still wondering how can you download youtube videos on iphone? Here’s our recommendation based on your needs:

Quick Comparison Table

Your Situation	Best Method	Why?
Regular YouTube user, value convenience	YouTube Premium	Legal, easy, no ads, best quality
Need free option, tech-comfortable	iOS Shortcuts	No apps, saves to Photos, totally free
Want reliability + quality	Documents by Readdle	Most reliable free method, 1080p
One-time emergency download	Online Downloader	Quick but use with caution
Don’t use any method	Third-Party Apps	Too unreliable in 2025

Our Top Pick for Most Users

Documents by Readdle offers the best balance of quality, reliability, and cost (free). It’s the method we recommend for most people looking to download youtube videos on iphone without paying for YouTube Premium.

If you frequently download videos and want zero hassle, YouTube Premium is worth the investment. You also get ad-free viewing across all your devices, which many users find valuable.

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Troubleshooting Common Problems

Running into issues when trying to download a youtube video to iphone? Here are solutions to the most common problems:

Problem 1: “Download Button Not Showing” (YouTube Premium)

Solutions:

• Verify your Premium subscription is active
• Update the YouTube app to the latest version
• Check your internet connection
• Sign out and back into your account
• Some videos are blocked by creators from downloads

Problem 2: “Shortcut Stopped Working”

Solutions:

• YouTube changed their API (happens frequently)
• Search for an updated version of your shortcut
• Try a different shortcut from a trusted source
• Switch to Documents by Readdle method instead

Problem 3: “Video Won’t Save to Photos”

Solutions:

• Check your iPhone storage – you might be full
• Grant Photos access: Settings → Privacy → Photos → [App Name]
• Try re-downloading the video
• Some formats don’t support saving to Photos (use Documents by Readdle to convert)

Problem 4: “Download Stuck or Extremely Slow”

Solutions:

• Switch from Wi-Fi to cellular data (or vice versa)
• Clear Safari cache: Settings → Safari → Clear History and Website Data
• Restart your iPhone
• Try a different download site
• Check if the original video is still available on YouTube

Problem 5: “Downloaded Video Has No Sound”

Solutions:

• Some shortcuts only download video without audio
• Use Documents by Readdle method instead
• Check if the original YouTube video has audio
• Try a different quality option
• Make sure your iPhone isn’t on silent mode (yes, people forget!)

Problem 6: “Website Says ‘Video Not Available'”

Solutions:

• The video might be age-restricted or private
• Try a different download website
• Copy the URL again – it might have extra characters
• Some live streams can’t be downloaded
• Music videos often have extra protection

Still stuck? Check out our guide on How to Screen Record on iPhone as an alternative way to save video content.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Final Thoughts

Learning how to download youtube videos to iphone doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you choose the official YouTube Premium route or opt for free alternatives like Documents by Readdle, you now have multiple working methods for 2025.

Our Final Recommendations

For most users: Start with Documents by Readdle. It’s free, reliable, and offers great quality. It’s the best youtube video download iphone application alternative without paying for Premium.

For frequent downloaders: Consider YouTube Premium. The convenience, legal peace of mind, and ad-free experience across all devices often justify the $11.99/month cost.

For occasional use: iOS Shortcuts works great when it works, and costs nothing. Keep it as your backup method.

Remember the Golden Rules

✅ Only download videos for personal use
✅ Never redistribute copyrighted content
✅ Be careful with third-party websites (use ad blockers)
✅ Keep your methods updated—YouTube changes frequently
✅ Always respect creators’ rights and YouTube’s Terms of Service

Now you’re equipped with everything you need to download youtube videos with iphone like a pro. Whether you’re preparing for a long flight, saving tutorials for offline reference, or building a playlist for your commute, you’ve got the tools to make it happen.

Found this guide helpful? Share it with fellow iPhone users who are tired of needing Wi-Fi to watch their favorite videos. Got questions or discovered a new method? Drop a comment below—we’d love to hear from you!

Happy downloading! 🎥📱

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• How to iPhone Backup to PC – Free up space and protect your data
• How to Unblock a Number on iPhone – Manage your contacts easily