How to Download YouTube Videos on iPhone
Method 1: Using Online Downloader (Recommended)
This is the easiest and safest method to download YouTube videos directly on your iPhone.
- Open Safari on your iPhone and go to YouTube.
- Find the video you want to download.
- Tap Share (the arrow icon) → Copy Link.
- Open a new tab and visit this page (or any online downloader).
- Paste the URL into the input field above.
- Choose quality — HD (best), 1080p, 720p, or MP3 for audio.
- Tap Download — the video will start downloading.
- Save to Photos — tap the download icon in Safari, then "Save Video" to add it to your Camera Roll.
Method 2: Using Shortcuts App
Apple's Shortcuts app can be configured to download videos directly:
- Install a video download shortcut from the Gallery.
- Copy the YouTube video URL.
- Run the shortcut — it will detect the clipboard URL automatically.
- Choose quality and save to Camera Roll.
Note: Apple occasionally removes download shortcuts from the Gallery. The online method above is more reliable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to download YouTube videos on iPhone?
Downloading videos for personal offline viewing is generally acceptable. However, redistributing or commercializing downloaded content may violate copyright laws. Always respect content creators' rights.
Where are downloaded videos saved on iPhone?
When you tap "Save Video" after downloading in Safari, the video is saved to your Photos app (Camera Roll). You can also find it in the Files app under Downloads.
Can I download YouTube videos without an app?
Yes! The online method above works entirely in Safari — no app installation needed. Just paste the URL and download.
What quality can I download on iPhone?
You can download in HD (up to 1080p or 4K if available), 720p for smaller files, or MP3 for audio-only. iPhone supports all these formats natively.
Why can't I save the video to my Camera Roll?
If Safari asks for permission to access Photos, tap "Allow." You can also check Settings → Privacy → Photos → Safari to ensure access is enabled.
Tips for Downloading YouTube Videos on iPhone
- Use WiFi — HD videos can be large (100MB+). Download over WiFi to save cellular data.
- Check storage — Make sure you have enough free space before downloading large videos.
- Choose the right quality — 720p is a good balance between quality and file size for mobile viewing.
- MP3 for music — If you only need the audio (songs, podcasts), select MP3 to save space.