Download YouTube videos on iPhone without an app
On iOS 13 and later, Safari downloads the prepared file straight to your device. Paste a public YouTube link, choose a quality and save it to the Files app, then move it to Photos if you want.
Use Safari, not an in-app browser
Downloads work best in Safari. Links opened inside social or messaging apps often block file downloads, so copy the address and open it in Safari.
Where the file goes
Open Files and then Downloads. To place a video in your camera roll, touch and hold the file, choose Share and tap Save Video. Audio saved as M4A plays from Files.
Pick a size that fits your phone
720p is a good balance for iPhone screens. Choose 360p to save storage or Audio M4A when you only need sound.
If your download does not start
Check that the video is public and still available on YouTube. Try a lower quality if the selected format fails. Private, removed, live or region-restricted videos may not be supported. Current limits are 30 minutes and 500 MB per download.
Save the file before the link expires
Prepared links are temporary. If a link expires, paste the original video URL again to prepare a new one. On a phone, check your browser downloads or Files app for the saved MP4 or M4A file.
Only process content you own, have permission to use, or are legally allowed to access. Downloading a file does not grant permission to republish it.