First: What Can Be Downloaded (and What Can't)
The rule is simple: public, unrestricted videos work. Private videos, age-restricted content, paid movies/music, members-only posts, and ongoing live streams will not — no free tool can bypass those, and claims otherwise are scams.
⚠️ The honest caveat
YouTube aggressively rate-limits server-side downloads. Occasionally YouTube returns no streams at all for a request — our tool then shows a retry message. That's YouTube's bot protection, and every free downloader faces it. Wait a few minutes and retry.
To get a file (YouTube's in-app offline mode keeps videos locked inside the app), use the DailyTool YouTube Downloader: paste a link, pick MP4 or MP3, done. No login — ever.
Download on Android
- In the YouTube app, tap Share → Copy Link under the video or Short.
- Open the YouTube downloader in Chrome.
- Paste, tap Get Video, wait a few seconds.
- Tap an MP4 option (360p/720p). For audio, Pro users tap Extract MP3.
- The file lands in Downloads. Done.
Download on iPhone
Safari saves to Files → Downloads, not Photos. After downloading, tap the file → Share → Save Video to move it to Photos. MP3s stay in Files — open them from any audio app.
Download on PC
Copy the URL from your browser bar (any format: watch, youtu.be, shorts), paste, download. MP4s play everywhere; MP3s drop straight into any music library.
Shorts Need No Special Tool
A /shorts/ link is just a video ID in a vertical wrapper. Paste it like any YouTube link — the same MP4 options appear. Don't install "Shorts saver" apps; they're adware with extra steps.
Why You Must Download Promptly
YouTube cryptographically signs every stream URL for a few hours. Resolve → download in the same session. A link copied yesterday is dead today — just resolve again, it takes seconds.
5 Mistakes Everyone Makes (Don't)
FAQ
Q: How many videos are free?
5 a day as MP4 in SD. 720p HD, MP3, and unlimited are Pro.
Q: Can I download a whole playlist?
Not in one click — resolve each video (takes ~10 seconds each). Bulk playlist ripping is also the fastest way to hit YouTube's rate limits.
Q: 4K/8K options?
Not as one-click MP4s — read the quality guide below for why.
