How to download a YouTube video
- Open the video or playlist. Find the public YouTube video, Short or playlist you want.
- Copy the link. Tap Share, then Copy link — or copy the address bar URL on desktop.
- Paste it in. Paste the complete URL into the link box at the top of this page.
- Pick a format. Choose an MP4 resolution or the Audio MP3 option and select Download. Playlists show a menu for each video.
Supported YouTube links
Standard watch links (youtube.com/watch?v=…), short share links (youtu.be/…), YouTube Shorts (youtube.com/shorts/…), mobile links (m.youtube.com) and playlist links (containing list=) all work in the same box.
Downloading a YouTube playlist
Paste a playlist link and every video is listed with its title, length and its own quality menu, so you can pick MP4 for some and MP3 for others. Very long playlists are loaded in part — the result shows how many videos were loaded out of the total. Any video that can't be processed (private, removed or restricted) is marked while the rest stay available.
Choosing a quality
The qualities listed are the ones YouTube offers for that video. Options marked video only have no sound — pick a plain MP4 option for a normal video file. See HD Video Downloader for picking between 720p, 1080p and higher, or Video to MP3 for audio.
Why use Video Downloader Plus for YouTube
Free, no sign-up
No account, no extension and no software to install — paste a link and download.
Every available quality
All the resolutions YouTube offers for the video are listed, plus MP3 audio when it is available.
Phone, tablet and PC
Works in any modern browser on Android, iPhone, Windows and Mac. Android users can also get the app.
Private by design
We only read the public link you paste. Your YouTube account is never involved.
What isn't supported
- Private videos and private playlists, plus "Watch later" and "Liked videos", which need a login.
- Members-only, paid or age-restricted videos that require signing in.
- Live streams that are still in progress.
- Videos that have been removed or blocked in the server's region.
If a link fails, confirm it opens in a private/incognito browser tab without signing in — see the link troubleshooting guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can I download YouTube Shorts?
Yes. Paste the youtube.com/shorts/… link the same way as a normal video.
Can I download a whole YouTube playlist?
Yes. Paste the playlist link and each video is listed with its own download button.
Can I convert a YouTube video to MP3?
Yes — choose the Audio MP3 option when it is listed after the link is processed.
Why is one of the options silent?
Higher resolutions are sometimes offered by YouTube as video-only streams. Pick an option without "video only" for a file with sound.
Is it legal to download YouTube videos?
Only download videos you own, that are licensed for reuse (for example Creative Commons), or that you have permission to save. Respect YouTube's terms and the creator's copyright.
Why did my YouTube link fail?
Usually a private, members-only or age-restricted video, a live stream, or an incomplete link. See Troubleshooting & Help.
Use downloads responsibly
Only download videos you own, that are licensed for reuse, or that you have the creator's permission to save. Video Downloader Plus doesn't host any videos and isn't affiliated with YouTube. Read the Terms of Use.
Ready to download a YouTube video?
Paste a public link into the box at the top of the page, or get the Android app for one-tap downloads.