Updated October 2026
Steps for YouTube on iPhone
In the YouTube app tap Share, then Copy link; youtu.be links work. In Safari, longer videos can take up to a minute to prepare before the file starts saving, so keep the page open.
Where your YouTube file is saved
Safari saves the file to the Files app (Downloads folder). Open it, tap Share, then Save Video to add it to Photos.
Good to know
Free downloads go up to 720p and 30 minutes. Higher resolutions and videos up to two hours need a Quick Pass. Use Safari: other iPhone browsers often only preview the video instead of saving it.
More YouTube downloads and guides
- YouTube Video Downloader
- YouTube to MP4
- YouTube to MP3
- How to Download YouTube Videos
- Download YouTube Videos on Android
- Download YouTube Videos on PC & Mac
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an app to download YouTube videos on iPhone?
No. Everything runs in Safari. Nothing to install and no account to create, just the link of a public YouTube video.
Is it allowed to download YouTube videos?
YouTube's terms only allow downloads through features it provides. Download videos you own, ones licensed for reuse (such as Creative Commons) or ones you have permission to keep, and never re-upload other people's work.
Can I download YouTube Shorts?
Yes. Paste the Shorts link as you would any YouTube link.