VidPouch

How to Download YouTube Videos

Four quick steps to save videos and Shorts from YouTube, plus what to do when a link will not work.

Public videos only. Up to 5 links at once. Skip the wait & unlock 1080p

Updated October 2026

Step by step

  1. Copy the YouTube link. Copy the address from your browser bar, or tap Share then Copy link in the YouTube app.
  2. Paste it into the box. Open the YouTube Video Downloader (this page), paste the link into the box and press Download.
  3. Choose MP4 or MP3 and a quality. We detect the site, list every quality available and let you pick a format.
  4. Wait a few seconds and save. After a short countdown your file starts downloading. A Quick Pass skips the wait.

What works and what does not

Download only videos you own, that are licensed for reuse, or that you have permission to save. YouTube's terms do not allow downloading otherwise. Live streams, age-restricted and members-only videos cannot be downloaded. Very long videos are limited.

Choosing a quality

Pick the largest size your screen needs. Smaller files download faster and save storage; the highest quality is best for editing. Free downloads are capped at 720p, and a Quick Pass unlocks 1080p and above.

If the download fails

Check that the YouTube video is public and not deleted, copy the link again, and try once more. If it still fails, the site may require a login or restrict the video in your region, and it cannot be downloaded.

More YouTube downloads and guides

Frequently asked questions

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.

What is the highest YouTube quality available?

Whatever the uploader published, from 144p up to 4K. Higher resolutions are stored as separate video and audio, and we join them into one MP4 for you. Free downloads are capped at 720p, and a Quick Pass unlocks 1080p and above.

Which YouTube videos cannot be downloaded?

Private, members-only, age-restricted, region-blocked videos and live streams or premieres that have not finished.

Can I download a whole YouTube playlist?

No. We download one video per link. Paste several links to download a few at once.