How to Save a YouTube Video on Your Phone or Computer

ByNouman

YouTube is one of the largest video platforms in the world, hosting everything from music videos and tutorials to documentaries and educational content. There are many situations where you may want to save YouTube video content for later—such as watching offline during travel, studying without an internet connection, or keeping reference materials for repeated viewing.

Fortunately, there are multiple ways to save videos from YouTube on both mobile devices and computers. Some methods are official and app-based, while others rely on online tools, desktop software, or screen recording. This article walks you through all the major options, explaining how they work, what devices they support, and when each method makes the most sense.

Part 1: Save YouTube Videos Using Official Features

The safest and most straightforward way to save from YouTube is by using its official offline viewing feature through YouTube Premium.

Using YouTube Premium

YouTube Premium allows users to download videos directly within the YouTube app for offline playback.

Steps:

  1. Subscribe to YouTube Premium.
  2. Open the YouTube app on your phone or tablet.
  3. Find the video you want to save.
  4. Tap the Download button below the video.
  5. Choose the video quality and wait for the download to finish.

Supported Devices: Android phones and tablets; iPhones and iPads

Pros:

  • Official and legal method
  • High reliability and stability
  • No ads during playback

Cons:

  • Requires a paid subscription
  • Videos can only be watched inside the YouTube app
  • Downloads expire if you cancel the subscription

This method is ideal if you want a simple, risk-free way to save videos for offline viewing on mobile devices.

Part 2: Save YouTube Videos Using Online Websites

Online video-saving websites are popular because they don’t require software installation. These tools act as a basic YouTube video saver by converting videos into downloadable files.

Common Online Tools

Examples include sites like Y2Mate and SaveFrom.net. They typically work in a similar way.

Steps:

  1. Copy the YouTube video URL.
  2. Open an online YouTube video downloader website.
  3. Paste the URL into the input field.
  4. Choose a format and resolution.
  5. Download the video to your device.

Supported Devices: Mobile phones (via browser); Windows and macOS computers

Pros:

  • No installation required
  • Quick and easy to use
  • Works on both PC and mobile

Cons:

  • Ads and pop-ups may appear
  • Limited quality options on some sites
  • Not always reliable for longer videos

Online tools are convenient for occasional use but may not be ideal for saving large or high-resolution videos consistently.

Part 3: Save YouTube Videos Using Desktop Software

If you’re looking for more control, better quality, and long-term reliability, desktop software is often the best option—especially for computer users.

Desktop Software

CleverGet Recorder is designed to capture streaming videos directly from playback, making it a flexible solution when traditional downloads aren’t available. In addition to standard recording, CleverGet Streaming Video Recorder focuses on capturing high-quality streaming content with a higher recording speed at up to 5X. It’s especially useful for longer videos.

Steps:

  1. Install and launch CleverGet Recorder on your computer.
  2. Open YouTube within the built-in browser or your regular browser.
  3. Play the video you want to save.
  4. Set recording preferences such as resolution and audio.
  5. Start recording and stop once the video finishes.

Supported Devices: Windows PC and macOS

Part 4: Save YouTube Videos via Screen Recording

Screen recording is a built-in option on many devices and serves as a universal fallback when other methods don’t work.

Using Built-In Screen Recording Tools

On Mobile:

  • iPhone/iPad: Use the built-in Screen Recording feature from Control Center
  • Android: Many devices include native screen recorders

On Computer:

  • Windows: Xbox Game Bar or built-in screen capture tools
  • macOS: QuickTime Player or Screenshot Toolbar

Steps:

  1. Enable screen recording on your device.
  2. Open the YouTube video in full screen.
  3. Start recording before playback begins.
  4. Stop recording after the video ends.
  5. Save and edit the recording if needed.

Pros:

  • Works with any video
  • No download restrictions
  • No third-party websites needed

Cons:

  • Quality depends on screen resolution
  • Notifications may appear if not disabled
  • Requires manual trimming

Screen recording is best used when direct saving options aren’t available.

Part 5: Tips for Saving YouTube Videos

To get the best experience when learning how to save a YouTube video, keep these tips in mind:

1. Choose High Resolution

Always select the highest resolution available if storage allows. This ensures better clarity, especially on larger screens.

2. Ensure Enough Storage

High-quality videos can take up significant space. Make sure your device has enough free storage before saving.

3. Select the Right Video Format

MP4 is widely supported and offers a good balance between quality and file size. Choose formats that work best on your devices.

4. Follow Fair Use Guidelines

Saved videos should be for personal use only. Avoid redistributing or re-uploading content without permission.

Part 6: Conclusion

There are many effective ways to save YouTube videos on both phones and computers, and the best method depends on your needs. Official options like YouTube Premium are ideal for mobile users who want simplicity and reliability. Online tools offer quick access without installation, while desktop solutions such as CleverGet Recorder and CleverGet Streaming Video Recorder provide more flexibility and higher quality for PC users.

By understanding the strengths and limitations of each approach, you can confidently choose the best way to save YouTube video content for offline viewing, learning, or personal reference—anytime and anywhere.

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