How to Download YouTube Videos (Free, MP4 & MP3)
There are legitimate reasons to save a YouTube video offline — watching your own uploads elsewhere, keeping a copy of content you have permission to use, or saving a Creative Commons clip for a project. This guide shows how to download YouTube videos as MP4 or extract just the MP3 audio for free, and — importantly — the rules to follow so you stay on the right side of copyright and YouTube's terms.
▶️ Try the Video Downloader now — freeOpen →Offline access is genuinely useful: watch without a connection on a flight or commute, archive your own content, or reuse properly licensed material. A downloader lets you choose the format (video MP4 or audio MP3) and quality that fits your needs.
Download responsibly and legally
Only download videos you have the right to save: your own uploads, content the creator has licensed for reuse (such as Creative Commons), material you have explicit permission to use, or videos in the public domain. Downloading copyrighted content without permission, or to re-upload or redistribute it, is against copyright law and YouTube's Terms of Service.
A simple rule: if it isn't yours and isn't clearly licensed for reuse, treat it as off-limits for downloading. Respecting creators keeps you legal and fair.
MP4 vs. MP3 — which to choose
Choose MP4 when you want the full video with picture and sound — for offline viewing or editing. Choose MP3 when you only need the audio, such as a talk, lecture or music you have the rights to, in a small file that plays anywhere.
Higher video quality means a larger file; pick the resolution that balances clarity and size for how you'll use it.
Step-by-step
Common mistakes to avoid
Pro tips
Frequently asked questions
Is it legal to download YouTube videos?
It's legal for content you own, have permission to use, or that's licensed for reuse (like Creative Commons) or in the public domain. Downloading copyrighted content without permission is not.
Can I get just the audio as MP3?
Yes — choose the MP3 option to extract the audio track into a small, portable file.
What quality can I download?
You can pick from the available resolutions; higher quality means a larger file.
Is it free?
Yes, within a generous free allowance; heavier use can be upgraded.
Can I also get a transcript?
Yes — the tool can transcribe the audio to text and export .txt or .srt subtitles.
Downloading YouTube videos as MP4 or MP3 is quick and free — the key is doing it responsibly. Save your own content or properly licensed material for personal, offline use, pick the format and quality you need, and respect creators' rights.