Quick answer
How do I download YouTube videos on iPhone?
The quickest way to save YouTube videos on iPhone — copy the link, paste it here, done.
- Copy the YouTube link (Share → Copy link).
- Tap Download, choose MP4 and the quality you want (720p or 1080p suits most phones).
- When Safari asks, tap Download.
- Tap that arrow icon and then the file, or open the Files app and go to Downloads.
YouTube → iPhone: what you need to know
YouTube doesn't give you a simple “save to device” button for most videos, but you don't need an extra app on your iPhone. SaveVidr runs in Safari: you copy the YouTube link, paste it on this page and choose MP4 or MP3.
Below are the exact taps for the YouTube app, then the iPhone steps for finding and keeping the file.
On iPhone, YouTube's own Download button keeps videos inside the YouTube app only (and needs Premium in most countries). A file saved with SaveVidr is yours: it plays in the Photos app, VLC or any editor, even offline.
Step 1
How to copy a YouTube link
Every download starts with the link. Here's where to find it.
In the YouTube app
- Open the video in the YouTube app.
- Tap Share below the video (for Shorts, tap the Share arrow on the right).
- Tap Copy link.
On a computer
- Open the video on youtube.com.
- Copy the address from the browser bar, or click Share → Copy.
Step 2
Save it to your iPhone
Safari saves downloads to the Files app in the Downloads folder (in iCloud Drive or On My iPhone, depending on your Safari settings).
Open savevidr.com in Safari and paste the video link into the box.
Tap Download, choose MP4 and the quality you want (720p or 1080p suits most phones).
When Safari asks, tap Download. A blue arrow icon appears in the address bar while it saves.
Tap that arrow icon and then the file, or open the Files app and go to Downloads.
Tap the Share button and choose Save Video to copy it into the Photos app.
Pro tips
- Pick 1080p or lower if you want the video in Photos — iOS plays H.264 MP4 everywhere, while some 4K/1440p YouTube streams use VP9 or AV1, which the Photos app may not open.
- Long-press the download arrow in Safari's address bar to see progress for big files.
- To save straight to your camera roll, open Files → Downloads, tap the video, then Share → Save Video.
What can't be downloaded
- Private and members-only videos can't be downloaded.
- Age-restricted videos may fail because they need a signed-in account.
- Ongoing live streams can only be saved after they end.
- YouTube Premium-only content and paid movies are not supported.
Faster next time
Add SaveVidr to your iPhone
Add SaveVidr to your home screen so it opens like a native app — no app store needed.
Open savevidr.com in Safari.
Tap the Share button (the square with an arrow pointing up).
Scroll down and tap Add to Home Screen.
Tap Add; SaveVidr now opens from its own icon like an app.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can I download YouTube videos on iPhone without an app?
Yes. SaveVidr works in Safari on iPhone — nothing to install.
Why won't my 4K YouTube download play in the iPhone Photos app?
YouTube delivers most 1440p and 4K video in VP9 or AV1. Those files play in VLC and browsers, but not always in Photos — choose 1080p for full iPhone compatibility.
Does this work with YouTube Shorts on iPhone?
Yes. In the Shorts player tap Share → Copy link, then paste it here.
Other devices
YouTube on other devices
iPhone