How To Download YouTube Videos to Your iPad: The Definitive Guide

Want to watch your favorite YouTube channels on the go without burning through your data allowance? Downloading YouTube videos to your iPad is the solution! While YouTube doesn’t natively support downloading videos directly to your iPad within the standard app (without a Premium subscription and limitations), there are several reliable methods you can use. Let’s dive into the best options, exploring everything from official YouTube Premium downloads to utilizing third-party apps and online downloaders.

YouTube Premium: The Official (and Easiest) Route

The most straightforward and legal way to download YouTube videos to your iPad is with a YouTube Premium subscription. Here’s how it works:

1. Subscribe to YouTube Premium: If you don’t already have it, sign up for YouTube Premium through the YouTube website or app.
2. Open the YouTube app: Navigate to the video you wish to download within the official YouTube app on your iPad.
3. Tap the Download button: Below the video, you’ll see a download icon (a downwards-pointing arrow). Tap it.
4. Choose the video quality: You might be prompted to select your desired video quality. Choose the quality that suits your needs and available storage space. Higher quality means larger file size.
5. Access your downloads: Once downloaded, your videos will be available in the “Library” tab, under “Downloads”.

Important Considerations for YouTube Premium Downloads:

• Offline Viewing Only: These downloaded videos are accessible only within the YouTube app and cannot be transferred to other devices or apps.
• Subscription Requirement: If your YouTube Premium subscription lapses, the downloaded videos will become unavailable.
• Limited Availability: Some content may not be available for download due to content creator restrictions or licensing agreements.

Third-Party Apps: Expanding Your Download Options

While YouTube Premium is the official method, numerous third-party apps exist that allow you to download videos. However, exercise caution when using these apps, as their legality can be questionable, and they might contain ads or malware. Always download apps from the official App Store and read reviews carefully.

Here are some of the (currently available) options and how they generally work:

1. Research Available Apps: Search the App Store for “YouTube downloader” or similar terms. Look for apps with high ratings, positive reviews, and a reasonable number of downloads. Keep in mind app availability can change quickly due to evolving App Store policies.
2. Download and Install the App: Once you’ve selected an app, download and install it on your iPad.
3. Copy the YouTube Video URL: Open the YouTube app and find the video you want to download. Tap the “Share” button and copy the video URL.
4. Paste the URL into the App: Open the downloaded app and locate the section for pasting the YouTube URL.
5. Choose Download Options: Select the desired video quality and format (e.g., MP4, AVI).
6. Download the Video: Start the download process. The video will be saved to the app’s designated folder on your iPad.
7. Transfer (If Necessary): Some apps may require you to manually transfer the downloaded video to your iPad’s Photos app or Files app.

Important Caveats for Third-Party Apps:

• Legality: Downloading copyrighted material without permission may be illegal in your jurisdiction. Always respect copyright laws.
• Security Risks: Some apps may contain malware or viruses. Download apps only from reputable sources and scan your iPad regularly.
• App Store Policies: Apple frequently updates its App Store policies, and YouTube downloaders are often removed. Availability of these apps is not guaranteed.
• Ads and In-App Purchases: Many free downloader apps are ad-supported or require in-app purchases for premium features.

Online YouTube Downloaders: A Browser-Based Solution

Another option involves using online YouTube downloaders through your iPad’s web browser. These websites allow you to download videos by simply pasting the video URL.

Here’s the typical process:

1. Find a Reputable Online Downloader: Search online for “YouTube downloader.” Choose a website that looks trustworthy and has positive reviews (if available). Again, exercise caution and avoid sites with excessive ads or suspicious pop-ups.
2. Copy the YouTube Video URL: As with the app method, copy the video URL from the YouTube app.
3. Paste the URL into the Website: Paste the URL into the designated field on the online downloader website.
4. Select Download Options: Choose the video quality and format.
5. Download the Video: Click the download button. The video will typically be saved to your iPad’s “Downloads” folder, accessible through the Files app.

Key Considerations for Online Downloaders:

• Security Risks: Online downloaders can be risky, as they may expose you to malware or phishing scams. Use reputable websites with HTTPS encryption and avoid clicking on suspicious links.
• Ads and Pop-Ups: Be prepared for numerous ads and pop-ups on these sites. Use an ad blocker for a smoother experience.
• Limited Functionality: Online downloaders may have limitations in terms of video quality or format options.
• Legal Considerations: As with third-party apps, downloading copyrighted material without permission is illegal.

Choosing the Right Method

The best method for downloading YouTube videos to your iPad depends on your priorities and risk tolerance.

• YouTube Premium: The safest and most convenient option, but requires a subscription.
• Third-Party Apps: Offer more flexibility but come with legal and security risks.
• Online Downloaders: Easy to use but also carry security risks and may be unreliable.

Regardless of the method you choose, always prioritize your safety and respect copyright laws.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 12 frequently asked questions regarding downloading YouTube videos to your iPad, along with comprehensive answers:

1. Is it legal to download YouTube videos to my iPad?

It depends on the content and your intended use. Downloading copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder is generally illegal. However, downloading videos for personal, non-commercial use might be permissible under certain fair use exceptions. Always respect copyright laws and terms of service. Downloading videos that are royalty-free or that you have permission to download is always legal.

2. Will YouTube know if I download videos using a third-party app?

YouTube actively discourages downloading videos outside of the Premium subscription and takes measures to prevent it. While they may not be able to directly identify individual users downloading via third-party apps, using such methods violates their Terms of Service and could theoretically lead to account suspension (although this is rare).

3. What video quality should I choose when downloading YouTube videos?

The optimal video quality depends on your storage space and viewing preferences. Higher quality videos (e.g., 1080p or 4K) offer better visual clarity but consume more storage space. Lower quality videos (e.g., 360p or 480p) take up less space but may appear blurry or pixelated on larger screens. Consider your iPad’s screen resolution and available storage when making your choice. 720p is a good balance of quality and file size for most users.

4. Where are the downloaded YouTube videos stored on my iPad?

With YouTube Premium, downloaded videos are stored within the YouTube app itself and are accessible from the “Library” tab under “Downloads”. With third-party apps or online downloaders, videos are typically saved to the app’s designated folder or to your iPad’s “Downloads” folder, which can be accessed through the Files app. Some apps might allow you to choose the save location.

5. Can I transfer downloaded YouTube videos from my iPad to my computer?

Downloaded videos from YouTube Premium are encrypted and tied to your YouTube account. They cannot be transferred to other devices. Videos downloaded using third-party apps or online downloaders may be transferable, depending on the app and the file format. You may need to use iTunes or iCloud Drive to transfer the files to your computer.

6. Why can’t I download certain YouTube videos?

Some content creators disable the download option for their videos, preventing users from downloading them even with YouTube Premium. Licensing agreements or other restrictions may also prevent certain videos from being available for download. Also, live streams can not be downloaded before they are over.

7. Are there any completely free and legal ways to download YouTube videos?

The most reliably legal way is through YouTube Premium, which isn’t free. Some content creators release their videos under Creative Commons licenses, which permit downloading and redistribution. Look for videos explicitly labeled as Creative Commons. Downloading these would be perfectly legitimate.

8. Do YouTube downloader apps work on older iPads?

The compatibility of YouTube downloader apps depends on the specific app and the iPad’s operating system. Some apps may require newer versions of iOS or iPadOS. Check the app’s description in the App Store for compatibility information.

9. My YouTube downloader app stopped working. What should I do?

YouTube frequently updates its platform, which can break compatibility with third-party downloader apps. The app developer may need to update the app to restore functionality. Alternatively, the app may have been removed from the App Store due to policy violations. Consider YouTube Premium as a more stable and reliable long-term solution.

10. Is it safe to use online YouTube downloaders?

Using online YouTube downloaders carries security risks, including the potential for malware or phishing scams. Choose reputable websites with HTTPS encryption and avoid clicking on suspicious links or pop-up ads. An ad blocker is highly recommended. Always scan downloaded files with a reputable antivirus program.

11. How much storage space do I need to download YouTube videos?

The required storage space depends on the video quality and length. High-quality videos can easily consume several gigabytes of storage, while lower-quality videos will require significantly less. Before downloading, check your iPad’s available storage space in Settings > General > iPad Storage.

12. Can I download YouTube Music videos using these methods?

YouTube Music is a separate service from YouTube. The YouTube Premium benefits do extend to YouTube Music. If you subscribe to YouTube Premium, then you can download music and videos from YouTube Music to play offline using the YouTube Music app. Functionality for other third-party apps may vary. Check each app’s specifics for supported platforms.

By understanding these methods and their associated risks, you can make an informed decision about how to download YouTube videos to your iPad responsibly and legally. Remember to prioritize your online safety and respect copyright laws at all times!