Copy the YouTube link
Open the video on YouTube. Copy the URL from your browser address bar, or tap Share → Copy link in the app.
Free Tool · YouTube
Free YouTube Video Downloader
Paste any public YouTube video link and get a direct download URL in seconds. No account, no software, no watermark.
Free · No account required · Public videos only
Public videos onlyNo watermarkNo sign-up requiredPowered by GetTranscribe
How it works01 02 03
3 steps to download any YouTube video
Paste it above
Paste the URL into the input field at the top of this page and click "Get download link."
Download your video
We resolve a direct CDN link in seconds. Click "Download video" or copy the URL to save it on any device.
Features
Why use this downloader
Instant link resolution
We extract the direct CDN URL from YouTube in seconds — no waiting, no queue.
No third-party software
Nothing to install. Works entirely in your browser on any device — iPhone, Android, Mac, or PC.
Shorts supported
Supports regular YouTube videos and YouTube Shorts (youtube.com/shorts/…).
Short links work too
Supports youtube.com/watch?v=, youtu.be/, and youtube.com/shorts/ formats.
Also transcribe it
Need the text? Use our YouTube transcription tool to convert any public video to an accurate transcript.
API for developers
Need hundreds of downloads? Use the GetTranscribe REST API with your API key — unlimited, fully automated.
Use cases
Who uses this tool
Content creators
Download your own YouTube videos for re-editing, repurposing to TikTok or Instagram, or backup before deletion.
Educators & trainers
Save public tutorial videos for offline classroom use, training materials, or e-learning courses.
Researchers & journalists
Preserve public YouTube videos as evidence, documentation, or archival material before they are removed.
Developers & automation teams
Use the GetTranscribe REST API to integrate YouTube video downloads into your pipeline — combine with transcription for fully automated workflows.
For developers
Need unlimited downloads?
Use the POST /download-video API endpoint with your API key. No browser, no limits.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about downloading YouTube videos.
How do I download a YouTube video?
Copy the YouTube video URL from your browser or the YouTube app. Paste it into the input above and click "Get download link." We resolve a direct download URL in seconds.
Is this free?
Yes. The tool is completely free to try — no account, no credit card. You get one demo download per day. For unlimited downloads via API, create a free GetTranscribe account and grab your API key.
Does it work on YouTube Shorts?
Yes. Paste any public YouTube video URL — regular videos, YouTube Shorts (youtube.com/shorts/…), and embedded videos are all supported.
Can I download private or age-restricted YouTube videos?
No. We can only access publicly available YouTube content. Private, members-only, or age-restricted videos that require login cannot be downloaded.
What quality will the downloaded video be?
We resolve the best available direct stream URL from YouTube's CDN. Actual quality depends on what YouTube makes available via direct download for the specific video.
How long is the download link valid?
YouTube CDN links are time-limited, typically valid for a few hours. Download your video promptly after getting the link. If it expires, paste the URL again to get a fresh one.
Can I use this for bulk YouTube downloads?
For bulk or automated downloads you need the GetTranscribe API. The POST /download-video endpoint accepts any YouTube URL and returns a direct download link. Check the API docs for details.
Is downloading YouTube videos legal?
YouTube's Terms of Service generally prohibit downloading videos without explicit permission. Downloading for personal offline viewing may be permitted in some jurisdictions. Always check YouTube's ToS and respect creators' rights.