Downloading YouTube videos on iPhone is not something the YouTube app supports natively. The app lets you "save" videos for offline viewing if you pay for YouTube Premium, but those downloads are locked inside the app. You cannot access the file, move it to your Camera Roll, or share it outside of YouTube.
To get an actual MP4 file saved to your iPhone that you can edit, share, or watch offline in any app, you need a different approach. Here are two methods that work in 2026.
Method 1: Using SaveThat.video in Safari
This is the fastest way to save a YouTube video to your iPhone without installing anything. It works directly in Safari.
Step 1: Copy the YouTube video link
Open the YouTube app and find the video you want to save. Tap the Share button (the arrow icon below the video), then tap Copy Link.
You can also copy the URL from Safari if you're watching the video in a browser. Just tap the address bar and copy the full URL.
Step 2: Open Safari and paste the link
Switch to Safari and go to savethat.video. Tap the input box, long-press, and tap Paste to drop in the YouTube URL. Tap Save it.
Safari works best for this because Apple's native browser has the deepest integration with the iPhone file system. Chrome and other browsers work too, but Safari handles downloads more smoothly.
Step 3: Download the MP4 file
Once the tool processes the link, you will see a download button with quality options. Tap the one you want. Safari shows a confirmation popup at the top of the screen. Tap Download.
The MP4 file saves to your Files app, inside the Downloads folder.
If Safari plays the video instead of downloading: go back, long-press the download button, and tap Download Linked File. This forces Safari to save the file rather than streaming it.
Step 4: Move the video to Camera Roll
Tap the download icon (the arrow in the top-right of Safari) to open the Downloads panel. Tap the video file to open it, then tap the share icon (the square with an arrow) and select Save Video. The video now appears in your Photos app alongside your regular camera roll content.
Method 2: YouTube Premium (Paid Option)
YouTube Premium costs $13.99/month and includes an offline download feature inside the YouTube app. You can tap the download button on any video, and it becomes available for offline playback.
There are important limitations to know about:
- Downloads are locked inside the YouTube app. You cannot access the file or move it to Camera Roll.
- Downloads expire after 30 days without an internet connection. Your device needs to go online periodically to keep them active.
- If you cancel your subscription, all downloaded videos disappear immediately.
- Not every video is available for download. Some content is restricted by the uploader or by regional licensing.
Premium is a good option if you just want background playback and offline viewing inside the app. If you need the actual video file on your device, Method 1 is the better choice.
Where Do Downloaded Files Save on iPhone?
Safari downloads go to the Files app. The default location is the Downloads folder, which can be under "On My iPhone" or "iCloud Drive" depending on your settings.
To check or change this: open Settings > Apps > Safari > Downloads. You can set it to save locally or to iCloud.
To move any downloaded video to your Camera Roll: open the file in the Files app, tap the share icon, and tap Save Video. It will appear in your Photos app instantly.
Can You Download YouTube Shorts on iPhone?
Yes. YouTube Shorts are standard YouTube videos in vertical format. The download process is identical. Copy the Shorts URL from the YouTube app, paste it into savethat.video in Safari, and download the MP4.
Shorts URLs look like youtube.com/shorts/VIDEO_ID. Both the full URL and the shortened youtu.be format work with our tool.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
The download button does not appear
Some videos may have restrictions that prevent processing. Try refreshing the page and pasting the link again. Make sure you copied the complete URL, not a partial one.
The video will not play after downloading
This usually means the download was interrupted. Delete the file from your Downloads folder and try again with a stable Wi-Fi connection.
I cannot find the file in the Files app
Open the Files app and check the Downloads folder under both "On My iPhone" and "iCloud Drive." You can also use the search bar in Files to look for the filename. If Safari downloads are set to save to iCloud, the file might take a moment to sync.
The video has no sound
Make sure your iPhone is not on silent mode (check the physical switch on the side). Also verify that the volume is turned up. If the issue persists, try downloading the video again.
What Quality Do You Get?
You get the highest quality version available, typically up to 1080p depending on what the creator uploaded. The file is a standard MP4 with H.264 encoding that plays natively on iPhone, imports into any video editor, and shares to any platform without compatibility issues.
For the full YouTube download tool with all format options, visit the YouTube video downloader page.