Watching YouTube videos without internet access is something many individuals would appreciate. For this reason, YouTube to MP4 downloader is searched often. Offline access is useful when traveling, studying, or when there is limited data. Watching videos offline is possible in a few different ways, legally and illegally. Illegal methods could potentially cause a lot more issues. This article focuses on the correct selection of methods, the dos and don’ts, and the legal considerations.
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How to Legally Watch YouTube Videos Offline
YouTube has ways to watch videos offline that are legal and available on the platform. YouTube has guidelines to protect your account and to protect its own interests.
Essentially, YouTube Premium is the best option. This includes the ability to download videos to the YouTube app, but they stay in the app.
There are some countries that allow free offline downloads from YouTube, but there are limitations. Region and the specific videos dictate this. If warranted, a download button will be present on the screen.
Offline videos may expire after some specified amount of time. You will need to be connected to the internet from time to time in order to verify your access. Videos downloaded cannot be shared to the outside of the app.
These methods mentioned are secure and legal to use.
Saving Your Own Videos on YouTube Studio
YouTube Studio streamlines the process of creators downloading their videos. In fact, it is the only way videos can legally be downloaded.
You can access it by logging into YouTube Studio on a browser. Go to the Content area, choose the video you uploaded, click the three dots, and select Download.
Because the videos downloaded are original file uploads, their quality is not altered, and they have no watermarks. Plus, it’s legal.
YouTube creators frequently save YouTube videos to their channel as a backup. They also edit videos and re-upload them. Almost every platform has these kinds of policies.
On YouTube, saving videos you own is done this way.
Examples Of When Downloading YouTube Videos Is Acceptable
Downloading videos from YouTube is acceptable under certain conditions. Understanding these can help avoid complications involving copyright.
Downloading a video is legal if the creator has granted you permission to do so. You will want to ensure that the permission is documented.
If the content is creatively licensed, you can also download it. Some videos have Creative Commons licenses, which allow you to download and reuse the video. You will want to ensure you understand the licensing.
You can also download videos that have entered the public domain. Typically, this is the case for educational and government videos.
Downloading videos for personal use is also not legal if you are trying to avoid copyright. In most situations, downloading videos without permission or licensing is not permitted.
Before downloading, you will want to check the licensing details.
Dangers of Using Third-Party YouTube to MP4 Sites
Many websites claim to have free conversion tools, which they advertise as YouTube to MP4 downloader sites. However, these tools should be avoided for many reasons.
For one, there is the risk of malware. Some sites will infect your devices with harmful software, which can cause the loss or theft of your data.
Another risk is the loss of your privacy. Some tools will track your activity, collect your personal information, or request intrusive and dangerous permissions.
Also, tools like these will violate copyright laws. Using these tools can violate YouTube’s Terms of Service and can cause your account to be issued strikes or even suspended.
The quality of the videos you download is probably going to be very low. Some videos will have no sound, and you may find that some downloads will have issues and may not work at all.
When factoring in all of the above, it is easy to understand that using third party converters can be dangerous.
Simple Checklist of Dos and Don’ts
Do
– Use YouTube Premium for downloads
– Download videos directly inside the YouTube app
– Download your own videos using YouTube Studio
– Look at the licenses and permissions of the creator
Don’t
– Use random YouTube to MP4 converter sites
– Download videos that are copyrighted without permission
– Share downloaded content from the app
– Ignore the risk of privacy and security
