Can you download movies on YouTube?

“If you buy a movie on YouTube, can you download it?”

Quick Answer: Purchased movies can be downloaded through the YouTube app, subject to clear device and viewing restrictions. Free movies require a YouTube Premium subscription for legal downloads. Note that while third-party YouTube movie downloader tools claim to offer downloading capabilities, they cannot bypass YouTube’s DRM protection to download movies legally. Besides, using such tools violates YouTube’s terms of service and may infringe on copyright laws.

Downloading movies from YouTube is tightly controlled due to DRM protection, particularly for purchased or rented content. Official downloads are possible for purchased/rented movies via the YouTube app or with a YouTube Premium subscription for eligible content. Third-party tools generally cannot bypass DRM to download YouTube movies, and attempting to do so may violate YouTube’s Terms of Service and copyright laws. Below, we address specific questions about downloading YouTube movies, legality, and related details.

Can you download purchased movies?

Yes, you can download purchased or rented movies from YouTube for offline viewing using the official YouTube app (iOS 11+ or Android 16.23+), as outlined in YouTube’s Help page. DRM ensures these downloads are restricted:

• Purchased Movies: Downloadable to up to 5 devices using the same Google account.
• Rented Movies: Limited to 1 device at a time; must delete from the original device to download elsewhere.

Restrictions:

• Downloads are locked to the YouTube app and cannot be exported as standalone files.
• Rented movies have a 30-day start window and a 48-hour viewing period after playback begins.
• Ultra HD (UHD) content cannot be downloaded.
• Some devices require Wi-Fi (configurable to allow mobile data in settings).
• No YouTube Premium subscription is required for these downloads.

Can you download free movies?

Free movies on YouTube cannot be downloaded officially without a YouTube Premium subscription. With Premium:

• You can download free movies (if available for offline viewing) for up to 30 days (varies by region).
• Downloads are accessible only in the YouTube app.

Without Premium, no official option exists for downloading free movies. DRM protection further restricts unauthorized downloads.

Are There Third-Party Tools to Download YouTube Movies?

Some third-party YouTube downloader tools can download some YouTube videos, but they cannot reliably download YouTube movies due to DRM protection, especially for paid or rented content. That’s because third-party apps typically fail to bypass DRM for YouTube movies or paid TV shows.

• Limitations: DRM encrypts video streams (e.g., using Widevine or ClearKey), preventing tools from accessing the content.
• Risks: Attempting to use third-party tools to download DRM-protected movies violates YouTube’s Terms of Service and may lead to account suspension or legal consequences.
• Exceptions: Non-DRM-protected videos (e.g., public domain or Creative Commons content) may be downloadable, but most YouTube movies are DRM-protected.

Is It Legal to Download YouTube Movies?

Downloading YouTube movies without permission is generally illegal due to copyright and DRM protections.

Copyright Violation: Downloading DRM-protected movies (purchased, rented, or free) without using YouTube’s official methods infringes on creators’ rights and violates copyright laws.

Exceptions:

• Public Domain: Movies with expired copyrights can be legally downloaded.
• Creative Commons: Some videos allow downloads if licensed for such use.
• Fair Use: Limited use for education or commentary may qualify, but downloading entire movies rarely does.

YouTube Premium: Provides a legal way to download eligible content, complying with YouTube’s terms.

Ethical Note: Unauthorized downloads harm creators by reducing ad revenue or licensing income.

Conclusion

Downloading YouTube movies is limited to official methods due to DRM protection. Purchased or rented movies can be downloaded via the YouTube app with strict restrictions, while free movies require YouTube Premium. Third-party tools cannot effectively bypass DRM for YouTube movies, and attempting to do so violates YouTube’s Terms of Service and copyright laws. For legal and ethical viewing, use YouTube Premium or explore other streaming platforms. Always prioritize compliance with copyright laws to support content creators.