The Xon File YouTube video downloader saves a single YouTube video to your device as an MP4 file, or just its sound as an MP3. You paste the link, check that the title and thumbnail match the video you meant, choose a quality and download. It's free and runs in your browser without an account.
Only download videos you're allowed to
Please read this before you use the tool. Only download videos that you own, videos that are licensed for reuse, or videos the owner has given you permission to download. YouTube's terms of service don't allow downloading most videos on the site, and that's true whichever tool you use. If a video isn't yours and you don't have permission, don't download it.
Reasonable uses look like this:
- Backing up the videos on your own channel.
- Keeping a copy of a lecture or event recording that you made, or that the owner agreed to share with you.
- Saving a video whose owner has licensed it for reuse, and using it the way that licence allows.
- Getting a clip that a colleague or client uploaded and asked you to edit.
How to download a YouTube video
- Copy the video's link from the YouTube app (use the Share button) or from your browser's address bar.
- Paste the link into the box at the top of this page.
- Check the details that appear: the video's title, thumbnail and length.
- Pick a quality: Best quality, 1080p, 720p, 480p, 360p or MP3 audio.
- Download the file. Video options save as MP4, and the audio option saves as MP3.
YouTube to MP4 or YouTube to MP3?
| Option | What you get | A sensible use |
|---|---|---|
| Best quality | MP4 at the best quality available | Archiving your own uploads |
| 1080p | Full HD MP4 | Watching on a laptop or TV |
| 720p | HD MP4, smaller file | Phones and everyday viewing |
| 480p or 360p | Lower resolution MP4 | Saving storage and mobile data |
| MP3 audio | Sound only | Talks, podcasts and music you have rights to |
Pick YouTube to MP4 when you need the picture. If you only want the sound, for example from a recorded talk or your own podcast episode, YouTube to MP3 gives you a much smaller file that's easy to play on a phone. The download can't be sharper than the version that was uploaded to YouTube, so a video uploaded at 720p won't become 1080p.
Limits you should know about
The downloader works on one video at a time. Playlists aren't supported, so paste each video's link separately. A few other limits apply:
- Videos can be up to 2 hours long.
- Each visitor can make up to 15 downloads per hour.
- Private videos can't be downloaded.
- YouTube sometimes blocks downloads for a while. If a download fails for no clear reason, wait and try again later.
Who uses a YouTube downloader
Creators use it to keep a copy of their own uploads, which helps when the original files on a laptop or phone have been lost. A teacher who recorded a lesson for their class can keep an offline copy to play in a classroom where the internet connection is weak. A small business can save its own product videos to reuse in a presentation. Students on a group project can download a video a teammate uploaded, with that teammate's agreement, so they can edit it together.
What to do with the file afterwards
Once the file is on your device, other Xon File tools can help. Trim video cuts out only the part you need, such as one answer from a recorded interview. Compress video makes a large MP4 smaller so it fits in an email or a chat message. If you saved the video and later want just the audio, Video to MP3 pulls the sound out at a bitrate you choose. For a short looping moment, try Video to GIF.
Keep in mind that those tools accept uploads of up to 100 MB. A long video saved at Best quality can be bigger than that, so choose 720p or lower if you plan to edit it afterwards.
Privacy and file deletion
Your download is kept on our server only long enough for you to fetch it, and it's deleted within 30 minutes. We don't share it with anyone. You don't need a Xon File account, and we add no watermark or branding to the file. The downloader works in the browser on Android phones, iPhones and computers running Windows, Mac, Linux or ChromeOS, with nothing to install.
Frequently asked questions
Is it legal to download YouTube videos?
It depends on the video and on what you have permission to do. YouTube's terms don't allow downloading most videos. Only download videos you own, videos licensed for reuse, or videos the owner has allowed you to download.
Is this YouTube downloader free?
Yes. It's free to use and you don't need to sign up. Each visitor can make up to 15 downloads per hour.
Can I download a YouTube video on my phone?
Yes. In the YouTube app, tap Share and copy the link, then open this page in your phone's browser and paste it in. The MP4 or MP3 saves to your phone like any other download.
Can I download a whole playlist?
No. The tool handles single videos only. Paste the link of each video you want, one at a time.
Why won't my video download?
Check whether the video is private, since private videos can't be downloaded, and whether it's longer than 2 hours. You may also have reached the limit of 15 downloads per hour. YouTube sometimes blocks downloads temporarily, so waiting a while and trying again often helps.
How long do you keep the files?
Downloaded files are deleted from our server within 30 minutes. Save your file to your device as soon as it's ready.
Can I download YouTube to MP3 for music?
Only when you have the right to. Music you recorded yourself, or tracks the owner has licensed for reuse, are fine. Copying other people's songs without permission isn't allowed under YouTube's terms.