YouTube doesn't let you download playlists directly from the site

YouTube's terms of service prohibit downloading videos through the platform itself, even if you created the playlist. The built-in download feature in YouTube Premium only works for individual videos, not entire playlists at once. If you want to save a full playlist offline, you need a separate tool — either a desktop application or a web-based downloader.

The method you choose depends on how many videos you're downloading, what device you're using, and whether you want to keep the videos organized by playlist after they're saved.

Key Takeaways

  • YouTube Premium's download feature works only for single videos, not playlists, so you'll need a third-party tool to download multiple videos at once.
  • Desktop applications like yt-dlp (free, open-source) and 4K Video Downloader (paid) can download entire playlists and preserve the playlist structure on your computer.
  • Web-based downloaders are faster to set up but often download videos one at a time and may not keep playlist organization.
  • Always check that you have the right to download a video — most music and movie content is copyrighted, and downloading it violates YouTube's terms.
  • Downloaded videos take up significant storage space, especially at higher quality, so plan your storage needs before downloading large playlists.

Using a desktop application to download playlists

yt-dlp is a free, open-source command-line tool that downloads YouTube playlists while keeping them organized in folders. It runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux. You type a command with the playlist URL, and it downloads all videos in that playlist into a single folder, preserving the order and titles. yt-dlp also lets you choose video quality and format before downloading.

The downside is that yt-dlp requires using the command line (Terminal on Mac, Command Prompt on Windows), which can feel unfamiliar if you've never used one. There are graphical interfaces built on top of yt-dlp — like Tartube — that let you paste a URL and click a button instead, though they're less common and require separate installation.

4K Video Downloader is a paid application (around $20 one-time purchase) with a graphical interface. You paste the playlist URL, choose your quality and format, and click Download. It automatically creates a folder for the playlist and saves all videos inside it. The interface is straightforward, and it handles large playlists without crashing.

Both tools work offline once installed, meaning you don't need an internet connection to access your downloaded videos. They also let you choose between different video qualities and file formats, which matters if you're limited on storage space or want to use the videos in specific software.

Using a web-based downloader

Web-based downloaders like SaveFrom.net, Y2Mate, and Snaptube work through your browser — you paste the playlist URL, select quality, and click download. They're fast to use because there's nothing to install, and they work on any device with a browser.

The main limitation is that most web downloaders process one video at a time, even if you give them a playlist URL. You may end up downloading 50 videos individually rather than as a batch. Some web downloaders do offer batch downloads, but they're less reliable and may time out on large playlists.

Web downloaders also don't always preserve playlist structure — your videos might download into a single folder without the playlist name or order. If you're downloading a small playlist (under 10 videos) or just want a few videos from a larger one, a web downloader is usually faster. For anything larger, a desktop application saves time.

Storage space and file size

A single YouTube video at standard quality (480p) takes up roughly 100 to 300 MB, depending on length and compression. A 50-video playlist at that quality could use 5 to 15 GB of storage. High-quality downloads (1080p or 4K) use 2 to 10 times more space per video.

Before downloading a large playlist, check how much free space you have on your device. Most computers and phones show available storage in Settings. If you're downloading to an external hard drive or USB stick, make sure it has enough space and is formatted in a way your device can read (NTFS for Windows, exFAT for cross-platform use).

If storage is tight, download at lower quality (360p or 480p) or download only the videos you actually plan to watch. You can always re-download later if you need higher quality.

Copyright and what you're allowed to download

Downloading copyrighted music, movies, or TV shows from YouTube violates both YouTube's terms of service and copyright law in most countries. This includes official music videos, movie clips, and licensed content. Downloading these videos for personal use doesn't make it legal — the copyright holder still owns the content.

You can legally download videos you created yourself, videos in the public domain, and videos the creator has explicitly marked as free to download. Some educational content and Creative Commons videos are also legal to download if the creator has given permission. When in doubt, check the video description or contact the creator.

If you download copyrighted content, you risk having your YouTube account suspended or facing legal action from the copyright holder. It's not worth the risk for music or movies you could stream legally through a subscription service.

Keeping your downloaded playlist organized

Desktop applications like yt-dlp and 4K Video Downloader automatically create a folder with the playlist name and save videos inside in order. This makes it easy to find what you're looking for and watch videos in sequence if you want to.

If you use a web downloader, create a folder on your computer with the playlist name and move all downloaded videos into it manually. Name the videos with numbers at the start (01, 02, 03) so they sort in the right order when you open the folder. This takes a few extra minutes but makes the playlist much easier to navigate later.

On phones and tablets, downloaded videos usually go into your Downloads folder or the app's own storage. Some apps let you create playlists within the app itself, which keeps everything organized without taking up extra space on your device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I download a private or unlisted YouTube playlist?

Only if you have access to the playlist. If it's private and you're logged into the account that owns it, most downloaders will work. If it's someone else's private playlist, you can't download it — the downloader won't have permission to access the videos.

What format should I download videos in?

MP4 is the most compatible format — it plays on almost any device and media player. If you're downloading audio only (like from a music playlist), MP3 is standard. Most downloaders default to MP4, which is fine for most uses.

Is it safe to use web-based downloaders?

Reputable ones like SaveFrom.net and Y2Mate are generally safe, but they do show ads and may collect data about what you download. Desktop applications like yt-dlp are open-source, so the code is public and can be reviewed for security. If privacy is a concern, a desktop application is the safer choice.

Can I download a YouTube playlist to my phone?

Yes, but it's more limited than on a computer. Apps like Snaptube and TubeMate work on Android, though they're not available in the Google Play Store due to YouTube's terms. On iPhone, your options are more restricted because Apple's App Store policies are stricter. Desktop downloading and then transferring files to your phone is often easier.

Will downloaded videos update if the original video is deleted?

No. Once you download a video, you have a copy that's separate from YouTube. If the creator deletes the original, your downloaded copy stays on your device. If the creator edits the video, your version won't change.