How to Download Videos from YouTube/Instagram Legally

We have all been there. You see a funny video on Instagram or an amazing tutorial on YouTube, and you want to save it. You might want to watch it later when you have no internet, or maybe you just want to keep a copy forever.

But there is a problem. Most “Video Downloader” websites are full of viruses, and using them might actually be against the law.

If you want to stay safe and follow the rules, you need to know the legal ways to save content. This guide will show you how to download videos from YouTube and Instagram without breaking the rules or risking your phone’s security.

Can You Legally Download Videos? (The Rules)

Before we look at the “how,” we must understand the “if.” Is it legal?

The answer is: It depends.

There are two sets of rules you need to worry about:

1. Copyright Law: This is the actual law. If you download a movie or a music video and sell it, you are breaking the law. If you download a video just to watch it yourself (personal use), it is usually okay in many countries, but it is a “gray area”.
2. Terms of Service (ToS): These are the “House Rules” of the app. When you create an account on YouTube or Instagram, you promise to follow their rules. YouTube’s rules say you cannot download videos unless there is a specific “Download” button provided by YouTube.

So, if you use a third-party website to rip a video, you might not go to jail, but you could get your account banned for breaking the House Rules.

Below are the 100% legal and safe methods approved by the apps themselves.

How to Download YouTube Videos Legally

YouTube really wants you to stay on their app. They do not want you to have the video file on your computer because then they cannot show you ads. However, they do offer official ways to download videos.

Method 1: YouTube Premium (The Best Way)

If you want to watch videos on a plane or a bus, this is the only official way to do it. You have to pay a monthly fee, but it is safe, legal, and easy.

What you get:

• You can download videos to your phone or tablet.
• You can watch them without internet (Offline Mode).
• No ads.

How to do it:

1. Open the YouTube app on your phone.
2. Go to the video you want to save.
3. Tap the Download button (it looks like an arrow pointing down) under the video title.
4. Choose the quality (like 720p or 1080p).
5. The video will save to your “Library” tab under “Downloads”.

Important Note: This does not give you an MP4 file that you can send to your friends. It only saves the video inside the YouTube app. If you cancel your subscription, you lose the videos.

Method 2: Downloading Your Own Videos

Did you lose the original file of a video you uploaded years ago? YouTube lets you download your own content legally.

1. Go to YouTube Studio on your computer.
2. Click on Content on the left menu.
3. Hover your mouse over the video you want.
4. Click the three dots (Options).
5. Click Download. This will give you a real MP4 file of your video.

How to Download Instagram Reels Legally

For a long time, Instagram did not let you download anything. But in 2025, they finally added a feature that makes it very easy—if the creator allows it.

Method 1: The Official “Download” Button

Instagram now lets you download public Reels directly to your phone’s camera roll. You do not need a weird website for this.

How to do it:

1. Open the Reel you want to save.
2. Tap the Share icon (the paper airplane).
3. Look at the bottom menu. If the creator has allowed it, you will see a Download button.
4. Tap it, and the video will save to your phone’s gallery.

Note: The video will have a watermark (the Instagram logo and the username) on it. This is to give credit to the owner. If you do not see the button, it means the creator has turned off downloads or their account is private.

Method 2: Downloading Your Own Reels

You should always save your work. Instagram makes this simple.

1. Go to your profile and open your Reel.
2. Tap the three dots (…) in the corner.
3. Tap Save to Camera Roll.
4. Now you have the video file on your phone.

Pro Tip: If you use popular music from the Instagram library, the downloaded video might have no sound. This is because of music copyright laws. To avoid this, edit your video and add music outside of Instagram before you upload it.

Method 3: “Save” to Collection (Bookmarking)

If you don’t actually need the file on your phone, but just want to find the video later, use the “Save” feature. This is better for your phone’s storage space.

1. Tap the three dots (…) or the Bookmark icon on the post.
2. Tap Save.
3. To find it later, go to your Profile, tap the three lines (menu), and select Saved.

What About Third-Party Websites?

You might see websites like “SaveFrom.net” or apps that promise to download any video for free. Are these legal?

Technically, no.

Most of these tools work by “scraping” the code of the website, which breaks YouTube and Instagram’s Terms of Service.

The Risks of Using These Sites:

• Malware: Many of these “free” sites are full of pop-up ads that can install viruses on your computer.
• Data Theft: Some apps ask for your Instagram password to “log in” to download a video. Never give your password to a third-party app. They can steal your account.
• Low Quality: The videos often look bad or have strange audio.

When Is It “Fair Use”?

Sometimes, you might need to download a video to make a news report, a reaction video, or for school. In Copyright Law, this might be called Fair Use.

However, “Fair Use” is a legal defense, not a magic shield. You cannot just download a movie, put it on your channel, and call it “Fair Use.”

• Creative Commons: Some YouTubers mark their videos as “Creative Commons.” This means they give permission for others to use their work. You can search for these videos specifically, but you usually still need a third-party tool to download them, which brings you back to the Terms of Service problem.

Conclusion

The internet is not the “Wild West” anymore. There are rules, and following them keeps your account safe.

• For YouTube: The best legal method is YouTube Premium. It is safe, supports the creators, and works perfectly.
• For Instagram: Use the new Share -> Download button for public Reels.

Avoid the sketchy “Free Downloader” websites if you can. They are risky and often illegal. By using the official tools, you respect the creators who worked hard to make the videos you love.