How to Download Your Own YouTube Video — Official Guide
Only download videos you own. YouTube gives creators official ways to get their own uploads back — use those, never a ripper.
Method 1 — YouTube Studio (single video)
- Open YouTube Studio → Content.
- Click the three dots next to your video → Download. You get an MP4, usually 720p.
- If the download option is missing, the video may have claimed audio or be a Short with restrictions.
Method 2 — Google Takeout (full channel backup)
- Go to Google Takeout and select YouTube and YouTube Music.
- Choose “All YouTube data included” or pick videos only.
- Export once, or schedule exports every 2 months for a rolling backup.
What not to do
- Do not download other creators' videos to re-upload — that is copyright infringement and can get your channel struck.
- Do not use the video's thumbnail without permission; use our YouTube Thumbnail Viewer to check your own cover instead.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't I download my video in 1080p from Studio?
Studio downloads are capped at 720p. For the original file, keep your own upload copy or use Takeout, which preserves the original where possible.
Can I download someone else's video for offline viewing?
Only through YouTube Premium's official offline feature, inside the YouTube app. Downloading it as a file to re-upload is not allowed.