SaveFrom.net video downloader Full review

Downloading a public video to watch offline yourself falls under the private copying exception in most regions and is generally tolerated. But re-uploading, redistributing or using it commercially is infringement, and getting around paywalls or membership restrictions is also illegal in many regions.

On top of that, YouTube's terms of service explicitly prohibit unauthorized downloads. Go by your local law and the platform's terms. See our Terms of use.

It officially claims up to 4K, but results in testing are inconsistent. The reason is in how it works: 4K video and audio tracks are stored separately, and producing a 4K file with sound means a remux on the server, which a free service will not do for every request.

So you will often hit one of two things: the list only shows 720p/1080p, or there is a 4K option but the download has no sound. For reliable 4K, use yt-dlp or 4K Video Downloader Plus, or see Best for 4K/8K.

There are four common reasons: the platform changed how it signs playback links and parsing broke; the video is private, paid, or only available in certain regions; the platform is not on the tested support list; or what you copied is not the video page address.

First make sure the link is the video page itself. If the same platform keeps failing for several days, the parsing rules have not caught up yet, and switching tools will save you time.

The rule of thumb: the real download is usually a text link or small button in the results list, not the biggest, loudest colored button on the page. Those are mostly ads that take you to an unfamiliar site or prompt you to install some "download accelerator".

Close any prompt that asks you to install extra software before you can download. To avoid all of this, install the official extension, or switch to the ad-free Cobalt.tools.

There is no standalone mobile app. You can use the web version in your phone's browser, but mobile browsers handle the ads and pop-ups worse, so the experience is mediocre.

On Android, a better choice is Seal (open source, built on yt-dlp). iOS is limited by the system, so you are usually stuck with a Shortcuts plus online tool combo. See What actually works on iOS.

Extensions like this need the high-level "read and change all your data on the websites you visit" permission, because they have to detect media inside the page. Only install it from the official store, never from an installer handed out through a pop-up or a third-party site.

If you are wary of broad permissions, consider an open-source alternative first, like Media Harvest for X, or just stick to online tools that need no install.