This is general information, not legal advice. Rules differ by country and by service.
Usually fine
- Your own videos, saved from your account or device.
- Content the owner explicitly lets you download, for example a download button or a licence that allows copies.
- Public domain works and files released under licences such as Creative Commons, following the licence terms such as credit to the author.
- Official offline features in video services that offer them.
Usually not fine
- Saving or sharing someone else’s video without permission.
- Re-uploading downloaded content as your own.
- Bypassing a service’s protection or paywall.
Most major platforms say in their terms that you may not download content except through the features they provide. Breaking the terms can lead to account action, and distributing copyrighted work can create legal risk.
Safer habits
- Prefer the platform’s official download or offline option.
- Credit creators and check licences before reusing a clip.
- Be careful with unknown downloader sites: they often show intrusive ads or push unwanted installs.
- Keep storage under control: see how to free up space used by videos on Android.
Check the store page of any downloader app for what it says it supports, and use it only for content you have the right to save.