Introduction
Want to save YouTube videos on your iPhone? Because of iOS restrictions and App Store rules, you can't download them directly in most apps. The good news is there are still reliable ways to do it, and the best option is by using iPhone Shortcuts—Apple's built-in automation app. With the right shortcut, you can grab videos straight from YouTube and save them to your Photos.
YouTube Video Download Tool
This guide walks you through everything: how to use pre-built shortcuts, how to build your own, and alternative methods if shortcuts aren't your thing.
Quick Method: Shortcuts for Fast Video Downloads
The easiest way is by installing a shortcut made for downloading videos. These shortcuts process YouTube links and save them right to your phone. Popular ones include R⤓Download, All Media Downloader, and Ultimate Media Downloader—all of which also work with Instagram, TikTok, and more.
- Install a video download shortcut
- Copy the YouTube video link
- Run the shortcut and paste the link
- Pick the video quality you want
- The video saves to your Photos app
Method 1: Pre-Built Shortcuts
Popular Options
- R⤓Download – Works with YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, and more.
- All Media Downloader – Supports thousands of sites and multiple quality options.
- Ultimate Media Downloader – Handles video and audio from over 4000 websites.
How to Install
- Go to a trusted source like RoutineHub or the creator's page
- Tap Get Shortcut
- Add it to your Shortcuts app
- If blocked, go to Settings > Shortcuts > Allow Untrusted Shortcuts
How to Use
- Copy a YouTube link
- Open the Shortcuts app (or use Share → Shortcut)
- Run the downloader shortcut
- Paste the link
- Pick video quality (720p, 1080p, etc.)
- Wait for it to finish
- Find the video in Photos
Method 2: Create Your Own Shortcut
If you'd rather build your own, here's a simple setup:
- Open Shortcuts app
- Tap + to create new
- Add these actions in order:
- Get Clipboard (grabs the copied video link)
- Get URLs from Input
- Get Contents of URL (set to GET)
- Save to Photo Album
You can rename it (like "Video Downloader"), change the icon, and even add it to your home screen for one-tap access.
Method 3: Apps and Websites
Documents by Readdle
This free file manager has a built-in browser.
- Download it from the App Store
- Open the app → tap the compass icon
- Visit a site like SaveFrom.net
- Paste the YouTube link
- Download and move the file to Photos
Browser Sites
- SaveFrom.net – Paste the YouTube link in Safari, download, then move it to Files or Photos.
- Y2mate and others – Work similarly but be careful with pop-ups.
Shortcuts Basics
Shortcuts are Apple's automation tool. With them, you can chain actions together, run them from the Share Sheet, use Siri, or put them on your home screen.
To install third-party shortcuts, enable Allow Untrusted Shortcuts in Settings. Always download from trusted creators.
Advanced Shortcut Features
- Download from multiple platforms (YouTube, TikTok, Reddit, Instagram, etc.)
- Choose between 360p, 720p, 1080p, or even 4K/8K
- Save audio only (MP3, AAC)
- Use Siri commands like "Hey Siri, download video"
- Run from the Share Sheet or a widget
Legal & Safety Notes
- Only download videos you're allowed to use
- YouTube doesn't officially allow downloads outside Premium
- Stick to trusted shortcuts and safe websites
- Avoid shady apps and pop-up-heavy sites
Fixing Common Issues
- If downloads fail: check your connection, try a lower quality, or update the shortcut
- If shortcuts won't run: enable "Allow Untrusted Shortcuts" in Settings
- Manage storage: move big files to iCloud, Google Drive, or delete old videos
Other Options
YouTube Premium
The official, legal way to watch offline. Benefits include:
- Offline viewing inside the YouTube app
- Ad-free experience
- Background play
- Includes YouTube Music
Third-Party Apps
Some apps on the App Store (like Video Saver Pro, Total Files, or All Video Saver) may work, but many get removed due to Apple's policies. Availability changes often.
Final Thoughts
Downloading YouTube videos on iPhone isn't as simple as on a computer, but with shortcuts it's quick and reliable. You can either use a popular ready-made shortcut, build your own, or use apps like Documents by Readdle as a backup. Just remember to be careful with copyright rules and stick to safe download methods.