How-To

How to Download Purchased Movies From YouTube

Have you ever found yourself wanting to watch a movie you bought on YouTube, but you didn’t have a stable internet connection? Purchasing movies on YouTube is a great way to support creators and enjoy content legally. But sometimes you might want or need to watch your purchased content offline – whether you’re traveling, in an area with poor connectivity, or simply looking to conserve mobile data. Well, you’re in luck because YouTube provides a way for you to download your purchased content on various devices. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive guide to downloading those movies so that you can enjoy them whenever and wherever you like.

how to download purchased movies from youtube

PC or Mac via YouTube.com

Downloading purchased movies from YouTube on a PC or Mac isn’t as straightforward as on mobile devices. YouTube doesn’t provide a direct download button for purchased content on its website, but there are still ways to watch your favorite movies offline.

Steps:

  1. Go to YouTube.com and sign in to your account.
  2. Click on your profile picture in the top right corner and select “Purchases” from the dropdown menu.
  3. Choose the movie you want to download.
  4. As of early 2023, YouTube doesn’t allow direct downloads of purchased content on computers. Instead, you can watch your movie offline using YouTube’s “Offline viewing” feature on mobile devices.
  5. Consider an alternative: installing YouTube’s app on a Windows device from the Microsoft Store, which may offer downloading capabilities similar to the mobile experience.

Summary:

Watching offline on a computer is less convenient than on mobile devices. However, using alternative methods like the YouTube app on Windows can sometimes work around this limitation. The major downside is the lack of a simple download button for direct downloads on PCs and Macs.

Smartphones and Tablets via YouTube App

The YouTube app for smartphones and tablets allows you to download your purchased movies directly to your device for offline viewing.

Steps:

  1. Open the YouTube app on your Android device or iPhone/iPad.
  2. Sign in with the Google Account used to purchase the movie.
  3. Tap on ‘Library’ at the bottom of the screen.
  4. Select ‘Purchases’.
  5. Find the movie you’d like to download.
  6. Tap on the movie to open its details page.
  7. Look for a ‘Download’ icon or button (usually represented by a downward arrow) and tap it.
  8. If prompted, select the video quality for the download.
  9. Wait until the download is complete.

Summary:

This is the simplest method for downloading purchased movies for offline viewing. Downloads on mobile devices allow you to watch without a data or internet connection. However, keep in mind that downloads take up storage space on your device, and the quality of the video may be lower to save space.

Adjusting Download Quality

Control your data usage and storage space by adjusting the download quality of your purchased YouTube movies.

Steps:

  1. Open the YouTube app and sign in.
  2. Tap on your profile picture to access ‘Settings’.
  3. Go to ‘Downloads’.
  4. Select ‘Download quality’.
  5. Choose your preferred quality setting.

Summary:

Adjusting the download quality helps manage storage space on your device and can help save on data when using mobile networks to download. Higher quality videos provide a better viewing experience but take up more space.

Using YouTube Kids App

Families with young children may use the YouTube Kids app which also offers a download option for purchased content.

Steps:

  1. Open the YouTube Kids app.
  2. Sign in with the appropriate Google Account.
  3. Find the purchased movie in the ‘Purchases’ section.
  4. Follow similar steps as in the regular YouTube app to download the movie for offline viewing.

Summary:

The YouTube Kids app provides a child-friendly environment and simple controls for downloading content. However, this option is only viable if the movie is available within the app, which is oriented toward child-friendly content.

Download Using A YouTube Premium Subscription

YouTube Premium subscribers can take advantage of additional downloading options.

Steps:

  1. Subscribe to YouTube Premium if you haven’t yet.
  2. Open the YouTube app and sign in.
  3. Find your purchased movie and open its details page.
  4. Look for the ‘Download’ icon or button.
  5. Select the download option.

Summary:

YouTube Premium enhances downloading options, sometimes including higher quality downloads. While this service requires an additional monthly fee, it provides an ad-free experience and supports background play.

Managing Downloads

Keep your downloaded content organized and save space by managing your downloads.

Steps:

  1. Open the YouTube app and go to ‘Library’.
  2. Tap on ‘Downloads’.
  3. Here, you can see all your downloaded videos.
  4. To remove a download, tap on the ‘More’ icon (three dots) next to the movie and select ‘Delete from downloads’.

Summary:

Regularly managing your downloads helps prevent your device from running out of space and keeps your library organized.

Using a Web Browser on Mobile Devices

In some cases, you might be able to use a mobile web browser to download movies.

Steps:

  1. Open your mobile web browser.
  2. Go to the YouTube website and sign in.
  3. Find your movie in ‘Purchases’.
  4. As of the beginning of 2023, YouTube typically does not offer a download button in browsers. Instead, use the official YouTube app for consistent and reliable downloading capabilities.

Summary:

While it’s less likely to succeed, attempting to download via a web browser is an alternative, though not officially supported for offline playback, and is generally not recommended due to inconsistencies and potential violations of YouTube’s terms of service.

Using Google Play Movies & TV

Some purchases made on YouTube might be available for download through the Google Play Movies & TV app.

Steps:

  1. Install the Google Play Movies & TV app, if not already on your device.
  2. Open the app and sign in.
  3. Navigate to ‘Library’.
  4. Find the movie you purchased on YouTube.
  5. If available, tap on the ‘Download’ button.

Summary:

The Google Play Movies & TV app offers a legitimate alternative to the YouTube app for downloading purchased content. This app might provide different availability based on regional copyright laws.

Checking Device Compatibility

Ensure your device is compatible with video downloading and playback.

Steps:

  1. Read YouTube’s official downloading requirements.
  2. Make sure your device’s operating system is up-to-date.
  3. Ensure your device has enough storage space.

Summary:

Checking compatibility prior to downloading saves time and avoids frustration. Incompatible devices or outdated software can lead to failures in downloading or playing back videos.

YouTube Download Policies

Understanding YouTube’s download policies will help ensure that you’re not violating terms of service.

Steps:

  1. Read YouTube’s policies on downloading content.
  2. Only use official apps and methods for downloads.
  3. Do not distribute or sell downloaded content.

Summary:

Following YouTube’s downloading policies is crucial to remain a responsible user and maintain access to their services. Violations could result in the loss of downloading privileges or account suspension.

To summarize, downloading purchased movies from YouTube to watch offline can be a bit tricky, but it is entirely possible through a variety of methods, particularly on mobile devices. While the PC and Mac options are limited, using mobile devices or possibly Google Play Movies & TV is a practical alternative. The main benefits of downloading include the convenience of watching without an internet connection and saving on mobile data usage. However, be aware of the storage limitations on your device and adhere to YouTube’s downloading policies to avoid any potential issues.

Congratulations on mastering the art of downloading your purchased YouTube movies for offline enjoyment! With these tips and tricks up your sleeve, you now have the knowledge to access your favorite films regardless of internet connectivity. Dive into your movie collection with confidence, knowing that you’re prepared for any situation — be it a long flight or a cozy night in a remote cabin. And remember, as technology is ever-evolving, keep an eye out for updates to these processes, ensuring that your offline viewing experience stays smooth and hassle-free. Happy watching!

FAQs:

  1. Can I download a movie I purchased on YouTube on multiple devices?
    Yes, you generally can download movies you’ve purchased on multiple devices, provided you’re signed in with the same account. However, there may be a limit on the number of devices.

  2. Will my downloaded movies on YouTube ever expire?
    Your downloaded movies from YouTube shouldn’t expire as long as you regularly connect your device to the internet to maintain the license, typically once every 30 days.

  3. What happens if I can’t find my purchased movie on YouTube?
    If your purchased movie isn’t showing up, check your YouTube account to ensure it’s the one you used to buy the movie. If the problem persists, you may need to reach out to YouTube’s support for assistance.

  4. Can I watch my downloaded YouTube movie on an airplane mode?
    Yes, once a movie is downloaded onto your device from YouTube, you can watch it without an internet connection, such as in airplane mode.

  5. How can I refund a movie I purchased on YouTube by accident?
    YouTube has a refund policy for purchases made in error. To request a refund, visit the Google Play Support website and follow their instructions on requesting a refund for a YouTube purchase.

Larry R. Jimenez
I'm the senior editor of techverbs.com. I help people solve their computer problems and recommend reliable products. My area of expertise includes electronic or hardware products, Windows, Mac, and application tricks. I'm active in the various online tech communities where he provides help for new computer issues as they are released.

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