A YouTube page can represent a standard video, a Short, a live stream, a playlist or a channel. A downloader needs the URL of one individual public video, so copying the correct address is the first and most important step.
Copy the individual video URL
Open the video, choose Share, then copy the link. Standard youtube.com/watch, short youtu.be and individual Shorts links can point to a single video. A channel, search-result or playlist-only page does not identify one downloadable item.
Compare formats instead of assuming a default
Paste the URL into the YouTube downloader. The result may include MP4 video, WEBM video or audio-only choices. A higher resolution usually has a larger estimated file size. For a phone or quick transfer, a smaller resolution can be more practical; for a large display, choose HD when the source returns it.
YouTube Shorts use the same basic public-link workflow. Copy the individual Short rather than the Shorts feed. Our separate YouTube Shorts guide explains the link formats and vertical-video workflow in more detail.
Why a YouTube link may not work
- The video is private, deleted, members-only or unavailable in your region.
- The URL points to a channel, playlist, live event or search page rather than one public video.
- The provider has temporarily changed its delivery format.
- The copied address is incomplete.
Confirm that the video opens in a private browser window without signing in. If it does, paste the full address again and try another returned quality. Download only videos that you own or have permission to save.