Official documentation

YouTube Terms of Service

YouTube (Google LLC), n.d.

Read on October 17, 2026

What it is: YouTube's legal terms for using its service and its content. The section on permissions and restrictions says what viewers may do with videos and what they may not download or reproduce.
How much weight it carries: The platform's own binding terms, so it is the primary source for what YouTube permits. It is a legal agreement rather than a statement of how the law applies, and it can be updated at any time. This is not legal advice on any particular video.

Facts taken from this source

YouTube's terms say you may not download, reproduce or otherwise use any part of the service or its content, except where the service specifically permits it.
“You are not allowed to: access, reproduce, download, distribute, transmit, broadcast, display, sell, license, alter, modify or otherwise use any part of the Service or any Content except: (a) as specifically permitted by the Service;” (Permissions and Restrictions)
YouTube's terms allow you to view or listen to its content for your personal, non-commercial use.
“You may view or listen to Content for your personal, non-commercial use.” (Permissions and Restrictions)