How to Watch and Download Private YouTube Videos?

Table of Contents

Can you really watch and download private YouTube videos? Well, the answer is yes and no.

Yes, because with permission you can definitely watch and download private YouTube videos.

No, because without permission you cannot watch and download private videos. It is a violation of YouTube policy.

Currently, YouTube allows users to set the video visibility in three ways (Private, Unlisted, and Public).

Private Videos – You need permission from the creator to watch and download such videos.

Unlisted Videos – With a link you can easily watch and get such videos. These videos are not publicly available.

Public Videos – These videos are publicly available and anyone can watch and download anytime.

So, let me assume that you have the permission and link to a private video you are trying to watch or download.

If yes, then below are the steps you need to follow to watch and download private YT videos.

How to Watch Private YouTube Videos?

Let me try to explain it with an example –

Recently, my client Nichole has shared a link to a private video about the business proposal and she forgot to give access.

I have opened that link in different browsers as I am unable to play the video. This is what I am getting –

After few minutes of try and fail I came to know that this is a private video and Nichole has forgotten to give permission.

So, I have asked her to give me the permission to access the video.

She granted the permission in a second –

Now, I have opened that link in different browsers again but still getting the same screen.

I was confused and thinking what is wrong with that video even after having the permission to watch it.

After scratching my head for a while I found that I was opening that video without logging into my Gmail Account.

So, I have logged into my Gmail and opened that privately shared video link and voila it’s worked.

So here’s the summery –

To watch private YouTube video, you need permission and need to open that video by logging into your Gmail account.

How to Download Private YouTube Videos?

Let me start with the above real time example I have experienced –

As I was in need to keep the video with me which Nichole has shared via link.

Being a curious user, I have started finding ways to download private videos online.

Literally I have tried multiple Firefox addons and video downloader software, but nothing worked for me L

For your information, I have installed below video downloader FireFox Addons and Software to check if I could download the private video using the link that Nichole has shared with me –

4k Video Downloader Software
Freemake Video Downloader Software
VdhCo App Software
Easy YouTube Video Downloader Express (Firefox Addon)
Video Downloader Professional (Firefox Addon)
Video Downloadhelper (Firefox Addon)
odownloader.com
pastedownload.com

After trying so many tools and websites I have found that YouTube has strictly prohibited to download private videos for third parties.

I mean only owners can download private videos. And this is why I had to told Nichole to download that video for me and send me that video file.

My verdict –

Only owners can download private YouTibe videos.

So, if you are the creator and wondering how to download private YT videos then below are the steps you need to follow –

How Owners Can Download Private YouTube Videos?

Step 1

Login to your YouTube Account and go to your Channel.

Step 2

Now, from the left sidebar select Content option.

Step 3

Here, you will find a list of your videos. Select the private vide you want to download.

Step 4

There are two options you can try to download private video.

First, hover over the selected video and click on three vertical dots to download the video.

Second, you can download the private video just by clicking More Actions option in the top navigation panel in black color. Check screenshot below –

In brief, this is how you one can watch and download the private YouTube videos.

Wrapping it up…

Don’t follow fake tips and tricks to download private YouTube videos as it can literally drain your time in vain.

I have tried to explain the entire process as effectively as possible by giving you an example of my real life.

I have shared it so that you can save your time instead of spending hours on finding ways to download private YouTube videos like I did. Hope you guys find this guide helpful. If yes, then don’t forget to share with others on social media.