YouTube Rolls Out Limited Video Downloads to Free Users.

Key Highlights.

• Free YouTube users can now download videos, but only at low-quality resolutions like 144p and 360p.
• The new download feature does not include music videos, which remain a YouTube Premium exclusive.

YouTube is testing a major change to its platform by bringing a previously exclusive YouTube Premium feature to free users: video downloads. This update, which appears to be a limited rollout, allows non-paying users to download videos for offline viewing directly from the app, but with several key restrictions.

The new functionality has been spotted by users on Reddit, and we have also checked, confirming that the "Download" button is now appearing for some free accounts. While this is a welcome addition, it's important to note the major differences from the full-featured download capability available to Premium subscribers.

For free users, the download quality is significantly limited to lower resolutions, primarily 144p and 360p for most of the videos. This is a stark contrast to the 1080p and 720p options available to Premium members. Furthermore, the ability to download music videos remains an exclusive perk for YouTube Premium subscribers. This is likely due to licensing agreements and royalty payments to artists.

This new download feature, despite its limitations, is a notable change for free users who want to watch videos without an internet connection, such as during travel. While the quality may not be ideal for all content, it's a useful tool for podcasts, tutorials, or other videos where high definition is not a priority.

It's a clear move by Google to offer a taste of a Premium feature to a wider audience while still encouraging users to upgrade for the full, unlimited experience, which includes ad-free viewing, background play, and high-quality downloads. The company has not yet officially announced the feature, but its gradual rollout suggests it may become a permanent part of the free YouTube experience.

In a related update for paid subscribers, YouTube is also expanding its AI-powered search carousel for Premium users, adding another layer of smart features to the platform.