YouTube Premium costs money and the built-in download feature only lets you watch inside the YouTube app. With Mediadrop, you can download any YouTube video as an MP4 file directly to your phone — for free, with no subscription.
How Mediadrop Downloads YouTube Videos
YouTube video downloads require server-side processing. Mediadrop's PC server (a simple Python app) handles the download and sends the file to your phone. This is a one-time setup that takes about 2 minutes.
Setup (One Time Only)
Install Mediadrop on your PC
Download and run app.py on your PC. It will print your local IP address in the terminal (e.g. 192.168.1.5).
Connect your phone
Open the Mediadrop app on your phone, go to Settings and enter the PC IP address shown in the terminal. Tap Save & Test Connection.
Make sure both are on the same WiFi
Your phone and PC must be connected to the same home WiFi network for the connection to work.
Downloading a YouTube Video
Copy the YouTube link
Open YouTube, find the video, tap Share → Copy link.
Paste in Mediadrop
Open Mediadrop, select YouTube, paste the link and tap Check.
Download
Tap Download. Mediadrop sends the request to your PC, downloads the video, and saves it to your phone's Downloads folder.
Supported YouTube Content
- ✅ Regular YouTube videos (all lengths)
- ✅ YouTube Shorts
- ✅ Up to 1080p Full HD quality
- ❌ YouTube Live streams (while live)
- ❌ Age-restricted or private videos
- ❌ YouTube Music (separate licensing)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download YouTube videos for free without Premium?
Yes. Mediadrop lets you download YouTube videos for free without any YouTube Premium subscription.
What quality can I download?
Mediadrop supports up to 1080p Full HD for most videos, depending on what quality the creator uploaded.
Can I download YouTube Shorts?
Yes. YouTube Shorts are supported just like regular videos.
Do I need to be on the same WiFi?
Yes — the phone and PC must be on the same WiFi network. Once downloaded, you can take the video anywhere.