You can download YouTube podcasts for offline listening either by using the official YouTube Music app or by using a dedicated desktop app like TubeFetcher. The YouTube Music app allows Premium subscribers to download episodes on mobile devices.
TubeFetcher offers a faster, more flexible method for downloading podcasts to your mobile and Windows computer in MP3 or MP4 format, without any subscription.
Method 1: Download YouTube Podcasts Using TubeFetcher
For users who want more flexibility, TubeFetcher offers a powerful desktop solution. It allows you to download podcasts from YouTube directly to your Windows computer or mobile without the need for a Premium subscription. You can save episodes as audio (MP3) or video (MP4) and select the format and resolution that fits your needs.
Steps:
- Download and install TubeFetcher for Windows or Mobile (APK)
- Open the app and paste the link to the YouTube podcast episode
- Choose the MP3 format to extract the audio only, or select MP4 for the full video
- Select your preferred resolution (e.g., 720p, 1080p)
- Click Download to save the episode to your computer for offline listening
Advantages of TubeFetcher:
- Fast and lightweight Windows-native application
- No need to log in or create an account
- Works even without a YouTube Premium subscription
- Let you choose between video and audio formats
- No ads, no tracking, and no background clutter
This makes TubeFetcher ideal for students, educators, commuters, professionals, or anyone who listens to podcasts offline while working or traveling.
If you’re new to the app, you can learn more in our guide on how to use TubeFetcher.
Method 2: Download YouTube Podcasts Using YouTube Music
If you have a YouTube Premium or YouTube Music Premium subscription, you can use the official YouTube Music app to download podcasts on your phone or tablet. This method is simple and effective for mobile users.
Steps:
- Open the YouTube Music app on your Android or iOS (coming soon) device
- Tap Library and go to the Podcasts section
- Find the podcast you want and tap the episode
- Tap the Download icon to save the episode
- To automate future downloads, go to Settings → Downloads & Storage, then enable Smart Downloads
The downloaded episodes will be stored in your Library under the Downloads tab.
Limitations:
- Requires a paid YouTube Premium subscription
- Works only on mobile devices
- Does not allow downloading directly to a desktop or laptop
This option works best for users who already use YouTube Music Premium and want to listen offline while using a smartphone.
Method 3: Other Free Tools That Can Download YouTube Podcasts
There are several other tools and methods available online that let you download YouTube content, including podcast episodes. These include open-source Android apps, RSS feed converters, and browser-based MP3 conversion sites. While they may offer basic functionality, they often come with trade-offs.
Examples:
- Open-source Android downloaders
- Podcast feed generators from YouTube playlists
- Online YouTube to MP3 converters
Why TubeFetcher Is Still the Better Choice:
- Downloads run locally on your desktop, offering better speed and stability
- No advertisements or aggressive upsells
- No risk of browser hijacking or malware
- Allows full control over output format and quality
- Designed for podcast downloading, not general-purpose conversions
TubeFetcher provides a cleaner, safer, and more reliable alternative for users who want direct offline access to podcast episodes without relying on unstable or ad-supported tools.
Do You Need YouTube Premium to Download Podcasts?
If you are using the YouTube Music app on your mobile device, downloading podcasts offline requires a YouTube Premium or YouTube Music Premium subscription. Without a paid plan, the download feature is unavailable in the app.
For users who want to download podcasts without a subscription, TubeFetcher offers a clear alternative. It works on Windows desktops and also provides an APK version for Android devices, allowing you to save podcast episodes in MP3 or MP4 format for offline listening.
Comparison Summary:
- Mobile with Premium: Use the YouTube Music app for downloads
- Mobile without Premium: Use TubeFetcher APK
- Desktop (Windows): Use TubeFetcher, no Premium required
If you’re on mobile and already paying for Premium, the YouTube Music app is convenient. If you want to avoid subscriptions or prefer desktop control, TubeFetcher offers the easiest solution with no cost.
Where Are Podcasts Hosted: YouTube or YouTube Music?
YouTube has two separate platforms that host podcast content, and understanding the difference helps in choosing the right download method.
- YouTube Music: This is where official podcast channels are curated and listed under the Podcasts tab. It is optimized for audio-first consumption.
- YouTube (main site or app): Many creators upload full podcast videos here. These include long-form interviews, discussions, and show archives.
TubeFetcher works with both platforms. Whether a podcast is uploaded to YouTube Music or the main YouTube site, TubeFetcher can download the episode in either audio or video format. This ensures full access, no matter where the content is hosted.
MP3 or MP4: Which Format Should You Download?
When downloading podcasts, choosing the right format depends on how you plan to listen:
- MP3: Best for audio-only listening. It has a smaller file size, making it ideal for mobile devices and long episodes.
- MP4: Suitable when the podcast has a visual component, such as interviews, demos, or video elements.
TubeFetcher supports both formats. You can choose MP3 for lightweight audio playback or MP4 for full video files, and customize the resolution and quality settings. This gives you complete control over how you consume podcast content offline, whether it’s background listening or full-screen viewing.
To understand which settings offer the best quality and compatibility, read our guide on choosing the best YouTube format for offline viewing.
How to Listen to Downloaded Podcasts on Any Device
Once you’ve downloaded your podcast episodes, you can play them on a wide range of devices without relying on internet access.
On PC: Downloaded MP3 or MP4 files can be played using any standard media player such as Windows Media Player, VLC, or Groove Music.
On Android or iPhone: Transfer MP3 files from your computer to your mobile device using a USB cable, cloud storage, or file transfer app. You can then open them in any podcast or audio player that supports local files.
Recommended Apps:
- Pocket Casts (supports imported files)
- AntennaPod (open-source, Android only)
- VLC Media Player (cross-platform and versatile)
In a Car or on Smart Devices: If your car supports USB, Bluetooth, or SD cards, you can sync your downloaded podcasts directly. For smart speakers or smart TVs, use file sharing or casting apps to stream offline files.
Being able to move and use your podcasts across devices adds flexibility and makes offline listening more practical in any environment.
How to Organize Offline Podcasts for Better Listening
Keeping your downloaded podcasts organized makes it easier to browse, resume, and enjoy your episodes on the go.
Here are a few effective tips:
- Create folders by show or topic to group episodes together
- Use playlist managers or folder-based playback apps
- Maintain a “Downloaded Episodes” directory to track what’s offline
- Tag files or rename them if needed. TubeFetcher automatically keeps original titles for easy identification
Organizing your podcast files ensures a smooth offline experience, especially if you’re managing multiple shows or long-form series.
Is It Legal to Download YouTube Podcasts?
Downloading podcasts from YouTube for personal offline use is generally acceptable in many regions, but it depends on how you use the content and what tools you choose.
Here are a few key points to consider:
- Personal Use Only: Downloaded content should be for private, offline listening. Redistribution or reuploading is not permitted.
- Respect Copyright: Always check the content’s licensing. Avoid downloading protected or monetized content without permission.
- Terms of Service: YouTube’s official policy discourages downloading videos without using its Premium features. However, many users use third-party tools for personal access.
TubeFetcher does not access paid or protected streams and does not bypass any DRM. It downloads publicly available content directly to your device and does not track, log, or transmit any user data. This makes TubeFetcher a safe choice for downloading YouTube podcasts for personal offline use.
For a deeper explanation, read Is It Legal to Download YouTube Videos?.
Ready to Download YouTube Podcasts the Fast, Private, and Easy Way?
If you want full control over your podcast downloads without dealing with subscription limits, mobile restrictions, or third-party ads, TubeFetcher is the best solution.
- Download MP3 or MP4 podcasts directly from YouTube
- Works on Windows desktops and Android via APK
- No account, no tracking, no bloatware
- Save episodes locally and play them anywhere, anytime
Download TubeFetcher now, Free Forever.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download YouTube podcasts for free?
Yes, you can. TubeFetcher allows you to download YouTube podcast episodes in both MP3 and MP4 formats without any subscription, making it a completely free solution for offline podcast listening on desktop or mobile.
Where do YouTube Music downloads go?
Downloaded podcasts in the YouTube Music app are saved in the Library under the Downloads section. This feature is exclusive to Premium subscribers and works only on the mobile app, not on desktop devices.
Can I download YouTube podcasts on a PC without Premium?
Yes. With TubeFetcher, you can download YouTube podcasts to your Windows PC without needing a Premium subscription. It provides full access to MP3 or MP4 downloads from public podcast videos and channels.
Does Smart Download work for all podcasts?
Smart Download in YouTube Music only applies to podcasts you follow and is available for Premium users. It automatically downloads new episodes, but it works only within the mobile app, not on a desktop.
Can I download an entire podcast show at once?
Yes. Some playlists in YouTube Music support full-show downloads. TubeFetcher also supports batch downloading by pasting multiple links or downloading full playlists directly, giving you full control over episode selection.
