Download YouTube Members-Only Videos
YouTube channel memberships provide exclusive content for paying subscribers. Here's how to download members-only videos if you're a subscriber.
Important: You must be an active, paying member of the channel to access and download members-only content. This guide is for legitimate members to save content they've paid for.
What Are Members-Only Videos?
- Exclusive content for channel members
- Requires monthly membership payment ($0.99-$49.99)
- Indicated by badge/icon on video thumbnail
- Only visible when logged into member account
Method 1: yt-dlp with Authentication
yt-dlp can download members-only videos using your browser cookies:
Steps:
- Log into YouTube in your browser as a member
- Keep browser open
- Use yt-dlp with cookies flag
Commands:
Method 2: 4K Video Downloader
- Open Preferences → Advanced
- Enable "Use browser cookies"
- Select browser where you're logged in
- Paste members-only video URL
- Download as normal
Method 3: Browser Extension
Some extensions can download while you're viewing:
- Must be logged in as member
- Video DownloadHelper (Firefox)
- Click download while watching video
- Extension uses your active session
Exporting Browser Cookies
For Advanced Users:
- Install "Get cookies.txt" extension
- Visit YouTube while logged in
- Click extension → Export cookies
- Save as cookies.txt
- Use with yt-dlp:
--cookies cookies.txt
Troubleshooting
Still Can't Download:
- Verify membership is active
- Ensure you're logged into correct account
- Refresh browser cookies
- Update downloader to latest version
- Try different browser
"Private Video" Error:
- Check membership status hasn't expired
- Re-export cookies from browser
- Ensure correct membership tier
Authentication Fails:
- Clear browser cache and re-login
- Use fresh cookie export
- Check for YouTube account issues
Membership Tiers
Some channels have multiple membership tiers with different content access:
- Basic Tier: Access to some exclusive videos
- Mid Tier: More content + perks
- Top Tier: All exclusive content
Ensure your tier grants access to the specific video.
Ethical Considerations
Important Ethics:
- • Only download content from your own membership
- • Do NOT share members-only content publicly
- • Do NOT re-upload to other platforms
- • Respect creators who provide exclusive content
- • Downloaded content is for personal offline viewing only
Why Download Members-Only Videos?
Legitimate reasons for active members:
- Offline viewing: Watch without internet
- Archival: Preserve content you paid for
- Travel: Access during trips
- Backup: In case creator removes videos
- Convenience: Watch in preferred player
Alternatives to Downloading
- YouTube Premium: Official offline download feature
- Watch later: Queue for online viewing
- Membership perks: Many include download access
Legal Notice
Members-only content is protected by copyright and membership agreements. Downloading is only for personal use by active members. Sharing, re-uploading, or distributing members-only content violates YouTube Terms of Service and may violate copyright law.