Google Takeout Review – Introduction
After reviewing numerous video repurposing tools here at Digitalize Life, I decided to convert some of my long-form videos into Shorts for Instagram and TikTok. Simple enough, right?
However…
When I downloaded my videos from the ‘Digitalize Life’ YouTube Studio, I noticed something frustrating – a YouTube watermark slapped onto the footage. Not ideal if you want to reuse your content professionally!
Some people turn to watermark removal software, but honestly, that’s unnecessary and real pain in the ****!
What many creators don’t realize is that YouTube doesn’t store your original uploads for easy access.
If you haven’t kept a separate backup, getting your videos back in full quality – without added branding – can be a challenge.
The good news? Google Takeout (takeout.google.com) solves this problem!
This free tool lets you download your original, high-quality YouTube videos with zero watermarks. Even better, it can also export playlists, watch history, comments, and more – yet so many people have no idea it exists!
What Is Google Takeout?
Google Takeout (takeout.google.com) is a free tool from Google that allows users to export and download data from their Google accounts.
Originally created to help users transfer data to other services, it’s also a great way to create backups of important files.
With Google Takeout, you can download:
- Emails from Gmail.
- Photos and videos from Google Photos.
- Files stored in Google Drive.
- Contacts, calendar data, and more.
- Your YouTube content, including:
- Videos (without watermarks!)
- Playlists
- Watch history
- Subscriptions
- Comments and live chat messages
- YouTube Music library and likes
Most people use this tool for photo backups or email exports, but it’s also an incredibly useful tool for YouTubers!
Why Use Google Takeout for YouTube Videos?
If you’ve ever tried downloading your videos directly from YouTube Studio, you may have noticed:
❌ Watermarked downloads.
❌ Lower video quality than the original upload.
❌ No metadata or timestamps.
By using Google Takeout, you get:
✅ Original, unaltered video files in the same resolution you uploaded.
✅ No YouTube watermark, so you don’t need watermark removal software.
✅ Higher-quality exports than downloading from YouTube Studio.
✅ All videos in one organized file, making it easy to store backups. This is especially important if you delete videos, switch channels, or need high-quality files for social media repurposing.
How to Download Your YouTube Videos Without Watermarks.
1️⃣ Go to Takeout.Google.com
- Sign in with the Google account linked to your YouTube channel.
2️⃣ Click “Deselect All”.
- Since the tool includes all Google services by default, this ensures you only download what you need.
3️⃣ Scroll Down to “YouTube and YouTube Music”.
- Check the box next to it.
- Leave the ‘Multiple formats’ settings as is.
4️⃣ Customize Your Download.
- Click “All YouTube Data Included”
- Deselect everything except “Videos” (unless you want other data too).
5️⃣ Choose Export Settings.
- File Type: Select .zip (easier to download and open).
- Delivery Method: Choose email download, Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive.
- Frequency: Select “Export once” or “Export every 2 months for 1 year”.
6️⃣ Click “Create Export”.
- Google will process your request, which may take a few hours to a few days, depending on how much content you have.
7️⃣ Download Your Videos.
- Once ready, Google will email you a link to download your files.
- Save them securely on an external hard drive or cloud storage for easy access.
What Else Can Google Takeout Retrieve?
Aside from YouTube videos, Google Takeout allows you to download:
📂 Playlists & Subscriptions.
- Export your saved playlists and list of subscribed channels.
📖 Watch History & Search History.
- Get a record of all the videos you’ve watched and searched for.
💬 Comments & Live Chat Messages.
- Download every comment you’ve made or responded to on YouTube.
🎵 YouTube Music Data.
- Retrieve your liked songs, playlists, and music preferences.
📈 Channel Data & Analytics.
- Export channel performance data, including impressions, clicks, and audience insights.
Final Thoughts
Many YouTubers don’t realize that Google Takeout is the best way to download their content without the YouTube watermark.
No more low-quality, watermarked downloads or struggling with watermark removal software, takeout.google.com ensures you get high-quality, original copies of your work.
So, if you need to repurpose your videos, create backups, or switch platforms, Google Takeout is a must-have in your toolbox!
🔹 Have you used Google Takeout before? Will this tool help you with your content creation? Let me know in the comments!
