Sharing videos is one of the easiest ways to recommend useful tutorials, entertain friends, or send interesting content to family members. If you are wondering how to send video from YouTube on an iPhone, you can usually do it in just a few taps. You do not need special software, complicated settings, or advanced technical knowledge.

Your iPhone lets you share YouTube videos through Messages, WhatsApp, email, social media, and other compatible apps. In most cases, you simply open the video, tap the Share button, and select the person or app you want to use.

But what if you want to send a video to someone who does not have the YouTube app? Can you share a video at a specific timestamp? What should you do if the Share button is missing or the link does not work?

This guide answers these questions and explains several practical ways to share YouTube videos from your iPhone.

Table of Contents

Quick Summary: How to Send a YouTube Video on an iPhone

If you want the fastest method, follow these steps:

Open the YouTube app on your iPhone.
Find and play the video you want to share.
Tap the Share button beneath the video.
Select Messages, WhatsApp, Mail, or another available app.
Choose your recipient and send the message.

You can also tap Copy link to save the video URL to your clipboard and paste it into almost any messaging app.

Key takeaway: Sharing a YouTube video usually sends a link rather than the actual video file. The recipient taps the link to watch the video online.

What Does It Mean to Send a Video From YouTube on an iPhone?

When you share a YouTube video from your iPhone, you normally send a web link that directs the recipient to the selected video.

Think of a YouTube link as a digital address. Instead of delivering the entire video through your messaging app, you give someone the address where the video can be watched.

For example, if you find a cooking tutorial, you can send its link to a friend through iMessage or WhatsApp. Your friend can tap the link and open the video in YouTube or a compatible web browser.

This approach has several advantages:

It is quick and convenient.
It does not require you to download the video first.
It avoids sending a large video file through a messaging app.
It allows the recipient to watch the video at their convenience.
It works with many messaging and social media services.

However, the recipient still needs an appropriate internet connection and permission to watch the video. Private videos, age-restricted content, and certain regional restrictions may prevent access.

Method 1: How to Send Video From YouTube on an iPhone Using the Share Button

The YouTube Share button is generally the easiest way to send a video. It lets you choose from several available sharing options without manually copying a URL.

Step 1: Open the YouTube App

Unlock your iPhone and locate the YouTube app.

Tap the app icon to open it. If you do not have the app installed, you can open YouTube in Safari and follow the same general process.

Step 2: Find the Video You Want to Share

Use the search icon to find a specific video, or select one from your subscriptions, history, or recommended videos.

Before sharing, confirm that you have selected the correct video. Check the title and channel name, particularly if several videos have similar titles.

Step 3: Tap the Share Button

Open the video and look beneath the video player.

Tap Share to display the available sharing options.

Depending on your YouTube app version and screen layout, the button may appear in a slightly different position. If you do not see it immediately, look among the action buttons below the video.

Step 4: Choose a Sharing Method

You may see options such as:

Messages
WhatsApp
Mail
Copy link
Other compatible apps

The available choices depend on the apps installed on your iPhone and the current YouTube interface.

Choose the app that you want to use to send the video.

Step 5: Select the Recipient and Send

If you select Messages, choose a contact or enter a phone number. If you choose another messaging app, select the intended recipient there.

Add a short message if you want to explain why you are sharing the video.

For example, you might write, “This tutorial explains the process clearly. Have a look when you have time.”

Tap the send button to finish.

Tip: Always check the recipient’s name before sending a link, especially when sharing something personal or important.

Method 2: How to Send a YouTube Video Through iMessage

iMessage is Apple’s messaging service for compatible Apple devices. It is a convenient option when you want to send a YouTube video to a friend or family member.

Step-by-Step Instructions for iMessage

Open YouTube on your iPhone.
Find the video you want to share.
Tap Share below the video.
Select Messages.
Enter the recipient’s name or phone number.
Write an optional message.
Tap the send arrow.

Your message will normally contain a YouTube link. Depending on the messaging app and link preview settings, the conversation may also display a preview with the video title or thumbnail.

Can You Send YouTube Videos to Android Users?

Yes. You can generally share YouTube links with Android users through Apple’s Messages app.

The appearance of the message may differ depending on the recipient’s device, messaging service, and carrier. The recipient can usually tap the link to open the video in the YouTube app or a browser.

If the link does not open correctly, ask the recipient to copy it into Safari, Chrome, or the YouTube app.

Method 3: How to Send a YouTube Video Through WhatsApp on an iPhone

WhatsApp is a popular way to share videos with individuals and groups. Instead of downloading the YouTube video, you can send its link directly into a conversation.

How to Share a YouTube Video on WhatsApp

Open the YouTube app.
Select the video you want to send.
Tap Share.
Choose WhatsApp if it appears in the sharing options.
Select the contact or group.
Add a message if needed.
Tap the send button.

The YouTube link will appear in your WhatsApp conversation.

If WhatsApp does not appear in the sharing menu, use the Copy link method described later in this guide.

How to Share a Video in a WhatsApp Group

You can also send a YouTube video to a group conversation.

Open the group, paste the link into the message field, and send it. Group members can tap the link to watch the video.

Before posting, consider whether the video is relevant to the group. Sending helpful content is useful, but repeatedly sharing unrelated videos may annoy other members.

Why Does WhatsApp Sometimes Show Only a Link?

WhatsApp may display a clickable URL without a large thumbnail or video preview.

This can happen because of preview settings, temporary connection problems, or the way the link was shared.

The link can still work even when no thumbnail appears. Tap it yourself or ask the recipient to test it if you are unsure.

Method 4: How to Send a YouTube Video Through Email

Email is useful when you want to share a video with someone who prefers email or when you need to include additional information.

For example, you might send a training video to a colleague or share an educational tutorial with a classmate.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Open YouTube on your iPhone.
Navigate to the video you want to share.
Tap Share.
Select Mail or your preferred email app, if available.
Enter the recipient’s email address.
Write a subject line.
Add a short explanation and include the video link.
Review the message and send it.

If your preferred email app is not listed, choose Copy link instead. Open your email app, create a new message, and paste the URL into the body.

Example Email Message

Subject: YouTube Video You May Find Helpful

Hello,

I found this YouTube video and thought you might find it useful.

Watch it here: [Paste the YouTube video link]

I hope it helps!

Best regards

You can adapt this message for school projects, work discussions, tutorials, or personal recommendations.

Method 5: How to Copy and Paste a YouTube Video Link on an iPhone

Copying a link is one of the most flexible ways to share a video. It is especially useful when the app you want to use does not appear in YouTube’s sharing menu.

Your iPhone temporarily stores the copied URL on its clipboard, allowing you to paste it elsewhere.

Where Can You Paste a YouTube Link?

You can usually paste a copied link into:

iMessage and other messaging apps
WhatsApp and compatible chat services
Email messages
Notes
Social media posts
Online discussion forums
Shared documents

The exact options depend on the app and its features.

What If the Paste Option Does Not Appear?

If you cannot paste the link, try these steps:

Return to YouTube and copy the link again.
Open the destination app.
Tap the text field before pressing and holding it.
Select Paste when the menu appears.
If necessary, close and reopen the destination app.

Make sure you copied the URL successfully before switching apps.

Method 6: How to Send a YouTube Video at a Specific Time

Have you ever wanted someone to watch just one part of a long YouTube video? Perhaps the important explanation occurs 12 minutes into a tutorial.

You can often share a link that starts playback at a particular timestamp. This saves the recipient from searching through the entire video.

How to Share a Video Starting at a Specific Timestamp

Open the YouTube video.
Move the playback position to the point you want the recipient to see.
Look for a sharing option that allows you to start at the current time.
If the option is available, enable it.
Tap Copy link or select your preferred sharing app.
Send the resulting link.

The exact location and availability of the timestamp option can vary with the YouTube app version and interface.

What If You Cannot Find the Timestamp Option?

You can use a browser or another compatible method to create a timestamped link.

A standard YouTube watch URL may include a time parameter such as &t=90s, which indicates 90 seconds into the video. The precise URL format depends on the type of YouTube link.

For example, if the original URL is a standard watch link, adding an appropriate timestamp parameter may allow the video to open near the desired point.

Always test the resulting link before sending it. Some apps may remove or alter parts of a URL when you paste it.

Why Are Timestamped Links Useful?

Timestamped links are especially helpful for:

Educational tutorials
Software demonstrations
Online lectures
Product reviews
Music performances
Long interviews
Recorded presentations

Instead of telling someone, “Skip to around 15 minutes,” you can provide a link that takes them directly to the relevant section.

Method 7: How to Send a YouTube Video Through Social Media Apps

You may want to share a YouTube video through a social media app rather than a traditional messaging service.

The process is similar across many apps, although the exact options differ.

Sharing Through Facebook Messenger

Open the video in YouTube.
Tap Share.
Select Messenger if available.
Choose the recipient.
Send the link.

Alternatively, copy the URL and paste it into a Messenger conversation.

Sharing Through Instagram Direct Messages

If you want to share a video through Instagram, copy the YouTube link and paste it into a direct message.

The recipient can tap the URL to open the video. Depending on the current app interface, a preview may or may not appear.

Sharing Through Other Social Platforms

You can use the same general approach for other compatible social platforms:

Copy the YouTube link.
Open the destination app.
Start a post or conversation.
Paste the link.
Add a brief description.
Publish or send it.

Some platforms restrict clickable links in particular areas, such as certain profile fields or short-form posts. If the link does not work where you placed it, try sending it in a direct message or another supported location.

Method 8: How to Send a YouTube Video Without the YouTube App

You do not necessarily need the YouTube app installed to share a video from your iPhone.

You can use Safari or another compatible browser.

Share a Video Using Safari

Open Safari.
Visit YouTube.
Search for the video you want to share.
Open the video.
Use the available sharing controls or copy the address from the browser’s address bar.
Open your messaging or email app.
Paste the link and send it.

The layout of YouTube’s website may differ from the app, but the basic sharing process remains similar.

Is Sharing Through Safari Better Than Using the App?

Neither method is universally better.

Feature	YouTube app	Safari or another browser
Finding videos	Convenient search and recommendations	Search through the YouTube website
Sharing links	Built-in Share button	Browser sharing controls or address bar
App integration	Often offers direct app shortcuts	Depends on browser and website
Installing YouTube	Requires the app	Not necessary
Timestamp sharing	Depends on available controls	May allow URL editing or other options

Choose whichever method feels easier on your device.

Can You Send an Actual YouTube Video File Instead of a Link?

This is an important distinction.

When you tap Share in YouTube, you generally send a link to the video rather than an independent video file.

If you want to send an actual video file, you need to have a video file that you are authorized to share.

For example, you might record your own video, edit it, and send it through a messaging app. You could also share a video file you created and saved on your iPhone.

However, downloading someone else’s YouTube video and redistributing the file may violate copyright rules or YouTube’s terms, depending on the circumstances. Use authorized methods and respect the creator’s rights.

How to Share Your Own Video File

If you created a video and saved it in Photos:

Open the Photos app.
Select your video.
Tap the Share button.
Choose Messages, Mail, AirDrop, or another available method.
Select the recipient or destination.
Send the video or follow the app’s instructions.

The recipient may receive the actual file, a shared item, or a link, depending on the method you select.

Why Sharing a Link Is Usually Easier

Video files can be large. Sending them directly may take longer, consume more mobile data, or exceed an app’s attachment limit.

A YouTube link avoids these problems because the recipient streams the video from YouTube instead of receiving a separate copy through your message.

How to Share a YouTube Video With Someone Who Has No YouTube Account

In many cases, the recipient does not need a YouTube account to watch a publicly available video.

Simply send the link through a compatible messaging app or email service.

The recipient can tap the link and open the video in the YouTube app or a web browser.

However, certain restrictions still apply.

A private video generally requires the owner to grant access to the intended viewer. Age-restricted videos may require sign-in or age verification. Some videos may also be unavailable in particular countries.

If your recipient cannot watch the video, check its privacy status and any access restrictions.

How to Send a YouTube Video to Another iPhone Using AirDrop

AirDrop is Apple’s feature for transferring compatible content between nearby Apple devices.

However, sharing a YouTube link with AirDrop is different from transferring the actual video file.

Share a YouTube Link Through AirDrop

If your iPhone offers an AirDrop option in the sharing interface:

Open the YouTube video.
Tap Share.
Select AirDrop if available.
Choose the nearby Apple device.
Ask the recipient to accept the transfer.

Depending on the interface, you may instead need to copy the link and share it using Messages or another app.

Important: AirDrop does not automatically download a YouTube video as a standalone file. If you AirDrop a link, the recipient receives a way to open the video.

AirDrop is most useful when the devices are nearby and both people want to exchange compatible content quickly.

Common Problems When Sending YouTube Videos on an iPhone

Most sharing problems are easy to fix. The following troubleshooting tips can help if your video link does not send, open, or display correctly.

Problem 1: The Share Button Is Missing

If you cannot find the Share button:

Confirm that you have opened an individual video rather than a list of search results.
Look beneath the video player.
Check whether the YouTube interface has changed.
Update the app if an update is available.
Open the video in Safari and try sharing it from there.

Some videos or viewing contexts may offer different controls.

Problem 2: The YouTube Link Will Not Send

If your messaging app refuses to send the link:

Check your internet connection.
Copy the link again.
Paste it into a different conversation or a Notes document to confirm it was copied.
Restart the messaging app.
Try sending the URL through another compatible app.

If the message contains additional text, try sending the link by itself to identify whether the issue relates to the message or the connection.

Problem 3: The Recipient Cannot Open the Video

Several things may prevent a recipient from viewing a YouTube video.

The video could be private, removed, region-restricted, or subject to age restrictions. The recipient’s network or device may also be blocking access.

Ask the recipient to open the link in a browser and confirm that they are connected to the internet.

If the video is private, you may need the owner to grant access. Simply sending the URL does not make a private video publicly accessible.

Problem 4: The Video Preview Does Not Appear

A missing thumbnail does not necessarily mean the link is broken.

Messaging apps may display only the URL because of their preview settings, temporary network issues, or how the link was pasted.

Send the link anyway if you have confirmed that it works. You can also try copying it directly from YouTube rather than copying it from another message.

Problem 5: The Video Opens in a Browser Instead of the YouTube App

This can happen because of the recipient’s settings, the way the link was opened, or the operating system’s app-handling behavior.

The recipient can try tapping the link again, selecting an available option to open it in YouTube, or copying the URL into the YouTube app’s search or address interface.

Opening the video in a browser is also a valid way to watch it.

Tips for Sharing YouTube Videos Safely and Effectively

Sharing videos is simple, but a few good habits can make the experience better for everyone.

Check the Link Before Sending It

Open the video and verify that it is the correct one. A quick check can prevent confusion when multiple videos have similar titles.

Add a Short Explanation

Rather than sending a bare URL, tell the recipient why the video matters.

For example:

“This tutorial explains how to solve the problem.”
“Here is the recipe I mentioned.”
“Watch the section near the beginning for the main point.”
“This might help with your assignment.”

A short message gives the recipient useful context.

Use Wi-Fi When Possible

Sharing a link uses relatively little data. However, watching the video may consume a significant amount of mobile data, depending on its length and playback quality.

If you or the recipient have a limited data plan, consider using Wi-Fi to watch longer videos.

Respect Privacy and Copyright

Do not assume that every YouTube video can be freely copied or redistributed as a file. Sharing a link to a video is generally different from downloading and uploading another creator’s content.

If you want to distribute a video file, confirm that you have the necessary permission or rights.

Choose the Right Sharing App

Use the service your recipient already checks. Messages may be convenient for an individual, WhatsApp may be useful for a group, and email may be better for a formal or work-related message.

The best method is the one that allows the recipient to open the video easily.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I send a YouTube video from my iPhone to another phone?

Open the YouTube video, tap Share, and choose a messaging app. Select the recipient and send the link. You can also tap Copy link and paste the URL into any compatible messaging app.

2. Can I send a YouTube video through WhatsApp on my iPhone?

Yes. Tap Share beneath the YouTube video and select WhatsApp if it appears. Alternatively, copy the link, open WhatsApp, paste it into a conversation, and send it.

3. How do I share a YouTube video without downloading it?

Use the YouTube Share button and send the video link. The recipient can open the link and stream the video without receiving a separate video file.

4. Can I share a YouTube video that starts at a specific time?

Yes, in many cases. Use a timestamp option in the sharing interface if available, or create a compatible timestamped URL. Test the link before sending it to make sure playback starts at the intended point.

5. Why can’t someone watch the YouTube video I sent?

The video may be private, removed, age-restricted, or unavailable in the recipient’s region. An internet connection or device issue can also prevent playback. Check the video’s availability and ask the recipient to open the link in a browser or the YouTube app.

Conclusion: The Easiest Way to Send a YouTube Video From an iPhone

Learning how to send video from YouTube on an iPhone is straightforward once you know where to find the Share button.

For most situations, the simplest method is to open the video, tap Share, select Messages or another compatible app, choose the recipient, and send the link. If your preferred app is not listed, use Copy link and paste the URL wherever you want.

You can also share YouTube videos through WhatsApp, email, social media, Safari, and other compatible services. When you want someone to watch a particular section, look for a timestamp-sharing option.

Remember that sharing a YouTube link usually does not send the actual video file. It gives the recipient a convenient way to watch the content online.

Try these steps the next time you find a useful tutorial, an entertaining clip, or a video worth sharing. With just a few taps, you can send it to the right person and make it easy for them to watch.

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