App Store Reject

Guideline 5.2.3

Guideline 5.2.3 - Legal: Enabling Download of Copyrighted Media

High RiskMedium DifficultyTypical Fix: 2-8 hours0 Reports
Also known as:App enables downloading videos from YouTube or other platformsApp facilitates saving or ripping copyrighted musicApp allows downloading social media content (stories, reels, posts)App includes stream ripping or media download functionalityHidden download feature discovered during review

Our Take

Apple is rejecting your app because it facilitates the downloading, ripping, or saving of copyrighted media from third-party sources without authorization. This covers YouTube video downloaders, music downloaders, stream rippers, and any app that enables users to save copyrighted content from services like YouTube, Spotify, SoundCloud, TikTok, Instagram, or other platforms. This is one of Apple's firmest rejections — there is essentially no compliant version of a YouTube downloader or music ripper. Even if you label the feature 'for personal use,' add disclaimers about copyright, or only save audio, Apple will reject the app. The same applies to apps that save others' social media posts, stories, or reels. The rejection also covers apps with hidden downloader functionality that is not immediately visible to the reviewer. Apple is aware of common tricks like hiding the download feature behind a secret gesture, enabling it via a server-side flag after approval, or disguising it as a 'bookmark' or 'save for later' feature that actually downloads the full media file.

Resolution Guide

01

**Remove all download functionality** — Delete any feature that downloads, saves, rips, or caches copyrighted media from third-party services. This includes video downloads, audio extraction, stream recording, and screenshot/screen recording features designed to capture third-party content.


02

**Remove hidden or deferred features** — If you have server-side flags, hidden gestures, or deferred activation for download features, remove the code entirely. Apple may audit your binary.


03

**Switch to streaming/linking** — Instead of downloading content, link to it or embed it using the platform's official embed/share APIs. Users can view content but not save it.


04

**Focus on original content** — If your app's core value is media consumption, pivot to original content, user-generated content, or properly licensed media libraries.


05

**Review your app concept** — If the download feature IS the app, you need a fundamentally different app concept. Media downloader apps are categorically rejected.

Prevention

  • Never build features that download copyrighted media from third-party services
  • Use official embed/share APIs for third-party content
  • If your business model depends on downloading copyrighted content, it's not viable on the App Store

    • Example Rejection Email

    From:Apple App Review Team
    Subject:Guideline 5.2.3 - Legal: Enabling Download of Copyrighted
    Guideline 5.2.3 - Legal - Intellectual Property Your app enables the download, saving, or ripping of copyrighted media from third-party sources without authorization from the content owner. Specifically, your app allows users to download [videos/music/content] from [YouTube/Spotify/TikTok/etc.] and save them to the device. This functionality facilitates copyright infringement. Next Steps: Please remove all functionality that enables downloading, saving, or ripping copyrighted content from third-party sources. This includes features that save media for offline use from services that do not authorize such functionality through their official APIs.

    Before & After

    Before — Rejected

    App allows users to paste a YouTube URL, select quality, and download the video as an MP4 to their device's camera roll

    After — Approved

    App removed all download functionality; YouTube content is now displayed using the official YouTube iFrame Player API for streaming only; users can bookmark videos within the app but cannot save media files

    What changed: There is no compliant way to enable downloading copyrighted media. The entire feature must be removed, not modified.

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