If you’re looking to save a video for later, MP4 is your best bet. It’s a format that works on almost any video player, from Quicktime and Windows Media Player to VLC and MX Player. You can even transfer it to your phone or tablet for easy offline viewing.
Now, if you don’t know how to convert a YouTube video to MP4, it’s simple — just use a reliable program or website designed for the job.
How to Turn a YouTube Video Into a File: YouTube Premium
If YouTube Premium is available in your area, you can download videos to watch offline on your mobile device. You can also do this on your computer using browsers like Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Opera. Here’s how to download videos to your computer:
- Go to youtube.com and make sure you’re signed in to your YouTube Premium account.
- Find the video you want to save.
- Click the Download button below the video.
- Once the download is complete, the icon below the video will turn black to indicate it’s ready.
If your internet connection is interrupted while downloading, don’t worry —it will automatically resume once you’re back online. Then, head over to the Downloads section in the left menu to find your saved videos.
The mobile download process is similar; the interface just looks a bit different.
The thing is YouTube stores downloaded videos as BLOB (Binary Large Object) files, which are essentially raw data files that aren’t in a standard format like MP4. This means you can't just move them around or use them with other media players directly. So, we’ll need other methods for that.
Read also: How to Convert a YouTube Video to MP3
Any Other Ways to Download YouTube Videos?
Sure, there are definitely other ways, and some of them might actually be a better fit depending on what you plan to do with the file. For example, certain tools let you adjust video quality or even separate the audio if that’s all you’re after. These can be really useful if you’re editing, sharing, or moving files between devices.
But before diving into those methods, we’d like to mention something important: the legal side. You don’t want to risk running into any issues with YouTube or copyright holders. If you download content without permission, it can lead to trouble, so always double-check that what you’re doing falls within legal boundaries.
Always keep content use on the personal side, and you’ll avoid most of the headaches.
How to Convert YouTube to MP4: 4K Video Downloader Plus
Now, let’s get into the first tool — 4K Video Downloader Plus.
- Open 4K Video Downloader Plus.
- Copy the link to the YouTube video you want.
- Click the Paste Link button in the downloader.
- Select MP4 for the format, then choose the video quality and where you'd like to save it.
- Click Download.
You can also use the app’s built-in browser to find and download YouTube videos directly. This lets you browse and save videos all within the same app.
Does This Work on Any Website?
4K Video Downloader Plus works with a ton of websites, so it’s not just limited to YouTube. You can use it to download videos and audio from places like Vimeo, TikTok, SoundCloud, Facebook, Twitch, Bilibili, and a lot more.
The same goes for the other tools on this list — they’re not just for YouTube either.
How to Convert YouTube Video to MP4 on Mac: Built-In Tools
It’s not as straightforward as using a dedicated app, but Mac users can still use built-in tools like QuickTime Player to save YouTube videos as MP4s.
- Go to your Applications folder, find QuickTime Player, and double-click to open it. Then, click on the File menu at the top and choose New Movie Recording.
- Click the arrow next to the record button in QuickTime. From the dropdown, choose Movie Recording. Then, paste the YouTube video URL in the box that appears.
- Click the record button to start capturing the video. Once it finishes, click the stop button to end the recording.
- Go to the File menu and select Save. Choose Movie to File, then pick MP4 as the format.
- Finally, choose where you want to save the file on your Mac.
How to Use an Online YouTube to MP4 Converter
Here’s an easy way to save a YouTube video as MP4 — do it online.
- While the YouTube video is playing, go to the address bar at the top of your browser. Right-click in the address bar and choose Copy or use your browser’s shortcut.
- Once you’ve copied the URL, choose a reliable online converter, like Savefrom.net.
- On the converter site, find the box that says Paste your Link Here. Right-click in the box and select Paste, or use the keyboard shortcut.
- Make sure MP4 is selected, pick the quality you want, and click the download button.
Depending on the video and quality, it may take a few seconds or minutes to finish converting.
Why Can’t I Download Videos From YouTube?
If you’re having trouble downloading videos from YouTube, it could be a few things. Sometimes, YouTube’s rules make it tricky to download, especially for content that’s restricted by copyright. Other times, the problem could be with your internet connection or the tool you’re using.
If you’re trying to download from a private account or age-restricted video, that could be the issue, too — those types of videos usually can’t be downloaded without extra permissions. A quick update on your downloading tool might do the trick as well. If you’re still having trouble after checking those things, perhaps it’s time to switch to a different tool.
How to Convert YouTube to MP4 on Mobile
It’s simple to download videos to your Android phone or tablet with SaveThe Video app.
Open Chrome, tap the menu, and select Add to Homescreen to install the online app in just a few seconds. Once it’s ready, you can share videos or links from any app directly to the app.
Alternatively, you can download the video to your computer using the methods we mentioned earlier and then transfer it to your Android or iOS device. For Android:
- Unlock your device and connect it to your computer with a USB cable.
- Look for a notification on your device that says USB for charging and tap it.
- Select File Transfer from the available options.
- On your computer, a window will pop up, letting you move files between your device and computer.
- Once you’ve transferred your files, safely remove your device from the computer.
- Disconnect the USB cable.
For iOS devices:
- Connect your device to your computer using a USB cable.
- Open iTunes (or Finder on newer macOS) and select your device.
- In the File Sharing section, choose an app that supports video files (like VLC or a video player app).
- Drag and drop the MP4 file into the app’s document section in iTunes or Finder.
- Once transferred, open the app on your device and watch your MP4 video.
If iTunes isn’t your go-to, iCloud Drive, AirDrop, and Handoff are the best alternatives.
Tips for Converting YouTube to MP4
There’s not much to worry about or adjust, but hey, a little extra caution never hurts. It can save you time and headaches down the road! Here are a few things to consider:
Video quality
When converting, always go for the best video quality available. A clearer, more detailed video will give you a better result. Just keep in mind that higher quality means bigger file sizes. If you need to save space, a lower resolution still offers good quality without taking up too much room.
File size
Consider how large you want the file to be. If you’re low on storage, choose a lower resolution and bitrate for a smaller file. Also, if you’re converting for specific devices like smartphones or tablets, think about the screen size and what format works best for that device.
Device compatibility
Before converting, make sure the device you plan to use supports MP4. Most modern devices like laptops, smartphones, and tablets do, but some may need certain video formats or codecs.
Legal and ethical considerations
Always follow copyright laws and never download or convert content you don’t have permission to use. Stick to videos in the public domain or under a Creative Commons license. Use these tools responsibly and respect others’ rights.
To Wrap It Up
So, we’ve looked at some easy ways to turn YouTube videos into MP4. Whether you go with an online tool or a dedicated app is up to you. In any case, you can now enjoy your videos offline — just pick the method that works best for you.
