Tip: If you’re interested in using the YouTube to 3GP feature, you can visit our website
YouTube offers a plethora of rich video content, supporting playback of 8K/4K high-quality videos for an almost perfect viewing experience. The only downside is that these YouTube videos can’t be downloaded freely. Users need to subscribe to YouTube Premium, and even then, the highest resolution supported for download is 1080p. These videos can only be played within the YouTube website or app, making offline viewing impossible.
To adapt to YouTube’s streaming platform, there are numerous ways to download YouTube videos in MP4 format for free. After testing, we’ve compiled 16 methods with high success rates for downloading YouTube videos. These include specialized software, online URLs that don’t require installation, and convenient browser extensions. Let’s dive in and see which method suits you best!
Note: Downloaded YouTube videos are for personal use and enjoyment only. Commercial use is prohibited.
| Website | Format/Quality | Security | Stability | Ad Interference | Recommendation Index |
| VideoHunter | 8K,MP4/WEBM | High | High | × | ★★★★★ |
| TuneFab | 1080p,MP4 | High | High | × | ★★★★★ |
| Inovideo | 8K,MP4/WEBM | High | High | × | ★★★★★ |
| ByClick | 8K, 7 formats including MP4/WEBM/FLV | Middle | Middle | ✓ | ★★★☆☆ |
| HitPaw | 8K,MP4 | High | Middle | × | ★★★★☆ |
| Freemake | 4K, 5 formats including MP4/AVI/MKV | Middle | High | ✓ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Yout | 1080p,MP4 | Middle | Low | × | ★★★☆☆ |
| Savieo | 1080p,MP4 | Middle | Low | × | ★★★★☆ |
| X2Convert | 1080p,MP4/3GP | Low | Low | ✓ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Converto | 720p,MP4 | Low | Low | ✓ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| GetYouTube | 720p,MP4 | Middle | Low | × | ★★★☆☆ |
| Videovor | 720p,MP4 | Middle | Low | × | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Keepvid | 8k,MP4/3GP | Low | Low | ✓ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| SnapInsta | 1080p,MP4 | Low | Low | ✓ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| 4K Downloader | 8k,MP4 | Middle | Low | ✓ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Video Downloader | 1080p,MP4 | Low | Low | × | ★★☆☆☆ |
Use Professional Software for Batch Downloading High-Quality YouTube Videos
There are many ways to download YouTube videos or convert YouTube to MP4, but if you’re looking for a fast, easy-to-use, and secure method, professional software is the way to go. Next, we’ll introduce six software options to help you decide which one could be your go-to YouTube video downloader.
VideoHunter YouTube Downloader
First up is VideoHunter YouTube Downloader, designed specifically for YouTube users. With just three simple steps, you can successfully download YouTube videos to your Windows/Mac computer. Additionally, you can:
- Quickly download 8K/4K/1080p high-quality YouTube videos
- Convert YouTube downloads to MP4 video file format for flexible playback
- Batch download YouTube videos, playlists, and channel programs
- Easily download region-restricted YouTube videos
- Supports YouTube to 3GP
| Video Format | MP4 / WEBM |
| Resolution | 144p / 240p / 360p / 480p / 720p / 1080p / 4K / 8K |
| Advantages | 100% Safe and Virus-Free / High Success Rate / Supports Batch Downloading of YouTube Videos / Supports Parsing YouTube Playlists/Supports YouTube to 3GP |
| Disadvantages | Software Download Required |
| Website | https://videohunter.tw/youtube-downloader |
Download Steps:
- Launch the installed VideoHunter YouTube video downloader software.
- Copy the URL of the YouTube video or playlist you want to download and paste it into the program’s main interface. Click the “Analyze” button and wait for the software to analyze the YouTube video.
- Once the analysis is successful, choose the export format and resolution in the pop-up window. Then click the “Download” button and wait for the software to download the YouTube video to the designated folder (you can set this by clicking the folder icon in the bottom left corner).
TuneFab YouTube Music Converter
The second recommended YouTube to MP4 converter is TuneFab YouTube Music Converter, a software specifically designed for downloading music videos from the YouTube Music platform.
It comes with an in-built YouTube Music web player, allowing users to add desired YouTube Music videos to the conversion list without needing a Premium subscription or even logging into an account. Here are its key features:
- In-built YouTube Music web page for direct access
- Download YouTube music videos as MP4 files for flexible playback, also supports output in MP3/M4A/FLAC/WAV formats
- Batch download YouTube Music songs, playlists, albums, and live performances
| Video Format | MP4 |
| Resolution | 480p/720p/1080p |
| Advantages | No Login Required, 100% Safe and Virus-Free / Batch Downloading of YouTube Music Videos / Supports Parsing YouTube Music Playlists |
| Disadvantages | Software Download Required/Not Supports YouTube to 3GP |
| Website | https://www.tunefab.tw/youtube-music-converter |
Download Steps:
- Launch the installed TuneFab YouTube Music Converter and click on the ‘Preferences’ in the top-right corner. Check the box for ‘Download music MV simultaneously’ and set your desired audio output format.
- Return to the main interface and drag the MV songs you want to download to the ‘+’ icon at the bottom right to create a download task.
- Go to the conversion list, confirm and select the songs, then click the ‘Convert’ button at the bottom right. Wait for the program to download the YouTube Music videos. Once downloaded, click ‘Conversion Complete’ > ‘Show Output File’ to view the audio files and the simultaneously downloaded MP4 video files.
Inovideo YouTube Downloader
Inovideo YouTube Downloader also easily solves the problem of ‘how to download YouTube videos.’ With three quick steps, you can download YouTube videos in resolutions up to 8K/4K/1080p. Its video parsing technology is on par with VideoHunter YouTube Downloader.
| Video Format | MP4 / WEBM |
| Resolution | 144p / 240p / 360p / 480p / 720p / 1080p / 4K / 8K |
| Advantages | 100% Safe and Virus-Free / High Success Rate / Supports Batch Downloading of YouTube Videos / Supports Parsing YouTube Playlists/Supports YouTube to 3GP |
| Disadvantages | Software Download Required to Computer |
| Website | https://www.inovideoapp.com/youtube-downloader |
Download Steps:
- Launch the software and copy the YouTube video link.
- Paste it into the main interface of the software and analyze it.
- Choose the export format and resolution, then start downloading.
ByClick Downloader
ByClick Downloader has a more retro interface and supports downloading videos from YouTube and other websites, supporting up to 8K resolution. One interesting feature is its ‘Auto Detect’ function, which prompts you to download a video as soon as you copy a YouTube link.
| Video Format | MP4 / WEBM / FLV / AVI / WMV / 3GP / MKV |
| Resolution | 144p / 240p / 360p / 480p / 720p / 1080p / 4K / 8K |
| Advantages | Features “Auto-Detect” Function, No Need to Switch Pages / Supports Downloading YouTube Videos in High-Quality MP4 Format/Supports YouTube to 3GP |
| Disadvantages | Must Download to Computer / Free Trial Only Lasts One Day / In-App Advertisements / Prone to Crashing and Freezing / Only Supports Windows Systems |
| Website | https://www.byclickdownloader.com |
Download Steps:
- Copy the YouTube video link and launch the software.
- Set the video export path, format, and quality, then click the ‘Paste Link’ button.
- Wait for the software to start downloading the YouTube video.
You can also click on the ‘Auto Detect’ in the bottom right corner of the software interface to set the program to automatically download when a video link is copied.
HitPaw
HitPaw Video Converter is a conversion software with embedded video downloading features. Therefore, you can easily download YouTube videos as MP4 files. The interface is clean and the operation is straightforward, making it easy to download your favorite videos for offline viewing.
| Video Format | MP4 |
| Resolution | 480p / 720p / 1080p / 4K / 8K |
| Advantages | User-Friendly Interface / Supports Batch Downloading of YouTube Videos / Can Parse YouTube Playlists, Supports YouTube to 3GP |
| Disadvantages | Software Must Be Downloaded to Computer / Free Trial Limited to Downloading One Video/Not Supports YouTube to 3GP |
| Website | https://www.hitpaw.tw/video-converter.html |
Download Steps:
- Copy the YouTube video link, launch the software, and go to the ‘Download’ interface.
- Click the download button on the interface and choose the video resolution.
- Wait for the software to start downloading the YouTube video.
Freemake
Freemake Video Downloader is another software that can download YouTube videos. Although it claims to be completely free, you’ll still need to spend at least $0.95 for a week’s trial period, and you still won’t have access to all the download features.
| Video Format | MP4 / AVI / MKV / WMV / 3GP |
| Resolution | 240p / 360p / 480p / 720p / 1080p / 4K |
| Advantages | Built-in Video Conversion Feature / User-Friendly Interface / Supports Bypassing Regional Restrictions for YouTube Downloads/Support YouTube to 3GP |
| Disadvantages | Must Be Downloaded to Computer / $0.95 Only Gets One Week of Trial Service / Only Supports Single File Downloads / Only Supports Windows Systems |
| Website | https://www.freemake.com/tw/free_video_downloader |
Download Steps:
- Copy the YouTube video link and launch the software.
- Click the ‘Paste URL’ button in the top left corner and choose the video export format and quality.
- Wait for the software to download the YouTube video.
The above are 6 methods for downloading YouTube videos. Although all of them require software to be downloaded to your computer, they come with the security assurance of a legitimate team, as well as 24/7 support and service, giving you peace of mind. Generally speaking, professional software will have more powerful YouTube video download technology and more user-friendly and rational design features.
If you are more concerned about downloading third-party programs, you can also try the 8 online YouTube download tools that will be introduced next, which do not require installation.
Easily Achieve YouTube MP4 Downloads with YouTube Online Video Download Tools
There are many online tools available that allow you to download YouTube videos without installation. Their usage methods are generally similar, so the editor will only provide the usage methods for one or two online YouTube video downloaders. With your intelligence, you can easily extrapolate how to use other tools.
Yout
Yout is a “very resilient” YouTube video download tool. Even when many other sites are “down” and unusable, it can still provide service. However, it’s uncertain when it might cease operations, so use it while you can. Additionally, it allows users to download videos via two methods.
| Video Format | MP4 |
| Resolution | 144p / 240p / 360p / 480p / 720p / 1080p |
| Advantages | Easy to use / No installation required / No ad interference / Two download channels available / Supports YouTube to 3GP conversion |
| Disadvantages | Poor stability, prone to crashes / Only supports single-file downloads |
| Website | https://yout.com |
Download Method:
- Copy the YouTube video link and go to the Yout website.
- Paste the link into the box and select the video export quality.
- Wait for Yout to download the YouTube video to your computer.
Savieo
Savieo has a clean interface and is easy to use.
| Video Format | MP4 |
| Resolution | 360p / 720p / 1080p |
| Advantages | Easy to use / No installation required / No ad interference / Supports downloading video subtitles (cannot be merged with video during download)/Supports YouTube to 3GP |
| Disadvantages | Poor stability, prone to crashes / Only supports single-file downloads / Slower video resolution speed |
| Website | https://savieo.com |
X2Convert
Compared to Yout and Savieo, X2Convert has the “common problem” of most online YouTube video download tools—ad interference. It also asks for permission to “show notifications,” making it less secure. The editor believes you have better options.
| Video Format | MP3/3GP |
| Resolution | 144p / 240p / 360p / 480p / 720p / 1080p |
| Advantages | Easy to use / No installation required/Supports YouTube to 3GP conversion |
| Disadvantages | Poor stability, prone to crashes / Only supports single-file downloads / Ad interference / Requires notification permissions |
| Website | https://x2convert.cc |
Download Method:
- Copy the YouTube video link and go to the X2Convert website.
- Paste the link into the box, select the video export format/quality, and click “Get Link.”
- Click “Download” and wait for X2Convert to download the YouTube video to your computer.
Tip: If you are redirected to another page after clicking the “Download” button, close it and return to the X2Convert page to continue downloading.
Converto
Converto on YouTube occasionally has full-page ads, making it easier for accidental clicks to occur. It’s less secure and could potentially bring viruses to your computer, so consider this method carefully.
| Video Format | MP4 |
| Resolution | 720p |
| Advantages | Easy to use / No installation required/Supports YouTube to 3GP |
| Disadvantages | Poor stability, prone to crashes / Only supports single-file downloads / Ad interference / Requires notification permissions / Slow download speed |
| Website | https://www.converto.io |
GetYouTube
GetYouTube has a very simple interface design, with only a box for pasting the YouTube video link and feature descriptions, making it very user-friendly. Additionally, it’s one of the rare online download tools without ad interference.
| Video Format | MP4 |
| Resolution | 360p/720p |
| Advantages | Easy to use / No installation required / No ad interference |
| Disadvantages | Poor stability, prone to crashes / Only supports single-file downloads/Not Supports YouTube to 3GP |
| Website | https://getyoutubehd.com |
Videovor
Videovor has a more advanced interface design and lacks messy ad interference. However, its video download technology is not yet mature, and it doesn’t allow you to customize export quality or even clearly state the resolution.
| Video Format | MP4 |
| Resolution | Unknown during download |
| Advantages | Easy to use / No installation required / No ad interference |
| Disadvantages | Poor stability, prone to crashes / Only supports single-file downloads / Cannot customize video export quality/Not Supports YouTube to 3GP |
| Website | https://www.videovor.com/en/downloader-online-g3 |
Keepvid
Among many online downloaders that don’t require installation, Keepvid is one of the few with a built-in “YouTube playlist download feature.” However, the editor found that it currently can’t successfully parse playlists, although this might change in the future.
| Video Format | MP4/3GP |
| Resolution | 240p / 360p / 480p / 720p / 1080p / 4K / 8K |
| Advantages | Easy to use / No installation required / Supports up to 8K resolution for downloads/Supports YouTube to 3GP |
| Disadvantages | Poor stability, videos are prone to decoding failure / Ad interference |
| Website | https://keepvid.works |
SnapInsta
SnapInsta is more user-friendly, offering many user guides to facilitate quick YouTube video downloads and conversions to MP4 files. Although it claims to support downloading 8K YouTube MP4 videos, the editor found that it only supports up to 1080p.
| Video Format | MP4 |
| Resolution | 144p / 240p / 360p / 480p / 720p / 1080p |
| Advantages | Easy to use / No installation required/Supports YouTube to 3GP |
| Disadvantages | Poor stability, prone to crashes / Can only download one file at a time / Ad interference / Requires notification permissions |
| Website | https://snapinsta.io/zh-tw1/convert-youtube-mp4 |
In summary, these are the currently usable YouTube download URLs that don’t require installation. Many online YouTube video download tools that the editor used to collect have ceased operations and are no longer usable. So if you find that some tools have stopped providing download services, you can continue to try other download URLs.
Although some no-installation YouTube video downloaders don’t have ad interference, these downloaders are still web tools and are not very “legitimate,” making them more susceptible to viruses.
Download YouTube 1080p Videos Quickly with Browser Extensions
In addition to software and online tools, some browser extensions can also download YouTube videos. We’ve found two extensions that are still functional. Let’s take a look!
YouTube 4K Downloader
This Firefox extension allows you to download videos directly from the YouTube interface without copying the video link. However, its download feature can be unstable, requiring multiple attempts to access the download interface.
| Video Format: | Unknown during download |
| Resolution: | 144p / 360p / 480p / 720p / 1080p / 4K / 8K |
| Advantages: | Generates a button directly on the YouTube video interface for one-click download/Supports YouTube to 3GP |
| Disadvantages: | Prone to failure / Unable to determine video export format during download |
How to Download:
- Open Firefox and navigate to the YouTube 4K Downloader extension page to add it to Firefox.
- Once installed and activated, go to the YouTube video you want to download and click the green “DOWNLOAD” button below the video.
- Choose the video quality and wait for the download to complete.
YouTube Video Downloader
This Chrome extension also adds a download button for quick YouTube video downloads. However, the installation process is more complicated and requires permission to access website data, posing a security risk.
| Video Format: | MP4 |
| Resolution: | 360p/480p/720p/1080p |
| Advantages: | Generates a button directly on the YouTube video interface for one-click download/YouTube to 3GP |
| Disadvantages: | Plugin installation process is complicated / Requires access to website data, posing a risk to personal privacy |
How to Download:
- Open Chrome and go to the YouTube Video Downloader page. Click the “Add To Chrome” button. You’ll be prompted to install another extension called “Foxified.”
- After installing “Foxified,” go back to the YouTube Video Downloader page and click “Allow Permissions.”
- Make sure “Foxified” is activated to use the YouTube download feature.
- Navigate to the YouTube video, click the camera icon at the bottom left of the video.
- Choose the video quality and wait for the download to complete.
Tips: Extensions can read/modify all data on websites, potentially compromising your privacy. Use with caution.
In summary, these two browser extensions offer a convenient way to download YouTube videos without ads. However, they are still in their infancy in terms of download technology. Either they offer limited video quality options, or they don’t provide information on the export format, each with its own drawbacks.
If you’re looking to choose a reliable YouTube video downloader, stay tuned for our upcoming summary to find out which method offers the most efficient and flawless way to download YouTube videos.
How to Download YouTube Videos Most Efficiently?
After comparing 16 different methods, VideoHunter YouTube Downloader undoubtedly stands out as the most suitable for downloading YouTube videos. It offers mature YouTube video downloading technology, supports high-quality video downloads, and can export them as universally compatible MP4 files.
Most importantly, it supports batch downloads and can even parse YouTube playlists and private videos. No matter what content you want to download from YouTube, it can help you achieve it perfectly!