An Introduction to Converting YouTube Videos
YouTube is a popular source for viewing all kinds of videos. However, you can’t watch YouTube videos offline unless you convert and save them.
YouTube Videos to MP4 converters major benefits include:
- Watching videos offline when you don’t have an internet connection
- Saving videos so you can watch them again later
- Making backup copies of important videos
- Watching videos on devices that don’t support Flash or WebM formats
- Converting videos for playback on smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles and more
- Editing or sharing videos in standard MP4 format
Choosing the Best YouTube to MP4 Converter
There are many software tools available to convert YouTube videos into the MP4 format. The key is finding a reliable converter that is fast yet offers strong quality and flexibility in the conversion process. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a YouTube to MP4 converter:
- Speed – Faster converters save you time when processing multiple videos. Look for tools that can convert quickly without compromising quality.
- Video Quality – Make sure the converter outputs MP4 files without degraded video quality, even at high resolutions.
- Audio Quality – Audio should also remain clear and high-quality during conversion.
- Flexible Settings – The ability to customize resolution, bitrates and other conversion settings is ideal.
- Device Support – Opt for a converter that lets you optimize MP4 videos for different devices.
- Simple Interface – The tool should make conversion easy, without technical expertise required.
- Reliability – Choose a converter with a solid reputation for consistent, successful conversions.
- Cost – Paid converters offer premium features, but excellent free options exist too.
With the right software, you can quickly convert even lengthy high-resolution YouTube videos to pristine quality MP4 files. Later in this guide we’ll recommend some of the bestYouTube to MP4 converter available.
Allavsoft can download video and subtitles from Youtube to mp4, avi, mov, wmv, mpg, wmv etc. Allavsoft also can directly download Youtube video and music files to mp3, wav, flac, wma, m4a etc. It can download video and music files without ads from Youtube. It also can download from Vimeo, Soundcloud, Twitter, ABC iView, BBC,
etc many websites.
Recommended 7 highest rated Youtube to MP4 converters
SSyoutube
Compatibility: Works on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS and Android
Recommended for: Simple online video conversions between common formats
SSyoutube is an online video converter ，so you can quickly convert videos to different formats. However, it lacks advanced customization options and only allows conversions of videos under 20 minutes.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Simple interface
– Supports common formats |
– Limited customization
– File size and length limits |
4K Video Downloader
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
Recommended for: Downloading videos from YouTube in up to 4K
4K Video Downloader makes it easy to download YouTube videos in their original quality. It can download playlists and channels and save them in common formats. The program downloads quickly and has a simple interface. However, it only works with YouTube links and lacks options to convert to different formats.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Downloads YouTube videos in original quality
– Can download playlists and channels |
– Only works with YouTube
– Free version limitations |
yt1s
Compatibility: Web application
Recommended for: Quick downloading of YouTube videos
yt1s is a handy online tool for saving YouTube videos to download. Just paste in a YouTube link and select download options. It’s fast, simple to use and even allows downloads of age-restricted videos. But it only works with YouTube and doesn’t allow format conversion.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Fast to use
– Allows download of age-restricted videos |
– YouTube only
– No format conversion |
VideoProc
Compatibility: Windows, Mac
Recommended for: Converting, editing and compressing video files
VideoProc is feature-packed software for converting video files into various formats. It provides presets optimized for different devices. The app can also edit and compress video files. However, the interface is complex and may overwhelm casual users.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Powerful editing and conversion features
– Optimized device presets |
– Complex interface
– Expensive for casual use |
DVDVideoSoft Free YouTube to MP3 & MP4 Converter
Compatibility: Windows
Recommended for: Converting YouTube videos to audio/video files
This software easily downloads and converts YouTube videos into MP3 audio or MP4 video files. The simple interface makes it easy to save just the audio or video from YouTube videos. However, it only works with YouTube links and has limited output format options.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Easy YouTube download and conversion
– Simple interface |
– YouTube only
– Limited output formats- Free version shows ads |
OnlineVideoConverter
Compatibility: Web application
Recommended for: Quick and easy video conversions
OnlineVideoConverter is a simple online video converter that supports many common formats. It makes format conversions easy with just a few clicks. However, it has size and length limits and lacks advanced features of desktop converters.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Quick and easy to use
– Supports many common formats |
– File size and length limits
– Have to reupload videos |
Zamzar
Compatibility: Web application
Recommended for: Converting documents and media files to various formats
Zamzar allows users to convert files like videos, audio, documents and images to different formats. The web-based service supports over 1200 conversion combinations. However, the free service limits users to 5 conversions per day.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Supports over 1200 conversion combinations
– No software download needed |
– Daily conversion limits for free users
– File size limits for video |
Detailed YouTube to MP4 Conversion Instructions for Windows
For Windows users, here is an expanded walkthrough for downloading and converting YouTube videos to MP4 using the excellent free software SSyoutube:
Step 1: Install SSyoutube Video Converter
First, download and install SSyoutube Video Converter for Windows on your PC. Launch the program when installed.
Step 2: Copy the YouTube Video URL to Convert
Browse to the YouTube video you want to convert and copy its URL from the address bar.
Step 3: Paste the URL into SSyoutube
In SSyoutube, click the +Video button and select “Paste video link”. Paste in the YouTube video URL.
Step 4: Select MP4 as Output Format
Under “Convert to”, select MP4 as the output file format you want to convert the YouTube download to.
Step 5: Choose MP4 Settings
On the right sidebar, you can optionally customize resolution, bitrate and other settings for the MP4 file output.
Step 6: Convert YouTube Video to MP4
Click the bright red Convert button to start downloading and converting the YouTube video to MP4 format.
Step 7: Save the MP4 Video File
Once completed, click the folder icon to open the MP4 video file and save it wherever you want on your PC.
Step 8: Watch the YouTube Video Offline!
You can now enjoy watching the YouTube video offline on your Windows PC anytime!
SSyoutube makes downloading YouTube and converting to MP4 a fast and seamless process. Just follow these steps to build your own MP4 video collection from YouTube.
YouTube to MP4 Conversions on Mac OSX
Mac users have excellent options for converting YouTube to MP4 as well. Here we’ll look at using the superb iSkysoft iMedia Converter Deluxe for Mac:
Step 1:Copy YouTube Video URL
Just like on Windows, first copy the URL of the YouTube video you want to convert.
Step 2: Launch and Add URL in Software
Open iSkysoft and click the + button to add the video. Paste in the YouTube URL.
Step 3: Select MP4 Format
Specify MP4 format under “Convert to” to set the output video format.
Step 4: Customize Settings
Tweak MP4 settings like resolution and bitrate based on your preferences.
Step 5: Convert YouTube Video to MP4
Finally click Convert and iSkysoft will download and convert to a high quality MP4 file.
Step 6: Find and Play the MP4 Video
Your new MP4 video can now be found in the output folder. Add it to iTunes or
FAQs
What’s the best YouTube to MP4 converter for Mac in 2023?
The landscape is always changing, but right now 4K Video Downloader stands out as a top choice. It’s optimized for the new M2 Macs, works great on Intel Macs too, and gives you HD and 4K quality downloads in MP4 or other formats.
Want a free YouTube downloader for Mac? Try these:
You don’t need to spend money to get MP4 downloads from YouTube. yt1s and OnlineVideoConverter are two excellent free online converters that work great on Mac. There are limitations, but they’re easy to use.
MP4 or WebM for YouTube – which is better?
MP4 is more compatible with devices like phones, tablets, and media players. But WebM can offer better compression and quality if your device supports it. For versatility, MP4 is a safer bet.
Can I use YouTube converters to download shorts?
You sure can! 4K Video Downloader, SSyoutube, and other top tools allow you to paste in links to YouTube Shorts and save them as MP4 files. Perfect for preserving shorts you want to keep.