How To Download From Youtube On Mac

Method 1: Use QuickTime to Screen-Record YouTube Videos on Mac. QuickTime is a Mac built-in extensible multimedia framework. You can use it to do a lot of things like video conversion, video editing, screen-recording, live streaming, etc. Aug 13, 2021 Download age-restricted content. YouTube has become extremely strict with its videos in the last few years. This is due to the multitude of companies and creators who want to make sure their content is addressing the right audience and is not misused.

  • Step 1: Free download the MacBook Air video downloader. Turn to Windows version if you are a Windows user. Then click 'YouTube' button, copy and paste the YouTube URL to the type box. Or click 'paste & analyze' button to automatically detect the YouTube videos on the opening website page. Step 2: Choose the video format, codec, resolution.
  • ☛ Get Auto Clicker on Mac - how to download Auto Clicker for Mac. Auto Clicker for MacOS from the link in the descrip.

After reading this article, you will learn four ways on how to download a YouTube video to computer, be it a PC or Mac. Apply one of them to save any video from YouTube or other video sites to your computer with ease.

Can you save a YouTube video to your computer

It's no doubt that YouTube is one of the most popular video sites in the world that allows uses to watch and upload videos of various types. However, users are not allowed to download YouTube videos to a computer on the site. That has troubled many users who want to download YouTube videos to their computer for offline-watching, video editing, or other purposes. Then, 'How can I download YouTube videos to my computer for free?', many users asked. Actually, although YouTube disallows its users to save videos from the site, there are many other ways available for you to download a YouTube video to computer. Thus, you can save a YouTube video to your computer as long as you use one of the workable ways below.

How to download YouTube videos to computer for free

How

The ways to download a YouTube video to computer include using a YouTube downloader, browser extensions, VLC media player, and online YouTube video downloader. Read on to learn how to download a YouTube video to computer using these ways and know about their pros and cons. Afterward, choose the one you like best to save videos from YouTube to your computer with simple clicks.

Method 1. Download YouTube videos to computer with a free video downloader

  • Pros: 100% Free, No Plug-Ins, No Ads
  • Cons: You need to download the YouTube video downloader

EaseUS MobiMover is originally the software for the data transfer between two iOS devices or between an iOS device and a computer. Given that many users want to download videos from sites like YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook, Twitter, and more to their computer or mobile devices like iPhone and iPad, it is later equipped with the video download feature. With it, you are not only able to download YouTube videos on PC or Mac but also save YouTube videos to your iPhone or iPad.

Key features of EaseUS MobiMover Videos Downloader:

  • Downloads videos from any popular website, including YouTube, DailyMotion, Vimeo, Facebook, Instagram, etc.
  • Allows users to save online videos to iPhone/iPad without iTunes or jailbreak.
  • Enables users to download videos to computer (PC, Mac, laptop) with high quality.
  • Supports download videos in MP4, MOV, MKV, AVI, FLV, and more formats.

In a word, you can download any video from any site using URL.

How can you save a youTube video to your computer for offline watching:

Step 1. Launch EaseUS MobiMover, go to 'Video Downloader', and choose to download YouTube videos to your computer.

Step 2. Copy the URL of the YouTube video, paste it into the bar, and then tap the 'Download' button.

Step 3. Then MobiMover will quickly analyze the URL and download the YouTube video to your computer. When it has finished, you can find the video in the selected folder on your computer and enjoy it offline.

As you can see, EaseUS MobiMover can do more than downloading videos from YouTube. In addition to being a video downloader, it can also serve as an iOS content manager that enables you to transfer files between an iOS device and a computer or between two iOS devices. Get it now and make it your good helper.

Method 2. Download YouTube videos on PC with VLC media player

  • Pros: 100% Free, No Plug-Ins, No Ads
  • Cons: You need to download the YouTube video downloader

VLC is known as a cross-platform media player software and streaming media server. You can not only play streaming videos but also download YouTube videos on PC with it.

Step 1. Download and install VLC media player on your PC.

Step 2. Open VLC and go to 'Media' > 'Open Network Stream...'

Step 3. Copy and paste the URL of the YouTube video you want to download in the box and click 'Play'.

Step 4. Click 'Tools' > 'Codec Information'.

Step 5. Copy the content in the Location section and paste it into the address bar of a browser.

Step 6. Click 'More' > 'Download' to save the video to your PC.

As you can see, this is not a direct way to download videos from YouTube. But it's workable. If you happen to have VLC installed on your PC, you can have a try.

Method 3. Download a YouTube video to computer via a browser extension

  • Pros: Convenient to use; Provides multiple download options
  • Cons: Some features are paid services; Can't download videos to mobile devices

How To Download Mp3 From Youtube On Mac

By adding a YouTube video downloading extension to your browser, there will be a 'Download' button under the video you are watching on the YouTube site, which enables you to download the video to your computer. There are many video downloading extensions available. Let's take the YouTube Video Downloader from addoncrop for example:

Step 1. Go to visit https://addoncrop.com/youtube-video-downloader/.

Step 2. The page will detect your browser automatically. Confirm your browser and click 'INSTALL VIA CROSSPILOT'.

Step 3. Download and install the extension. Afterward, restart the browser.

Step 4. Open the browser and go to YouTube.

Step 5. Play the video you want to download and now you can see there is a download button under the video.

Step 6. Click the download button to save the YouTube video to your computer directly or click the three dots next to it to choose other qualities available. (If you don't see the download button, click the icon of the YouTube Video and MP3 Downloader from the menu bar of the browser to download the video.)

Method 4. Save YouTube videos to computer via online video downloader

  • Pros: Convenient to use; Provides multiple download options
  • Cons: Has bothering ads

If you don't want to install any software or extension, you may prefer using an online video downloader to download YouTube videos to your computer. It's true that online YouTube video downloaders are quite convenient, but it's also undeniable that most of them are not 'pure'. For example, you may see many ads on the page, be redirected to another site while clicking 'Download', or the online tool may report failure while analyzing the URL of the video. If you don't mind these drawbacks, follow to see how to download a video from YouTube to your computer.

Step 1. Go to visit the online YouTube video downloader.

Step 2. Copy and paste the URL of the YouTube video in the address box and click 'Download'.

Step 3. You may be redirected to another webpage and there is an ad keeps popping up. Dismiss them and choose to download the video with or without sound and select the quality you prefer to download.

The Bottom Line

All of the four methods above will help you to download YouTube videos to computer. The first three of them need you to download and install software or extension, while the last one is an online tool with ads. You should have a clear mind about which one is best for you. Carry out it right now to save a YouTube video to your computer for offline watching.

To catch up with a video on YouTube is something that every user in a million across the globe is doing right now, right at this very moment, no matter where they are. Isn’t that really mind-boggling? The ensnaring response of our brain to calm down itself on watching videos is not something uncommon to be seen. Whether at work or not at work, taking a glimpse of what is up there on the home page of the website has become kind of an addiction nowadays.

But it’s not possible for users to have a steady network always. So it would be better for them to download videos from YouTube to Mac for later. But often who are new with YouTube sneak –peak find it hard to find a way to download videos from YouTube as there are no direct feature or provision from the site to do so. You need to have certain tools and applications on your system, whether on computer or on mobile. So long as they are not installed on your system, it will be difficult for you find a way to download the videos directly from the YouTube website on Mac OS X.

  • Download Robust Video Downloader for Mac software. Free Mac video downloader combines the simplicity of usage, full functions and fast speed. But a good portion of people prefer the software program to the web-based tool. This is mainly because the software runs better, more stable and reliable.
  • Here are the steps to download a YouTube video. Step 1, Copy (Ctrl + C) the video URL which you want to download. Step 2, Paste (Ctrl +V) the video link to the search box. Step 3, Click 'Download Now' to start the conversion process.

But you can't convert big video files using free online converters. It is up to 100MB. And the quality of the output files is so so. Using iPod video converter for mac. The Second Method is using iPod video converter software to convert youtube videos to iPod on Mac. For this you need the following: 1. A video to download. Video Converter.

Method #1: Download YouTube Videos to Mac using VDYoutube

VDYoutube is an online video downloading service which is basically used to download videos directly from online websites. Here we would use it to download videos from YouTube. The method is explained clearly in steps below:

Step 1. Go to the website of YouTube. On the search bar, type the video you want to download.

Step 2. Once the video page appears, go to the URL address bar, and add “vd” before the “YouTube” portion of the video’s URL and hit “Enter”.

Step 3. You will be directed to the website you just changed in the address bar.

Step 4. Now click on “Download” option which will open up a drop down menu with different options for download quality. Choose any option as per your requirement.

Step 5. After choosing any of the listed options, your downloading will be started. You may need to click “Save” before your download begins to save it in any particular folder.

WARNING: Do not choose any video quality which has “x” next to the speaker icon.

Don’t Miss: How to download videos from YouTube to Windows 10

Method #2: Download YouTube Videos to Mac using ClipGrab Tool

ClipGrab is a 100% free and easy video downloader available on internet market which is used for downloading videos from various websites. The tool is available for Windows, Mac, Linux also. We would make use of it to download videos from YouTube. Continue reading to know the method which is explained as follows:

Step 1. Firstly you need to download and install the ClipGrab tool. Click on the link to do so :

Step 2. Launch the program after installing it properly and copy the video URL link from the YouTube website.

Step 3. Now on the tool interface screen go to the “Downloads” tab, and insert the copied link into the input field. The tool will automatically collect all the necessary information regarding the video.

Step 4. Select the video format and quality from the “Format” and “Quality” box.

Mac

Step 5. After you have chosen everything as mentioned, click on “Grab this clip!” button. You would be asked to give a name for the video file. Once you give it, your downloading will be started just in a moment.

Method #3: Download YouTube Videos on Mac using VLC

VLC media player for Mac is one the popular media players available across internet. but actually it is not one-trick pony. There is a huge number of features underlying its surface which you might have been completely unaware of till now. For instance it can be used to download videos in addition to playing them. Continue reading to know the method in full scale:

Step 1. Select a video on Youtube and copy the video URL from the website address bar. Open VLC and go to “Media> Open Network Stream”.

Step 2. Paste the copied link in the box and click “Open”.

Step 3. Now,go to your VLC plalist, you will see your video listed in the program, just click to choose Media Information.

Step 4. A windows will pop up, just copy and paste the location URL into your browser’s URL bar.

Step 6. Go back to the YouTube website and paste the link in the address bar. This will automatically open the source file directory on YouTube’s server.

Step 7. Now right-click on the playing video and choose “Save Video as” from the context menu to initiate the download process.

Conclusion:

It is quite a cumbersome to always go online and watch the videos directly from the YouTube website. Thus it is better to download them onto Mac so that you can lavishly enjoy the video afterwards with no interruption of buffering or loading issues. The most viable way to do that is to third-party tools and web services which are genuinely explained above in the article. All that you have to do is to follow the guideline step by step to download YouTube videos to Mac OS X.

Related Articles:

You may hate funny cat videos or game reviews, but the chances are you still use YouTube. A mammoth of video content, YouTube is a go-to spot for many. In fact, the platform has over 1 billion users which is one-third of all internet users. Huge.

Or, maybe your daily companions are Vimeo and Twitch. One way or another, video content is a part of your digital life. The question is how to utilize it.

In this article, we compare top YouTube downloaders for Mac and explain how you can legally save video to Mac to watch it anytime and anywhere.

Best YouTube downloaders

Get a huge set of top tools to download videos from Youtube. Most helpful utilities in one pack, give it a go!

Let us warn you in advance, all YouTube download tools reviewed in this article are worth a try. To help you narrow down the choice, check the nice-to-have assets every safe YouTube downloader should have:

  • Works with all major video streaming platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, and Dailymotion.
  • Allows to save mp4 content and, optionally, convert to different formats.
  • Has support for audio output — allowing you to save music from videos.
  • Downloads entire playlists or channels in batch.
  • Caters for both professional and everyday use.
  • Guarantees data security, not collecting any of your personal information.

For sure, these are not one-size-fits-all qualities. You may need to batch download playlists, or this might be a totally useless feature for you. We made sure the reviewed tools satisfy the key needs — like security and integration with video streaming platforms. The rest is up to you and your priorities.

Quick navigation:

It’s not easy to step into the jungle of video downloaders and instantly pick the right fit – impossible if you’re new to Mac. There’s help, though.

How to download from YouTube

Whether to capture a few movies for an upcoming flight or save favorite clips to rewatch, Mac owners love to save content. The most basic tool should teach you how to download YouTube videos directly from URL. The problem is that it’s complicated to find an efficient free YouTube downloader. Not to mention they could be used for copyright infringement.

To legally save content from YouTube and video streaming services to Mac, as well as download music from videos, you can use third-party apps. As long as you’re not earning money from downloads or breach copyright, they are safe to use.

Download streaming video

Streaming content is a huge chunk of your internet traffic. Think Vimeo, Twitch, YouTube, Dailymotion, and other platforms where you can watch video displayed in real time. Relying on online streaming stymies your watching experience in many ways – from limited data usage to network issues. Plus Wi-Fi often fails you at the most crucial moments. Therefore, you need a reliable tool that helps you capture YouTube video.

If you’re wondering how to watch favorite YouTube videos offline without breaking any laws, let us help you.

  1. Choose the video and copy the URL (the app has in-build video search on YouTube/Vimeo/Dailymotion).
  2. Paste the link into the app and wait for the app to finish the download.
  3. Choose/customize the output format and storage location.

When using third-party tools, be careful about YouTube blocking downloads. If you comply with YouTube’s Terms of Service, you should be fine.

Download and save video from YouTube in mp4

Whether it’s native YouTube Premium or a third-party application, the tools you use to download mp4 from YouTube will by default save video files in mp4. There are different options on tweaking formats, though:

  • Retrieve only audio from your video file — tools like Downie and Folx will work for it.
  • Download video in mp4 with Elmedia Player.
  • Use Downie + Permute to download and convert to different formats — from FLV to MKV to AVI. The two work well together and are both available with Setapp subscription.
  • Customize the output before downloading and convert a poor-quality YouTube video to mp4 HD.
How To Download From Youtube On Mac

Grab YouTube video with YouTube Premium

Since recently, you can’t download YouTube video anymore. That’s because the service created a native tool for the job.

So if you ask YouTube for the best YouTube downloader, it will probably suggest you use YouTube Premium, a native paid subscription service to save content. For the monthly cost of $11.99, it allows you to keep YouTube videos on iPhone and Android devices. Here’s how it works:

  1. Open the video in your YouTube mobile app.
  2. Click on the download button below the video player.
  3. Customize the quality of the output.
  4. Once the video is downloaded, you’ll see the “download complete” icon below the player.

The app will automatically save YouTube videos you download to the Library or Account tab.

Top YouTube downloaders compared

Your

Below you’ll find a small collection of best Youtube downloaders that we recommend you look into. Use the apps to play, manage, and automatically save videos.

Best of all, you can use the full toolkit of apps reviewed in this article for a flat fee. Have a look at the full collection. You’ll find extensive descriptions of every YouTube downloader below.

FeaturesPulltubeDownieFolxElmedia PlayerAnyTrans
yesyesyesyesyes
Multi-threaded and batch downloads
yesyesyesyesyes
yesyesyesyesyes
Customize video quality / 4K and HD video supportyesyesyesyesyes
Convert video to audio and other formatsyesyesyesyesyes
Extract audio from videoyesyesyesyesyes
Download from YouTube, Vimeo, and any other websitesyesyesyesyesyes
3D and 360 degree video supportyesyesyesyesyes
Schedule downloadsyesyesyesyesyes
Customize speednonoyesnono
Browser extensionnoyesyesnono
Built-in searchyesyesyesyesyes
Built-in video and audio editing yesnonoyesno
Save to external storage, cloud, and other devicesyesyesyesyesyes
Totally free with Setapp subscription
Price$14.99 for Standart License$19.99 if purchased separately $26.99 Downie + Permute converter$19.95 Folx Pro license$19.95 Elmedia Player Pro license$39.99 AnyTrans Single license
AppPrice
Pulltube$14.99 for Standart License
Downie$19.99 if purchased separately $26.99 Downie + Permute converter
Folx$19.95 Folx Pro license
Elmedia Player$19.95 Elmedia Player Pro license
AnyTrans$39.99 AnyTrans Single license

Downie: Save YouTube videos within seconds

The easiest version of a YouTube downloader you can imagine. Grab a link, drag it onto the app icon, wait a few seconds for the content to travel to your Mac.

While you don’t really do much, you can do even less with the browser extension. Downie already has it, so you don’t have to install the extension separately – check the box in your browser preferences and you’re good to go. Magically, Downie can also scan text files for links and download video content from there.

In other words, Downie is a media downloader that commits to cherishing your time. Here are the key ways to align the app with your workflow:

  1. Enable Simple mode to get rid of distractions in Preferences > General. Perfect for those who are annoyed by a progress bar showing up each time a download takes place.
  2. Downie is also a search machine. You can find YouTube videos on for download by searching right in the app, without opening a browser.
  3. If you love YouTube concerts and music videos, you can download audio only. To set Downie to the MP3 mode, open Preferences > Postprocessing > Enforce MP3.
How can I download YouTube videos on my laptop with Chrome?You can use an online YouTube video downloader to download your needed YouTube video. Besides, you can also install a YouTube download extension fo...

This downloader automatically converts all videos to MP4, but if you need more options there’s Permute to help. It covers virtually all media formats and works both for video and audio. The app is basically Downie’s cousin, created by the same team of developers, Charlie Monroe Software. So you get a discount if you buy the two. Also, Downie and Permute are both available on Setapp.

Pros:

How To Download Any Video On A Mac: YouTube, Netflix, IPlayer ..

  • Simple and clean interface
  • Customizable functionality
  • 4K support
  • Integrates with YouTube video converter

Cons:

  • Limited file conversion options

Price:

$19.99 if purchased separately

$26.99 Downie + Permute

Starting at $9.99 per month Downie, Permute and 150+ apps on Setapp

Play and download video content with Elmedia Player

Elmedia Player is one of the best tools to entrust your movie watching experience to. Not only does it tell you how to save videos from YouTube, it also enables viewing content ad-free, right from the app. Download audio, convert to different media formats, or stream via AirPlay – it solves tons of problems.

Not limitless, but the functionality is pretty impressive. It’s a good idea to work with Elmedia Player if you want to:

  1. Organize downloads and bring them into curated playlists.
  2. Play Vimeo, Dailymotion, and YouTube videos in the app, without downloading.
  3. Open and convert files to different formats – from MP3 TO MKV.
  4. Extract audio tracks from YouTube videos.
  5. Stream media content to all Apple devices that support AirPlay.

Compared to Apple’s native QuickTime, Elmedia Player supports a bigger number of formats and is generally a decent alternative to the default program.

Pros:

  • Intuitive interface
  • Covers virtually all video and audio formats
  • Streaming capabilities

Cons:

  • Lots of features confusing for a beginner

Price:

$19.95 Elmedia Player Pro license

Counter strike free download mac os x. Starting at $9.99 per month Elmedia Player Pro and 150+ apps on Setapp

Swiftly download large videos with Folx app

There’s no better option than Folx if you’re big on big downloads. Combining the functionality of a download manager and torrent client, the app brings large videos to your Mac in a matter of minutes.

With your browser and Folx open, you can download any video from YouTube by URL. Once you have the URL, paste it directly into the search bar or click on the plus button > YouTube > paste the link. Give the app a few seconds to prepare a download, and click OK. Before you know it, the video is on your Mac.

How To Download Clips From Youtube On Mac

The in-built torrent client that is available to Pro plan users works in a similar way – simple and lightning fast. Navigate to the Torrent tab via the plus button. In the top search field, click on the three dots to select a torrent file, customize default preferences if needed, and click OK.

To accelerate the process, Folx splits downloads in up to 20 streams. The app also cleverly adjusts download speed to your online activities, so that not to hamper important programs and processes running on your Mac. To tweak the default speed settings in Folx, access Preferences > Smart Speed.


Pros:

  • Torrent search right in the app
  • Speed optimization
  • Download scheduling and auto-resume

Cached

Cons:

  • No free trial for Pro features

Price:

$19.95 Folx Pro license

Starting at $9.99 per month Folx and 150+ apps on Setapp

AnyTrans to download and transfer content

Many think of AnyTrans as an alternative to iTunes, but it’s much more than that. The app is an all-mighty file manager that works with all your devices. So whether you want to copy images from iPhone to Mac, or transfer from Android to iOS, AnyTrans has you covered.

Apart from cleverly managing your content, the app also helps you grab some new. Using an in-built Media Downloader, you can save video from 900+ websites, including Vimeo, Dailymotion, and YouTube.


Capturing and instantly sharing media is why you should pick AnyTrans over the other options. It has limited functionality in terms of download preferences, but is pretty good for capturing short videos.

Pros:

  • Clean and understandable interface
  • Excellent file control
  • Media transferring options

Cons:

  • Limitations in terms of integration with iTunes library.

Price:

$39.99 AnyTrans Single license

Starting at $9.99 per month AnyTrans and 150+ apps on Setapp

It’s ok if you have a hard time choosing your favorite. Some of the apps complement each other – like you could use Folx to capture large videos and transfer with AnyTrans. With Setapp subscription, you can try every mentioned YouTube downloader for free and choose what suits your flow. Or, don’t choose. Your Mac deserves all of them.

Downloading Youtube Videos Mac

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