A free YouTube downloader for Mac users to download YouTube videos and the built-in FLV player lets you watch downloaded YouTube videos conveniently. Choose any resolution - 1080p HD included - and begin the download. Here’s a quick tutorial on how to download a video from YouTube on Mac. Surf YouTube until you find a good video. Copy the URL from it. Airy’s main window has a text field; paste the video address into it. Here is a list of 2021 top YouTube MP3 downloaders for macOS. Free download the best YouTube MP3 for macOS and save MP3 audio to local Mac easily.

1. Download Music From Youtube To Itunes Mac Free
2. Youtube Downloader
3. Download Youtube Videos Free Mac
4. Best Video Downloader For Mac

After reading this article, you will know five easy and fast ways to download YouTube videos on Mac. Apply one of them to save YouTube videos to your Mac and then you can watch offline without an Internet connection.

As the biggest video site in the world, YouTube has a wide range of users who search, view and upload videos every day. However, unlike you can freely view and upload videos on YouTube, you can't download YouTube videos directly on the site. That's why so many users are looking for a way to download YouTube videos to iPhone/iPad, save videos from YouTube to PC, download YouTube videos on Mac, and more.

Given that, here we provide five proven ways to download videos from YouTube to Mac, including using desktop software, online service, and other workable ways. Read on to learn how to download YouTube videos on Mac in different ways and carry out the one best suited to your needs.

How to Download YouTube Videos on Mac in 5 Ways

Some of the ways below need you to download and install the desktop software, while others may not. Learn them in detail and you will know which one is the best YouTube downloader for you.

Method 1. How to Download YouTube Videos on Mac for Free

100% free, no ads, and no plugins, EaseUS MobiMover is a YouTube downloader that you can use at no cost and without any worries about bothering ads or add-ons. With it, you can download videos from many other websites. You can also transfer the downloaded videos from Mac to iPhone. Refer to the article on how to transfer file between iPhone and Mac for details.

To download YouTube Videos on Mac for Free:

Step 1.Run EaseUS MobiMover > Go to choose the 'Video Downloader' option on the left side > Choose a location to house the videos you download.

Step 2. Copy the URL/link of the YouTube video you wish to download, paste it into the download bar of EaseUS MobiMover, then tap 'Download.'

Step 3. Wait for MobiMover to download YouTube videos to your Mac. When it has finished, you can go to your selected location to check the downloaded item.

In addition to video download, MobiMover also has other features that will help you transfer files between two iOS devices or between an iOS device and computer, which will do a great help if you are an iPhone or iPad user. It's a versatile tool that can work as an iOS content manager and free YouTube downloader at the same time. Don't miss it and make it your good helper.

The newly EaseUS MobiMover for Windows makes it possible for you to rip audio from YouTube.

Method 2. How to Save YouTube Videos on Mac Online

Don't want to install any software? If so, you may prefer online YouTube video downloaders compared with desktop software. Honestly speaking, although much convenient, an online YouTube downloader may cause more troubles than a desktop program. According to my own experience, there are some issues that may occur while using an online tool to save YouTube videos on a computer, including:

• Ads keep popping up
• The users are redirected to another shopping site
• The tool can't find the video according to the link

And more. Luckily, not all the online YouTube downloaders are that troubling. Here is Keepvid that works well to get videos from YouTube onto your Mac.

Keepvid is one of the most popular online video downloader that allows you to download YouTube videos on a computer by inserting the video link into the address bar. You will like it if downloading YouTube videos in different formats and quality is what you need. Besides, it also serves the function of an audio converter that will extract music or other audio files from a YouTube video for you.

To download a YouTube video on Mac with Keepvid:

Step 1. Go to YouTube and copy the URL of the video you want to download.

Step 2. Visit https://keepv.id/ on your Mac and click the 'Download' button.

Step 3. After an analyzing process, you will see the download options available, including videos in different quality and audio in varying formats. Choose the format and click 'Download' to start downloading YouTube videos to your Mac.

Method 3. Download YouTube Videos for Mac with Chrome/Firefox

Want to download a YouTube video with the browser? If that's exactly what you want, you can't miss the helpful browser extensions shown below, which allow you to save YouTube videos on Mac using Chrome or Firefox for free.

To download videos from YouTube with Chrome:

Step 1. Go to visit YouTube Video and MP3 Downloader.

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

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

Download Music From Youtube To Itunes Mac Free

Step 4. Go to YouTube and play the video you want to download.

Youtube Downloader

Step 5. Now you should see there is a Download button under the video. Click the Download button to save the YouTube video to your laptop 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.)

To save a YouTube video on Mac with Firefox:

Step 1. Go to add the extension - Easy Youtube Video Downloader Express to Firefox.

Step 2. Restart Firefox.

Step 3. Go to YouTube and play the video you intend to download.

Step 4. Under the video, click the 'Download' button and choose one of the versions (MP4 360p, MP4 720p, MP4 1080p, MP3...) to download.

Of course, there are video download tools for Safari. You can search on the Internet and choose the one you like.

Method 4. Save YouTube Videos to Mac with VLC Media Player

How can you download YouTube videos on your Mac for free? One of the answers is to use the VLC media player. VLC is known as a free and open-source portable cross-platform media player software and streaming media. It also enables you to download a YouTube video on your computer, be it Mac, PC, or laptop.

Step 1. Download and install VLC media player on your Mac and launch the program.

Step 2. Go to YouTube and copy the link of the video you attempt to download.

Step 3. In VLC, choose 'File' > 'Open Network'. In the 'Open Source' window, paste the video URL in the address bar and click 'Open'.

Step 4. Right-click the video and select 'Media Information'.

Step 5. Copy the content in the 'Location' bar and paste the copied URL into the address bar. Then press 'return' to begin to play on your browser.

Step 7. Right-click the video and select 'Save Video as..' to start downloading videos from YouTube to your Mac.

Method 5. Grab Videos from YouTube to Mac with Screen Recording Features

Other than downloading videos from YouTube, you can choose to record the video and save it on your Mac. This method works best when you can't download a YouTube video due to copyright issues or other problems.

To capture the screen, you can either use the built-in screen recording feature in macOS or QuickTime Player.

• To use the built-in screen recording feature: Press Command + Shift + 5.
• To use QuickTime: Choose 'File' in QuickTime and select 'New Screen Recording'.

Common Issues Related to YouTube Video Download

There are some frequently asked questions from users about YouTube video download:

'How do I download YouTube videos to my Mac for free?'

If you have read this article, you know now that all the five methods detailed in this guide enable you to save YouTube videos to Mac for free.

'Can I download a video from YouTube with YouTube Premium?'

The YouTube Premium subscription allows you to download videos from YouTube, but only to mobile devices like phones and tablets. Thus, if you attempt to save a YouTube video to Mac, it won't help.

'Why can't I download YouTube videos?'

If you are going to download a private video or a video containing music, you may fail since these videos may give rise to copyright issues.

The Bottom Line

Among all the video download apps, which is the best YouTube downloader for you? Choose the one that fits your needs best to apply.

MP4 is one of the most common yet popular formats. As we all know MP4 is widely supported by many popular portable devices like iPhone, iPad, iPod, Xbox, etc. If we want to play YouTube on those digital players, we had better convert YouTube to MP4 on Mac at first.

As the biggest social media website in the world, YouTube offers hundreds of videos for you to watch, but it never allows you to download directly, so you feel it a little obstacle to watch your favorite YouTube videos on portable devices or players.

What’s the best YouTube to MP4 converter for Mac that can combine downloading and converting in one? This article would introduce the best video converter software as well as 7 online tools helping you convert YouTube to MP4 Mac free online.

The Most Powerful YouTube to MP4 Converter for Mac

Cisdem Video Converter for Mac is a professional toolbox for video conversion, video download, DVD ripping, etc. It's equipped with an easy-to-use and user-friendly interface, enabling you to smoothly batch convert & download videos, edit videos & add special effects, preset output parameters, and get high-quality results. You can get all the features from this tool.

System requirement: support macOS 10.10 or later, including Yosemite, El Capitan, Sierra, High Sierra, Mojave, Catalina, and macOS Big Sur.

Best YouTube to MP4 Converter for Mac

• Download videos from over 1000 popular sites, YouTube included
• Download YouTube videos in 480p, 720p, 1080p, 4k, or higher quality
• Convert YouTube to MP4, AVI, MKV, WAV, and other 300+ formats & devices
• Simultaneously download or Convert 5, 10, 20, or any numbers of YouTube videos
• Edit & enhance downloaded YouTube videos with real-time preview
• Rip DVD disc to MP4, MP3, or any digital media formats

Free Download

How to Use the Safe YouTube to MP4 Converter for Mac

Step 1. Run the software

Download Cisdem Video Converter for Mac. After installation, run it.

Click on the main dashboard to switch to the download interface. (as shown in the picture)

Step 2. Copy URL and start to download

Search a YouTube video you wish to download and copy its URL. Then go back to the Cisdem Video Converter, and paste the link into the media URL box at the bottom. Click to start the YouTube video download.

The software is able to perform batch YouTube downloads. So you add multiple links to the list to proceed.

Step 3. Convert YouTube to MP4 on Mac

Generally, the downloaded YouTube video should be in MP4 format. If you need to convert it to other file formats or convert the local YouTube to MP4, drag the video to the 'convert' section. You can feel free to choose out format, and trim, crop, rotate your YouTube video there.

Related: YouTubeInMP4 | YouTubeInMP3

Top 7 Tools to Convert YouTube to MP4 Mac Online

When it comes to ripping video from YouTube on Mac, there are two common ways. One way is to use professional desktop software like the one mentioned above, which is recommended due to benefits like high speed, a long list of supported websites, various output formats, support for HD content, and useful extra features. Another way is to do it online, which will be covered in this part.

Such tools share some common advantages and work in a similar, if not the same way. At the same time, they may also have their own additional features or options. Any YouTube to MP4 converter for Mac listed below is safe and easy to use for Mac users.

#1. SaveFrom.net

SaveFrom is one of the best online YouTube video converter tools that lets you convert YouTube to MP4 Mac. It allows you to fetch and download videos online quickly. You can convert the downloaded YouTube videos to several media formats, like MP4, 3GP, MP3, so that you can enjoy them on the MP4 or MP3 players.

Pros

1. Provide fast conversion and download
2. Support most popular media websites like Vimeo, YouTube, Dailymotion, etc.
3. Available in multiple languages
4. Available as a browser extension

Cons

1. Limited output formats for video conversion
2. No sound in downloaded 1080p (or higher) videos

#2. FLVto.biz

FLVTO is the name of music-file conversion software, developed by the Russian-based firm Hotger, the online tool is too limited in its output formats. You can only download and convert YouTube to MP4, MP3, and AVI.

One interesting thing, it offers some videos as “Most Watched Today” below, if you are interested in them, have a watch.

Note: This service also provides a desktop version. If you install it on your Mac, you will have access to more conversion formats such as WAV, AAC, MOV, WMV, and WMA.

Pros

1. Easy to use with few working steps
2. Offer an option to send a converted MP4 to Dropbox
3. Provide an official step-by-step instruction on how to use it
4. Available various languages

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#3. SaveVideo.tube

Note: OnlineVideoConverter used to be third on this list. However, it stopped support for YouTube, as shown in the screenshot below. In this 2020 update, I replace it with another great YouTube to MP4 converter for Mac.

With this YouTube to MP4 converter for Mac online, your favorite video is just a click away. In addition, it can also work with a few other video sharing websites. Once it finishes analyzing the video URL you’ve entered, it will list all the formats and video resolutions available for conversion and download. It’s convenient. It will also offer brief information like video title, duration, and thumbnail.

You can save the video by clicking the Download Video button or one of the Download buttons listed below. With the latter, make sure that you right-click the button and select Save Link As.

Pros

Best Video Downloader For Mac

1. Support a variety of platforms including YouTube
2. Provide multiple conversion formats like MP4 and WebM
3. Support SD and HD content, such as 720p, 1080p, and 4K

Cons

1. Limited conversion formats when compared to some other converters

#4. KeepVid

KeepVid enables you to convert YouTube to MP4 Mac free online with the minimum of hassle. It also offers a free version and commercial version app for your desktop. The Lifetime License for one Mac price is at $29. There are lots of definitions for the output you can choose. But it only supports download YouTube to MP4, M4A, 3GP, WEBM, MP3, ever Download its SRT subtitles.

Pros

1. Offer online version, free app, commercial app for downloading and conversion
2. Define output quality

#5. Clipconverter.cc

Clip Converter is an easy-to-use YouTube to MP4 HD converter for Mac. When you click the Continue button, it will start detecting media files available. When the process is finished, you will be presented with a list of available quality levels ranging from SD to HD, such as 480p, 720p, 1080p/60fps, 2K 1440p, and 4K 2160p. In addition to MP4, it also supports 3GP, AVI, MOV, and MKV as video conversion formats.

It's also worth mentioning the cutter feature. It lets you convert part of YouTube video to MP4 or another desired format.

Pros

1. Convert and save content from many popular websites
2. Support a number of conversion formats, including audio ones
3. Allow you to choose from a variety of video resolutions, high or low
4. Let you convert specific part of a YouTube video

#6. SaveTheVideo.com

Coming with a simple design, SaveTheVideo.com will help you download YouTube, Vimeo, NH Nieuws, Twitch, etc. at fast speed. In addition to converting YouTube to MP4 Mac online, it supports some other output formats, such as H.264, MKV, MP3, OGG, and more.

Pros

1. Download, convert and cut YouTube videos
2. Merge two different formats
3. Offer plenty of websites for video download

#7. oDownloader.com

oDownloader.com is an international online YouTube to MP4 converter for Mac. It supports over 20 languages on the page. The free service can handle videos from Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Vimeo, Instagram, and Soundcloud. It lets you save MP4 video, video without sound, or merely audio.

Pros

1. Show you the complete instructions
2. No prior registration required
3. Support 1080p (video) and 320 kpbs (audio)

From the above reviews, you can acquire the top 7 free tools to convert YouTube to MP4 Mac free online. They are the best of their kind. But some things are missing when compared to their desktop alternatives.

• Can’t support wider output formats
• No output preferences setting
• Lack of advanced and personalized features like edit, trim, create special effects for the downloaded videos
• No batch conversion

Conclusion

Each YouTube to MP4 converter for Mac featured above does a good job of converting YouTube videos. In my opinion, go with Cisdem Video Converter for Mac. It allows you to download YouTube videos to whatever formats (preserving the original quality) and can do others upper-level media processing. More importantly, it's safer than online tools.