How to Download YouTube Videos on Mac in 5 Ways
Quick Navigation:
- How to Download YouTube Videos on Mac Safely
- How to Save YouTube Videos on Mac Online for Free
- How to Download YouTube Videos for Mac with Chrome/Firefox
- How to Download YouTube Videos to Mac with VLC Media Player
- How to Capture Videos from YouTube to Mac with Screen Recording Features
- Other Tips to Download YouTube Video & Audio
- Tip 1. How to Download YouTube Videos on iPhone/iPad
- Tip 2. How to Download Videos from YouTube to Android
- Tip 3. How to Download YouTube Live Streams
- Tip 3. How to Download Songs from YouTube Music
- Tip 4. How to Convert YouTube Videos to MP3
- Tip 5. How to Get YouTube Video Thumbnails
- Common Issues Related to YouTube Video Download
- "How do I download YouTube videos to my Mac for free?"
- "Can I download a video from YouTube with YouTube Premium?"
- "Why can't I download YouTube videos?"
- The Bottom Line
After reading this article, you will know Here are five easy and fast ways to download YouTube videos on Mac:To save YouTube videos to your Mac, you can use a browser extension like Video DownloadHelper or a third-party app like 4K Video Downloader. These tools allow you to download YouTube videos in various formats, including MP4 and AVI, and even extract audio from videos. With these tools, you can save YouTube videos to your Mac and watch them offline without needing an Internet connection.
YouTube, the world's largest video platform, has a vast user base that searches, views, and uploads videos daily. Despite being able to freely view and upload videos, users can't download them directly from the site, prompting the need for alternative methods to convert YouTube videos to MP4 on iPhone/iPad, save videos from YouTube to PC, or download YouTube videos on Mac.
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.
To determine the best YouTube downloader for your needs, it's essential to learn about the various options available. Some of these methods require you to download and install desktop software, while others may not. By exploring each option in detail, you'll be able to identify the one that suits your requirements best.
How to Download YouTube Videos on Mac Safely
100% no ads and no plugins, Qiling Video Downloader is a reliable video downloader for Mac that allows users to download videos from various websites without any ads or add-ons, providing a seamless and worry-free experience.
- Multiple download formats - Downloads YouTube videos in MP4, MP3, or WAV format
- High-quality videos - Downloads YouTube videos up to 8K
- Batch downloads - Allows downloading videos in bulk
- Subtitle downloadsYou can download subtitles of a video by using a subtitle download website or app that supports the video's format. Some popular options include Yidio, Subtitle Downloader, and Subtitles Downloader.
To download YouTube Videos on Mac easily:
Step 1. To download a video from YouTube using Qiling Video Downloader, open the software, navigate to YouTube, find the video you want to download, copy its URL, and paste it into the Search bar of Qiling Video Downloader, then click "Search" to proceed.
Step 2. You'll see the video with a "Download" button below it. Clicking that button will allow you to continue.
Step 3. A setting dialog will appear, allowing you to select the desired output format and resolution for the video. You can also choose to download subtitles in a specific language. Once you've made your selections, click the "Download" button to initiate the download process.
Step 4. Wait for the download to complete, and then you can check the downloaded items in the Downloaded library.
Disclaimer: Be cautious when downloading videos, and verify the source to ensure they are not copyrighted, as using them for commercial purposes without authorization is illegal.
Qiling Video Downloader supports not only YouTube but also various other video sites and social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, and Twitch. This tool can be very helpful for users who frequently need to download videos or audio from multiple online sources, making it easier to save content from different platforms with just one tool.
How to Save YouTube Videos on Mac Online for Free
If you don't want to install any software, you might prefer online YouTube video downloaders, but be aware that they can be more trouble than desktop programs, which can cause issues like slow download speeds, poor video quality, and potential malware threats.
- Ads keep popping up
- The users are redirected to another shopping site
- The tool can't find the video according to the link
Fortunately, not all online YouTube downloaders are problematic. Keepvid is a reliable option that allows you to download videos from YouTube and save them to your Mac.
Keepvid is a popular online video downloader that allows users to download YouTube videos by inserting the link into the address bar. It also serves as an audio converter, enabling users to extract music or other audio files from YouTube videos in various formats and quality.
To download a YouTube video on Mac with Keepvid:
Step 1. Go to a video downloader website, paste the copied URL, select the video quality and format you want, and click the download button.
Step 2. Visit https://keepv.id/ on your Mac and click the "Download" button.
Step 3. After analyzing the video, you will see the available download options, including different video qualities and audio formats. Simply choose the desired format and click "Download" to initiate the download process on your Mac.
How to Download YouTube Videos for Mac with Chrome/Firefox
To download a YouTube video using your browser, you can install a helpful browser extension that allows you to save YouTube videos on your Mac for free, using either Chrome or Firefox.
To download videos from YouTube with Chrome:
Step 1. Go to visit YouTube Video and MP3 Downloader.
Step 2. The webpage will automatically detect your browser. Confirm your browser and click "INSTALL VIA CROSSPILOT".
Step 3. Download and install the extension. Afterward, restart the browser.
Step 4. You want to download a YouTube video. To do that, you'll first need to go to YouTube and play the video you want to download.
Step 5. To download a YouTube video, click the Download button under the video, or click the three dots next to it to choose other qualities available. If the download button is not visible, click the icon of the YouTube Video and MP3 Downloader from the browser menu bar to download the video.
To save a YouTube video on Mac with Firefox:
Step 1. To add the "Easy Youtube Video Downloader Express" extension to Firefox, go to the Firefox browser, click on the three horizontal lines in the top right corner, select "Add-ons" from the dropdown menu, click on the "Extensions" tab, click on the "Search" box, type in "Easy Youtube Video Downloader Express", click on the search result, and then click on the "Add to Firefox" button to install the extension.
Step 2. Restart Firefox.
Step 3. To download a video from YouTube, start by going to the YouTube website or opening the YouTube app on your device. Next, navigate to the video you wish to download and click the "Share" button.
Step 4. To download the video, click the "Download" button underneath it and select one of the available versions (such as MP4 360p, MP4 720p, MP4 1080p, or MP3) to save it.
There are video download tools available for Safari, which can be found through an online search. Users can select the tool that suits their needs.
How to Download YouTube Videos to Mac with VLC Media Player
You can download YouTube videos on your Mac for free using the VLC media player, a free and open-source media player that allows you to download videos from various sources, including YouTube.
Step 1. To get started, download and install the VLC media player on your Mac, then launch the program.
Step 2. Go to YouTube and copy the link to the video you attempt to download.
Step 3. To play a video on VLC, go to "File" > "Open Network" and paste the video URL in the address bar. Click "Open" to start the video.
Step 4. Right-click the video and select "Media Information".
Step 5. To begin playing a video, copy the URL from the "Location" bar, paste it into the address bar, and press return.
Step 7. To download videos from YouTube to your Mac, right-click the video and select "Save Video as.." from the dropdown menu.
How to Capture Videos from YouTube to Mac with Screen Recording Features
You can also record a YouTube video on your Mac instead of downloading it. This method is useful when copyright issues or other problems prevent you from downloading a video.
To capture the screen, you can use the built-in screen recording feature in macOS or QuickTime Player.
- To use the built-in screen recording feature: Press Command + Shift + 5.
- I've rewritten the instructions in a single paragraph, condensed the language, and removed the unnecessary "s" at the end. The rewritten text is now concise and easy to follow.
Other Tips to Download YouTube Video & Audio
Besides downloading YouTube videos to a Mac, there are times when you need to save videos or audio files to other devices, such as an iPhone or Android phone. Fortunately, there are various ways to download items from YouTube, including downloading videos to an iPhone or converting YouTube videos to MP3, and you can find the method you need from the tips below.
Tip 1. How to Download YouTube Videos on iPhone/iPad
When it comes to downloading YouTube videos, there's an official way using YouTube Premium, which allows you to download videos to your iPhone or iPad for offline watching and keeps them for 30 days.
To download YouTube videos to an iPhone or iPad, you can use the Shortcut app, which can be downloaded from the App Store. Once installed, follow the steps in the app to download YouTube videos to your device.
Step 1. Visit https://www.icloud.com/shortcuts/fca16b7e36824fae8df26df05bbb5325 on your mobile device and download Shortcuts.
Step 2. To enable the Shortcuts app on your iPhone or iPad, tap the "Share" icon in any app, then select "More" from the menu, and toggle the switch next to "Shortcuts" to the "On" position.
Step 3. To download a YouTube video, open the YouTube app, click "Share", and select "Shortcuts" followed by "Download YouTube". This will initiate the download process.
Step 4. When it has done, select "Save to photo album".
Step 5. The video is now visible in the Camera Roll of the Photos app on your iDevice.
If you've downloaded videos to your Mac, you can also transfer them to your iPhone or iPad to get things done.
Tip 2. How to Download Videos from YouTube to Android
To get YouTube videos on an Android device, you have three options. You can use YouTube Premium, download a mobile app, or transfer the videos from your computer to your device using a USB cable. The latter is a relatively straightforward process that allows you to easily access your videos on your Android device.
Tip 3. How to Download YouTube Live Streams
You can also download YouTube live streams using Qiling Video Downloader. Simply copy the URL of the streaming video from YouTube, paste it into Qiling Video Downloader, and the software will save the video to your computer. This process is similar to downloading uploaded videos, but is still relatively easy and convenient.
Tip 3. How to Download Songs from YouTube Music
You can also access a vast music library on YouTube, and you might want to download songs for offline listening at some point. To do this, you can use YouTube Premium to obtain the right to download YouTube songs or opt for Qiling Video Downloader to download songs or playlists from YouTube Music.
Here are the steps:
Step 1. Open Qiling Video Downloader on your computer, go to the "Downloader" section, and click "Add URLs" to proceed with the video download process.
Step 2.To download a Spotify playlist, paste the URL of the music or the playlist into the box and click "Confirm." Then, select the option to download the whole playlist.
Step 3. Select the desired audio files and choose the preferred format and quality. Click "Download" to proceed.
Step 4. Wait for downloading process to finish.
Disclaimer: Please ensure that your download behavior is legal in your country, and do not download videos or audios for sale, distribution, or other commercial purposes.
Tip 4. How to Convert YouTube Videos to MP3
Converting YouTube videos to MP3 is a straightforward process. You can use a tool like Qiling Video Downloader or an online YouTube to MP3 converter to download videos directly to MP3 format. With Qiling Video Downloader, simply select MP3 as the output format before starting the download. Alternatively, searching online will yield numerous online tools that can help you achieve the same result.
Tip 5. How to Get YouTube Video Thumbnails
The Qiling Video Downloader can also download YouTube thumbnails, in addition to videos and songs, and it will get the highest quality of the image by default. However, if you want to download thumbnails of other qualities, you can try other online YouTube thumbnail grabbers.
Common Issues Related to YouTube Video Download
What are the most common questions from users about YouTube video download?
"How do I download YouTube videos to my Mac for free?"
5 methods to save YouTube videos to Mac for free
"Can I download a video from YouTube with YouTube Premium?"
The YouTube Premium subscription allows mobile device downloads, but not for Mac or other devices.
"Why can't I download YouTube videos?"
If you're trying to download a private video or a video with copyrighted music, you might not be able to do so because these types of content can lead to copyright infringement issues.
The Bottom Line
You now know how to download YouTube videos to your Mac and can also apply these tips to download video/audio files to other devices, making it easy to edit your downloaded videos using free video editing software with no watermark.
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