There are various reasons why downloading YouTube videos to MP4 format can be helpful. For instance, it is a great way to save YouTube clips for offline viewing while traveling without the Internet or with a bad connection. It can also come in handy for sharing particular videos or editing. While YouTube does not provide a built-in option to download videos in MP4 format onto your device, you can actually download videos if you have YouTube Premium and watch them on the app.

Additionally, various tools and methods exist, such as YouTube converters and downloaders, that allow you to convert a YouTube link to MP4. In this guide, we will cover the best ways to download YouTube videos to MP4.

Is it Legal to Download YouTube Videos to MP4?

Downloading YouTube videos without permission from the creator or without a YouTube Premium subscription violates YouTube’s terms of service. However, there are certain cases where downloading videos is legally acceptable:

If they are royalty-free or under a Creative Commons license.
For personal use under fair use laws (educational or commentary purposes).
Through YouTube Premium, which allows official downloads.

How Can I Directly Download a Video from YouTube?

If you have YouTube Premium, you can download videos, but they will not be saved as MP4 files. Instead, the downloaded videos will be stored within the YouTube app for offline viewing and cannot be accessed outside of it. Once you press the download button, the video will pop up in your “Downloads” section, where you can watch it offline. If you need the YouTube video as an MP4 file, you will have to use a third-party YouTube converter to convert it. We are going to tell you about some of those below.

Best Tools to Convert YouTube Clip to MP4

There are loads of ways to download YouTube videos as MP4, from online tools to specialized applications. Online YouTube to MP4 converters are a quick and easy way to download videos without having to install any software, while desktop applications offer more features, like downloading several videos at once, higher quality options, and various file formats.

4K Video Downloader Plus

4K Video Downloader Plus is a powerful tool that allows you to download YouTube videos in high resolution, including HD, 4K, and 8K. It supports batch and subtitle downloads, as well as entire playlist and channel downloads. Also, it has this cool feature where it can detect copied URLs automatically, which makes things even smoother. It is free and compatible with Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu. The basic version allows 10 free daily downloads but still allows you to choose the desired format. With a premium subscription, you can access advanced features, such as unlimited playlist downloads. It also supports getting files from other platforms such as Vimeo, TikTok, Facebook, Twitch, and more.

Here is how to use it:

Go to the official 4K Video Downloader Plus website and install the software on your device.
Go to YouTube, find the video or playlist you want to download, and copy its URL.
Choose what you want to download (in this case, Video), the MP4 format, and the folder where you want to see your file.

Paste the URL in the 4K Video Downloader Plus. The app will begin downloading automatically.
Wait for the process to complete, and enjoy your files in the chosen folder.

The app stays on your computer, so you can open and use it whenever necessary.

YTD Video Downloader

YTD Video Downloader is a simple tool that allows you to download YouTube videos in various formats, including MP4. The interface is quite straightforward, so it is easy to use. You can get high-quality videos and even convert them to different formats apart from MP4, like AVI, WMV, and MOV. It also comes with a built-in video player so you can make sure that you have chosen the correct file. There is a free version and a pro one, which has faster speeds and lets you download multiple videos at once. It is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a problem-free experience. However, in contrast to the tool above, only the pro version allows you to choose the desired format and conversion quality.

The process of downloading MP4 is very similar to the tool above. You just insert the link, choose the quality, and download the video from YouTube to MP4.

ClipGrab

ClipGrab is a cross-platform tool that works on Windows, MacOS, and Linux. It also offers quick YouTube to MP4 conversion with minimal effort, similar to the tools mentioned above. It can also download videos from Vimeo and Dailymotion. You can also select different resolutions and file formats, such as MP3 for audio-only. It has got a clean interface, and it is open-source, so it is a reliable tool for casual and frequent users alike.

To download a YouTube video in MP4 format with ClipGrab, you need to follow a few simple steps that are pretty identical to the previous tools. Install ClipGrab on your computer, copy the video URL from YouTube, and paste the link into the download section. After that, choose MP4 as the format and select a resolution, then click "Grab this clip!" to start downloading.

Online YouTube to MP4 Converters

If you prefer not to install software, online YouTube to MP4 converters like SSYouTube and SaveFrom.net provide a fast and convenient alternative. These tools work directly in a web browser and do not require installation. Simply copy and paste the YouTube link into the website, select MP4 as the format, and download the video. Some online converters also offer additional features, such as trimming videos before downloading or selecting different resolutions. However, you should be cautious when using online converters, as some sites may contain intrusive ads or malware. Additionally, these websites can sometimes be blocked, change their domain names, or be copied for fishing purposes. That is why it might be a good idea to always choose reputable platforms for a safe experience.

Final Thoughts

Downloading YouTube videos to MP4 is a piece of cake with the right tools. Whether you use a YouTube downloader MP4 software or an online YouTube to MP4 free converter, it's always important to prioritize safety and legality. 4K Video Downloader Plus is still a top choice for high-quality downloads.

If you need a quick solution, online services like SSYouTube or SaveFrom.net can help convert links to MP4 right in your browser. By following these methods, you can easily download YouTube videos to MP4 and enjoy them offline anytime.