How to Download YouTube Videos on a Mac
YouTube is one of the most popular video-sharing platforms in the world, with billions of hours of content available for streaming. But what if you want to watch your favorite YouTube videos offline, or save them for later viewing on your Mac computer?
In this article, we will show you how to download YouTube videos on a Mac using four different methods: YouTube Premium, VLC Media Player, an online converter, and 4K Video Downloader. We will also explain the advantages and disadvantages of each method, as well as the legal and ethical issues of downloading YouTube videos.
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Introduction
Why download YouTube videos on a Mac?
There are many reasons why you might want to download YouTube videos on your Mac, such as:
You want to watch them offline when you don't have an internet connection or a reliable Wi-Fi signal.
You want to save them for future reference or personal use.
You want to edit them or use them for your own projects.
You want to avoid ads, buffering, or other interruptions that might ruin your viewing experience.
What are the legal and ethical issues of downloading YouTube videos?
Before you start downloading YouTube videos on your Mac, you should be aware of the legal and ethical implications of doing so. According to YouTube's Terms of Service, you are not allowed to download any content from the platform without permission from the content owner or YouTube itself. This means that downloading YouTube videos without consent could be considered as copyright infringement or piracy, which could result in legal action or penalties.
Moreover, downloading YouTube videos without permission could also be seen as unethical or disrespectful to the content creators who put their time and effort into making them. By downloading their videos, you are depriving them of potential revenue from views, ads, or subscriptions. You are also violating their creative rights and control over their work.
Therefore, before you download any YouTube video on your Mac, you should always check if the video is in the public domain, has a Creative Commons license, or has a download option enabled by the uploader. You should also respect the wishes of the content owners and give them proper credit if you use their videos for any purpose.
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What are the best methods and tools to download YouTube videos on a Mac?
There are many ways to download YouTube videos on a Mac, but not all of them are equally effective, safe, or easy. Some methods may require additional software or hardware, while others may have limitations or risks. To help you choose the best method for your needs, we will compare four popular options in this article:There are many ways to download YouTube videos on a Mac, but not all of them are equally effective, safe, or easy. Some methods may require additional software or hardware, while others may have limitations or risks. To help you choose the best method for your needs, we will compare four popular options in this article:
YouTube Premium: a paid subscription service that allows you to download YouTube videos and watch them offline on your Mac or other devices.
VLC Media Player: a free and open-source media player that can also download YouTube videos on your Mac.
An online converter: a web-based tool that can convert YouTube videos to different formats and download them on your Mac.
4K Video Downloader: a dedicated software that can download YouTube videos in high quality and various formats on your Mac.
We will explain how each method works, what are the pros and cons of each one, and how to use them step by step. Let's get started!
Method 1: Use YouTube Premium
What is YouTube Premium and how much does it cost?
YouTube Premium is the official way to download YouTube videos and watch them offline on your Mac or other devices. It is a subscription service that offers several benefits, such as:
Ad-free and uninterrupted streaming of YouTube videos and music.
Access to exclusive content from YouTube Originals.
Background play and picture-in-picture mode for multitasking.
Offline access to YouTube videos and music on your Mac or other devices.
To use YouTube Premium, you need to sign up for an account and pay a monthly fee. The cost of YouTube Premium varies depending on your location and plan. In the US, it costs $11.99 per month for an individual plan, $17.99 per month for a family plan (up to 6 members), or $6.99 per month for a student plan (with verification). You can also get a free trial for one month before you decide to subscribe.
How to download YouTube videos on a Mac with YouTube Premium?
To download YouTube videos on a Mac with YouTube Premium, you need to follow these steps:
Open your web browser and go to . Sign in with your Google account or create one if you don't have one already.
Select the plan that suits your needs and enter your payment details. Confirm your subscription and enjoy the benefits of YouTube Premium.
Go to and find the video that you want to download. Click on the video to open it.
Below the video player, you will see a download icon (a downward arrow). Click on it and choose the quality that you want for your video. The higher the quality, the more space it will take on your Mac.
The video will start downloading automatically. You can see the progress of the download by clicking on the downloads icon (a horizontal line with a downward arrow) on the top right corner of the screen.
Once the video is downloaded, you can watch it offline on your Mac by going to . You can also access your downloaded videos from the YouTube app on your Mac or other devices.
What are the pros and cons of using YouTube Premium?
Using YouTube Premium to download YouTube videos on a Mac has some advantages and disadvantages, such as:
ProsCons
- It is the official and legal way to download YouTube videos.- It is not free and requires a monthly subscription fee.
- It offers high-quality downloads and various options for video quality.- It has some limitations on the number and duration of downloads.
- It provides other benefits such as ad-free streaming, exclusive content, and background play.- It does not allow you to download all types of videos, such as private, live, or age-restricted ones.
- It syncs your downloads across your devices and lets you watch them offline anywhere.- It requires an internet connection every 30 days to verify your subscription status.
If you are looking for a convenient and reliable way to download YouTube videos on your Mac, YouTube Premium might be a good option for you. However, if you don't want to pay for a subscription or you want more flexibility If you are looking for a convenient and reliable way to download YouTube videos on your Mac, YouTube Premium might be a good option for you. However, if you don't want to pay for a subscription or you want more flexibility and control over your downloads, you might want to try other methods. Let's see what they are.
Method 2: Use VLC Media Player
What is VLC Media Player and how to install it on a Mac?
VLC Media Player is a free and open-source media player that can play almost any type of video or audio file. It can also download YouTube videos on your Mac without any additional software or plugins. It is one of the most popular and versatile media players in the world, with over 3 billion downloads.
To install VLC Media Player on your Mac, you need to follow these steps:
Go to and click on the download button for Mac OS X.
Once the file is downloaded, open it and drag the VLC icon to your Applications folder.
Double-click on the VLC icon to launch the program. You may need to allow it to run from your security settings.
How to download YouTube videos on a Mac with VLC Media Player?
To download YouTube videos on a Mac with VLC Media Player, you need to follow these steps:
Open your web browser and go to . Find the video that you want to download and copy its URL from the address bar.
Open VLC Media Player and go to File > Open Network. Paste the URL of the YouTube video in the box and click on Open.
The video will start playing in VLC. Go to Window > Media Information and copy the Location URL from the bottom of the window.
Open your web browser again and paste the Location URL in a new tab. The video will start playing in your browser.
Right-click on the video and choose Save Video As. Choose a name and a location for your video file and click on Save.
The video will start downloading on your Mac. You can check the progress of the download in your Downloads folder or in your browser.
What are the pros and cons of using VLC Media Player?
Using VLC Media Player to download YouTube videos on a Mac has some advantages and disadvantages, such as:
ProsCons
- It is free and open-source, with no ads or malware.- It is not very user-friendly or intuitive, and requires some technical steps.
- It can download YouTube videos in their original quality and format.- It cannot download videos that are protected by DRM or encryption.
- It can play almost any type of video or audio file, with many features and options.- It cannot convert videos to different formats or resolutions.
- It does not violate YouTube's Terms of Service, as it does not bypass any restrictions or limitations.- It does not support batch downloads or playlists, and requires manual input for each video.
If you are looking for a free and powerful media player that can also download YouTube videos on your Mac, VLC Media Player might be a good option for you. However, if you want a more simple and convenient way to download YouTube videos, you might want to try other methods. Let's see what they are. Method 3: Use an Online Converter
What is an online converter and how to choose one?
An online converter is a web-based tool that can convert YouTube videos to different formats and download them on your Mac. It is one of the easiest and fastest ways to download YouTube videos, as it does not require any installation or registration. You just need to paste the URL of the YouTube video and choose the output format that you want.
However, not all online converters are reliable or safe. Some of them may have low-quality conversions, limited options, or hidden fees. Some of them may also contain viruses, malware, or pop-up ads that could harm your Mac or compromise your privacy. Therefore, you should be careful when choosing an online converter and only use the ones that are reputable and trustworthy.
Some of the factors that you should consider when choosing an online converter are:
The supported formats and resolutions. You should choose an online converter that can convert YouTube videos to the format and resolution that you need, such as MP4, MP3, MOV, AVI, etc.
The download speed and quality. You should choose an online converter that can download YouTube videos quickly and without losing quality.
The security and privacy. You should choose an online converter that does not require any personal information or payment details, and that does not install any unwanted software or ads on your Mac.
The user interface and features. You should choose an online converter that has a simple and intuitive interface, and that offers some useful features such as batch downloads, playlists, subtitles, etc.
Some of the examples of online converters that meet these criteria are:
: a free and fast online converter that can download YouTube videos in various formats and resolutions.
: a free and easy online converter that can download YouTube videos in various formats and resolutions.
: a free and powerful online converter that can download YouTube videos in various formats and resolutions, with some advanced options such as cropping, trimming, etc.
How to download YouTube videos on a Mac with an online converter?
To download YouTube videos on a Mac with an online converter, you need to follow these steps:
Open your web browser and go to . Find the video that you want to download and copy its URL from the address bar.
Open another tab in your browser and go to the website of the online converter that you want to use. Paste the URL of the YouTube video in the box and click on Start or Convert.
Select the format and resolution that you want for your video. You can also adjust some settings such as quality, bitrate, etc. if available.
Click on Download or Save to start downloading the video on your Mac. You can also scan the QR code or copy the download link if provided.
The video will start downloading on your Mac. You can check the progress of the download in your Downloads folder or in your browser.
What are the pros and cons of using an online converter?
Using an online converter to download YouTube videos on a Mac has some advantages and disadvantages, such as:
ProsCons
- It is free and easy to use, with no installation or registration required.- It may have low-quality conversions, limited options, or hidden fees.
- It can download YouTube videos in various formats and resolutions, depending on your needs.- It may contain viruses, malware, or pop-up ads that could harm your Mac or compromise your privacy.
- It does not violate YouTube's Terms of Service, as it does not bypass any restrictions or limitations.- It may not work for some videos that are protected by DRM or encryption.
- It can be accessed from any web browser or device.- It may not support batch downloads or playlists, and requires manual input for each video.
If you are looking for a quick and easy way to download YouTube videos on your Mac, an online converter might be a good option for you. However, if you want a more secure and reliable way to download YouTube videos, you might want to try other methods. Let's see what they are. Method 4: Use 4K Video Downloader
What is 4K Video Downloader and how to install it on a Mac?
4K Video Downloader is a dedicated software that can download YouTube videos in high quality and various formats on your Mac. It is one of the most advanced and reliable tools to download YouTube videos, as it offers many features and options, such as:
Downloading YouTube videos in 4K, 8K, HD, or any other resolution.
Downloading YouTube videos in MP4, MKV, FLV, 3GP, or any other format.
Downloading YouTube playlists, channels, subtitles, annotations, and thumbnails.
Downloading YouTube videos in 3D, 360, or VR mode.
Downloading YouTube videos with smart mode, which automatically applies your preferred settings to all downloads.
Downloading YouTube videos with proxy, which allows you to bypass geo-restrictions or firewalls.
To install 4K Video Downloader on your Mac, you need to follow these steps:
Go to and click on the download button for Mac OS X.
Once the file is downloaded, open it and drag the 4K Video Downloader icon to your Applications folder.
Double-click on the 4K Video Downloader icon to launch the program. You may need to allow it to run from your security settings.
How to download YouTube videos on a Mac with 4K Video Downloader?
To download YouTube videos on a Mac with 4K Video Downloader, you need to follow these steps:
Open your web browser and go to . Find the video that you want to download and copy its URL from the address bar.
Open 4K Video Downloader and click on the Paste Link button. The program will automatically analyze the URL and show you the available options for downloading the video.
Select the format and resolution that you want for your video. You can also choose to download subtitles, annotations, thumbnails, or playlists if available.
Click on the Download button to start downloading the video on your Mac. You can see the progress of the download by clicking on the Show in Folder button or by going to your Downloads folder.
What are the pros and cons of using 4K Video Downloader?
Using 4K Video Downloader to download YouTube videos on a Mac has some advantages and disadvantages, such as:
ProsCons
- It is fast and easy to use, with a simple and intuitive interface.- It is not free and requires a license key for unlimited downloads and features.
- It can download YouTube videos in high quality and various formats, depending on your needs.- It may not work for some videos that are protected by DRM or encryption.
- It can download YouTube playlists, channels, subtitles, annotations, and thumbnails.- It may not support some formats or resolutions that are not compatible with your Mac.
- It can download YouTube videos in 3D, 360, or VR mode.- It may consume a lot of disk space or bandwidth for large or high-quality downloads.
- It can download YouTube videos with smart mode or proxy.- It may violate YouTube's Terms of Service, as it bypasses some restrictions or limitations.
If you are looking for a professional and powerful tool to download YouTube videos on your Mac, 4K Video Downloader might be a good option for you. However, if you want a free and simple way to download YouTube videos, you might want to try other methods. Let's see what they are.
Conclusion
In this article, we have shown you how to download YouTube videos on a Mac using four different methods: YouTube Premium, VLC Media Player, an online converter, and 4K Video Downloader. We have also explained the advantages and disadvantages of each method, as well as the legal and ethical issues of downloading YouTube videos.
As you can see, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for downloading YouTube videos on a Mac. Each method has its own pros and cons, depending on your needs, preferences, As you can see, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for downloading YouTube videos on a Mac. Each method has its own pros and cons, depending on your needs, preferences, and budget. You should choose the method that suits you best and follow the steps carefully to avoid any errors or problems.
Here are some tips and warnings for downloading YouTube videos on a Mac:
Always check the legality and ethics of downloading YouTube videos before you do so. Respect the rights and wishes of the content owners and give them proper credit if you use their videos for any purpose.
Always choose a reliable and reputable tool or website to download YouTube videos. Avoid any software or service that may contain viruses, malware, or pop-up ads that could harm your Mac or compromise your privacy.
Always choose the appropriate format and resolution for your video downloads. Consider the quality, size, and compatibility of the video files with your Mac or other devices.
Always keep track of your video downloads and manage your disk space and bandwidth. Delete any unwanted or unnecessary video files to free up some space on your Mac or cloud storage.
Always enjoy your video downloads responsibly and legally. Do not distribute, sell, or share any downloaded YouTube videos without permission from the content owners or YouTube itself.
We hope that this article has helped you learn how to download YouTube videos on a Mac. If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, please feel free to leave them below. We would love to hear from you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions that people ask about downloading YouTube videos on a Mac:
How can I download YouTube videos on a Mac for free?
There are several ways to download YouTube videos on a Mac for free, such as using VLC Media Player, an online converter, or 4K Video Downloader (with some limitations). However, you should be careful when using these methods, as they may have some drawbacks or risks. You should also respect the legal and ethical issues of downloading YouTube videos.
How can I download YouTube videos on a Mac without software?
The easiest way to download YouTube videos on a Mac without software is to use an online converter, which is a web-based tool that can convert YouTube videos to different formats and download them on your Mac. However, you should be careful when choosing an online converter, as some of them may have low-quality conversions, limited options, or hidden fees. You should also respect the legal and ethical issues of downloading YouTube videos.
How can I download YouTube videos on a Mac in MP4 format?
The most common way to download YouTube videos on a Mac in MP4 format is to use 4K Video Downloader, which is a dedicated software that can download YouTube videos in high quality and various formats on your Mac. However, you need to pay for a license key to unlock unlimited downloads and features. You should also respect the legal and ethical issues of downloading YouTube videos.
How can I download YouTube playlists on a Mac?
The best way to download YouTube playlists on a Mac is to use 4K Video Downloader, which can download YouTube playlists, channels, subtitles, annotations, and thumbnails on your Mac. However, you need to pay for a license key to unlock unlimited downloads and features. You should also respect the legal and ethical issues of downloading YouTube videos.
How can I download YouTube music on a Mac?
The easiest way to download YouTube music on a Mac is to use an online converter, which can convert YouTube videos to MP3 or other audio formats and download them on your Mac. However, you should be careful when choosing an online converter, as some of them may have low-quality conversions, limited options, or hidden fees. You should also respect the legal and ethical issues of downloading YouTube music.
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