How to convert a YouTube video to MP4 in 3 steps
- Copy the link. On a computer, copy the address from the browser bar while the video is open. In the YouTube app, tap Share, then Copy link. Both normal videos and Shorts links work.
- Paste and choose a quality. Paste the link into the box above. Keep MP4 video selected and choose a resolution. 1080p is the best balance of quality and file size for most people.
- Convert and download. Tap Convert to MP4. A Download MP4 button appears when the file is ready. Short clips are usually ready in a few seconds; longer or higher-resolution videos take longer because the video and audio have to be joined.
That's it. You don't need to install an app or a browser extension, and you don't need an account.
Which quality should you pick?
| Quality | Good for | Rough size for 10 minutes |
|---|---|---|
| 360p | Saving data, small phone screens | 20–40 MB |
| 720p (HD) | Phones and tablets | 50–100 MB |
| 1080p (Full HD) | Laptops and most TVs — the safe default | 100–250 MB |
| 1440p / 2160p (4K) | Large 4K screens, editing | 300 MB–1 GB+ |
Sizes vary a lot with the content: a talking-head video is much smaller than fast gameplay at the same resolution. You can only get a quality the uploader provided. If a video was uploaded in 720p, choosing 4K still gives you 720p.
Up to 1080p, files use the H.264 codec, which plays on practically every phone, computer, smart TV and video editor. For 1440p and 4K, YouTube only offers newer codecs, so those files use AV1. Recent iPhones, Macs with Apple M3 chips or later, current Android phones and up-to-date Chrome, Edge and VLC can play AV1; older devices may not. If in doubt, choose 1080p. There is a full explanation on our YouTube to MP4 4K page.
Other names for the same thing
People search for this tool in many ways: YouTube to MP4, YouTube to MP4 converter, convert YouTube to MP4, download YouTube video as MP4, or simply YT to MP4. They all mean the same job: turn a video you are watching on YouTube into an MP4 file you can keep and play offline. This page does all of them.
Why MP4?
MP4 is the most widely supported video format. It opens in the Photos app on iPhone, the Gallery on Android, Windows Media Player, QuickTime, VLC, PowerPoint, Keynote, Premiere, CapCut and almost every smart TV from a USB stick. If you need the sound only — a lecture, a podcast or your own voice-over — switch to MP3 audio above, or see YouTube to MP3.
Saving the MP4 on your phone
- iPhone and iPad: Safari downloads go to the Files app, in the Downloads folder. Open the video there, tap Share, then Save Video to put it in Photos. Our iPhone guide walks through it with fixes for common problems.
- Android: Chrome saves the file to the Downloads folder. It also shows up in Google Photos or your Gallery app under Downloads.
Why a video might not convert
- Private, members-only or age-restricted videos can't be converted. We only work with videos anyone can watch without signing in.
- Live streams can't be converted while they are live. Try again after the stream ends and YouTube has processed the recording.
- Very long videos — the current limit is 60 minutes per video.
- Region blocks — some videos aren't available in the country our server runs in.
- Busy moments — if YouTube is slow to respond, wait a minute and try again.
What you can download (and what you shouldn't)
Downloading is not allowed for every video. YouTube's Terms of Service only allow it where YouTube offers a download option, or with written permission from YouTube and the rights holder. Before you convert a video, make sure at least one of these is true:
- It is your own upload. (Creators can also download their own videos in YouTube Studio.)
- You have permission from the person who owns it.
- It is licensed for reuse, for example under Creative Commons. On YouTube you can find these with Filters → Features → Creative Commons.
- It is in the public domain.
Do not use this tool to copy music videos, films, TV shows or other paid content. Rights holders can send us a request under our copyright policy and we block reported videos.
No pop-ups, no extensions, no account
A lot of converter sites open pop-up ads, redirect you to other pages or push a browser extension. We don't do any of that. There is one box, one button and one download link. We don't ask for your email, and we don't keep copies of the files.