Download YouTube videos in HD, 1080p, or 4K, with the sound included. No account, no software, no cost.
YouTube Video Downloader
Paste a YouTube link, choose the quality, and save the video to your phone or computer. Many free downloaders only give you sound up to 720p, and anything higher arrives as a silent video file.
Ours processes every download on our servers, so your 1080p and 4K files come with the audio already in place. Save as MP4 for maximum compatibility, WebM for smaller files, or MKV for high-quality archiving, all from your browser.
How to download a YouTube video
- Copy the video link. On desktop, copy it from the address bar. In the YouTube app, tap Share, then Copy link.
- Paste the link into the box at the top of this page and click Analyze.
- Choose your format and quality. Pick MP4, WebM, or MKV, then a resolution from 144p up to the highest quality the video offers.
- Click Start Downloading and wait while the file is prepared. Higher resolutions take a little longer.
- Save the file to your device.
Choose your format and quality
Video formats
| Format | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| MP4 | Playing on any phone, TV, or computer | The safest choice for most people |
| WebM | Web projects and desktop playback | Often smaller than MP4, but some older devices and apps can't play it |
| MKV | Archiving and high-quality playback | Plays well in VLC and most desktop players, but not natively on iPhone |
Video quality
The tool marks the top available resolution as BEST, so you always know the highest quality on offer.
| Quality | Best for |
|---|---|
| 4K and higher | Big screens and archiving, only when the video was uploaded at that resolution |
| 1080p | Laptops, TVs, and rewatching |
| 720p | Phones and everyday viewing |
| 480p, 360p | Saving storage or slow connections |
| 240p, 144p | The smallest files possible |
Higher resolutions give you more detail but also bigger files and longer download times. If you need an MP4 at a specific size for a device or editing app, our YouTube to MP4 converter is built just for that.
HD and 4K downloads that keep the sound
YouTube stores the picture and the sound of high-quality videos as two separate streams. Many free downloaders only grab the picture once you go above 720p, which leaves you with a file that plays in silence.
Our tool joins both streams on our servers before your download starts, so the video you save plays with full audio, whether it’s 720p, 1080p, or 4K.
Why a quality option might be missing
Available quality options depend on the original upload, so a few things can limit what you see:
- The creator uploaded in a lower resolution. If the video was posted in 1080p, 4K won’t be available.
- The video is brand new. YouTube processes higher resolutions after lower ones, so new uploads can show fewer options at first. Try again a little later.
- It’s an older video. Many older uploads only exist in 720p or lower.
Just need the audio?
Switch to the Audio tab in the tool to save the soundtrack as MP3, M4A, or WAV. For more audio options and tips, use our YouTube audio downloader.
Saving YouTube videos on iPhone and Android
On Android, your browser saves the file to the Downloads folder, and most gallery apps pick it up automatically.
On iPhone, Safari saves the file to the Files app first. To move it to Photos, open Files, tap the video, tap the Share icon, and choose Save Video. Choose MP4 on iPhone, since WebM and MKV files won’t save to Photos.
Simple and safe to use
- One clear download button on every tool
- Nothing to install and no browser extension to trust
- No account, email, or YouTube login needed
- Works in Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge on desktop and mobile
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest quality I can download?
As high as the original upload goes, including 4K and above when the creator posted in that resolution. The tool marks the top option as BEST. If a video was uploaded in 1080p, that’s the highest you’ll see.
Which format should I choose?
MP4 is the right pick for most people, since it plays on every phone, TV, and computer. Choose WebM if you want smaller files on a computer, or MKV if you’re archiving videos and play them in VLC or a similar desktop player.
Why is my download failing?
First, check that the link opens the video on YouTube and that it’s public or unlisted. Then refresh this page and try again, since a temporary connection issue can interrupt processing. If it still fails, the video may be restricted in a way the tool can’t access, such as age verification or regional blocking.
Can I download private or members-only videos?
No. The tool works with public and unlisted videos only. Private, members-only, and login-protected videos can’t be accessed, because we never ask for your YouTube account details.
Can I download a live stream?
Not while it’s live. Once the stream ends and YouTube turns it into a regular video, you can download it like any other.
Can I download YouTube Shorts here?
Yes, a Shorts link works here too. For tips on saving vertical Shorts from your phone, see the YouTube Shorts downloader.
Is it legal to download YouTube videos?
It depends on the video and your rights to it. YouTube’s Terms of Service only allow downloading when YouTube or the rights holder permits it, or when the law allows it. Download videos you own or have permission to keep, and never re-upload or monetize someone else’s content.