- Step 1: Copy and paste the url links to Uniconverter MP4 Converter
- Step 2: Choose MP4 as the output format
- Step 3: Click 'Download' to save url link in MP4 format
*Note: We resolutely oppose all forms of copyright-infringing downloads and recording. This tutorial is only for saving your personal or authorized videos.
Download MP4 Videos
All Topic
- AI Tools Tips
-
- AI Photo Enhancer Tips
- Voice Changer Tips
- AI Thumbnail Maker Tips
- AI Script Generator Tips
- Smart Summarizer
- AI Subtitle Generator Tips
- Watermark Remover
- Vocal Remover Tips
- Speech to Text Tips
- AI Video Tips
- AI Image Tips
- AI Subtitle Translator Tips
- Video Extractor Tips
- Text to Speech Tips
- AI Video Enhancer Tips
- DVD Users
- Social Media Users
- Camera Users
- Photography
- Creative Design
- Movie Users
- Travelling Fans
- Educational Users
- More Solutions
- Holidays and Commemoration
- Game Lovers
- Other Tips
How to Convert YouTube to MP4 on Mac [2025] - 5 Free & Fast Methods
by Christine Smith • 2025-12-03 12:16:10 • Proven solutions
If you're looking for the easiest way to convert YouTube to MP4 on Mac, this guide shows four free and reliable methods. Whether you prefer a desktop tool or an online Youtube to MP4 converter for mac, you’ll learn how to convert YouTube to MP4 on Mac step by step.
In this article
-
How to Convert YouTube to MP4 on Mac (4 Methods)
- Comparison Table: Best YouTube to MP4 Converters for Mac (2025)
- Is It Safe and Legal to Convert YouTube to MP4 on Mac?
- FAQs About YouTube to MP4 Converter for Mac
How to Convert YouTube to MP4 on Mac (4 Methods)
Method 1: Convert YouTube to MP4 on Mac with UniConverter
Wondershare UniConverter for Mac (originally Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate for Mac) is a complete video solution for Mac users available from Wondershare officially. It can quickly help you download, record, convert, burn, edit, and compress video on Mac. This Youtube to MP4 converter for Mac is straightforward to use and allows you to download videos by 30X faster and convert those videos to any other format without losing any quality. It can directly download and convert YouTube to MP4 on Mac in just one click.
(Disclaimer: Our tool is intended for personal use only. Users are solely responsible for using this tool to download YouTube videos, including compliance with YouTube's terms of service and copyright laws and regulations. We are not liable for any consequences resulting from users' violation of any laws or infringement of others' rights.)
Wondershare UniConverter
-
Download and convert YouTube videos and playlists to MP4 on Mac by pasting URL directly
-
Support 10,000+ online video sharing sites, including YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo, to download videos with simple steps
-
Edit YouTube videos with advanced video editing functions, like trimming, cropping, adding watermarks, subtitles, etc.
-
Burn videos to DVD with customized free DVD menu templates
-
Recording feature enables you to record computer screens to make tutorials or online videos or your video calls.
-
Industry-leading APEXTRANS technology converts videos with zero quality loss or video compression
-
Versatile toolbox combines video metadata editor, GIF maker, video compressor, and screen recorder
Steps to download and convert YouTube video to MP4 on Mac with Wondershare YouTube Converter:
- Step 1: Download the YouTube video to MP4 converter for Mac.
- Step 2: Find the YouTube video and copy the URL.
- Step 3: Start converting YouTube to MP4.
Step 1 Download the YouTube video to MP4 converter for Mac.
Download Wondershare converter program from the above download link and install it. Then, launch the YouTube converter on your Mac, and click on the Downloader feature on the homepage.
Step 2 Find the YouTube video and copy the URL.
Now visit YouTube.com and find out the video from YouTube, which you would like to convert YouTube to MP4 on Mac. Once you get your video, right-click in the browser address bar and copy the video URL. Please note that you're enabled to download YouTube playlist at a time with this YouTube converter.
Step 3 Start converting YouTube to MP4.
Turn back to the window of Wondershare UniConverter for Mac, past the URLs in the pop-up window, and click to the Download button.
It will take some time to download the YouTube video, which depends on the video size and Internet speed. After the converter finishes downloading the video, you will find the video in MP4 format in the Finished library.
Bonus Tip: Converter YouTube to Other Format.
For Wondershare UniConverter for Mac, it can convert YouTube videos to MP4 directly. But if you want to convert YouTube to other formats, you need to right-click your mouse and choose the Add to Convert List option from the pop-up window. After that, click the Convert button on the right of the interface to start the conversion.
Method 2. Convert YouTube to MP4 on Mac Free - Online Converters (No Download Required)
You can convert YouTube videos to MP4 on Mac without installing software. Online tools work in your browser and help you get smaller tasks done quickly. They are helpful when you only need to convert a few videos and prefer a lightweight workflow. Below are two reliable web-based options with simple steps.
YT5s – Free Online YouTube to MP4 Converter for Mac
YT5s is a browser-based tool designed for quick YouTube-to-MP4 conversions on Mac. You paste a video URL, select MP4 or MP3, and download the file with one click. The site typically supports resolutions from 360p up to Full HD or higher, depending on the source. Because the converter runs fully online, you can use it in Safari, Chrome, or any Mac browser without installing extensions. YT5s also works smoothly on mobile devices, making it convenient when you want a flexible, free method to save YouTube videos in a compatible format for offline playback.
How to use YT5s:
-
Copy the YouTube link you want to convert.
-
Open https://yt5s.com on your Mac.
-
Paste the link into the search field.
-
Choose MP4 and select a resolution.
-
Click Convert, then download the finished file.
Why it works well:
YT5s provides reliable downloads with stable conversion speed. You can also convert long videos without installing any software.
Pros:
-
No registration or installation required
-
Supports multiple formats and high resolutions
-
Works across mobile and desktop browsers
Cons:
-
Different mirror domains provide slightly different experiences
-
Availability may change over time
-
Conversion speed can depend on server load
Method 3: Convert YouTube Videos to MP4 on Mac with Browser Extensions
Browser extensions help you save or convert YouTube videos to MP4 on Mac without leaving the page. Once installed, they add controls to your browser toolbar or directly under the player. This reduces the steps you take when you want to download a video and later convert it to MP4 on your Mac. They are especially useful if you work with online videos often and prefer a lightweight workflow inside Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.
Extension 1: Video DownloadHelper (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)
Video DownloadHelper is a popular browser extension for downloading online videos and audio directly from your browser. Once installed in Firefox, Chrome, or Edge, it detects media streams on more than 1,000 websites and lets you save them in formats like MP4 when available. It also supports advanced streaming types such as HLS and DASH, and can merge video segments through a separate companion application that runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux. The add-on offers features like smart file naming, concurrent downloads, blacklist controls, and basic conversion options. Due to store restrictions, the Chrome build has limited YouTube support, while other browsers may allow more flexibility for YouTube downloads.
Pros
-
Detects and downloads media from 1,000+ sites
-
Supports HLS/DASH streams and segment merging
-
Companion app adds powerful conversion features
Cons
-
Full features require installing the companion app
-
Chrome version has stricter YouTube limitations
-
Interface can feel advanced for new users
How to use Video DownloadHelper:
-
Install the extension from the Chrome Web Store, Firefox Add-ons, or Edge Add-ons.
-
Open the YouTube or other video page you want to save.
-
Click the Video DownloadHelper icon in your browser toolbar.
-
Choose a video entry, pick MP4 if available, and select the resolution.
-
Download and save the file to your Mac for offline viewing or later editing.
Extension 2: Addoncrop YouTube Video Downloader (via CrossPilot)
Addoncrop’s YouTube to MP4 converter is a feature-rich extension that embeds a download panel directly into the YouTube player. After you install it through CrossPilot or a helper loader, the extension adds buttons for downloading video in MP4, extracting audio as MP3, grabbing subtitles, thumbnails, and even taking screenshots. It supports resolutions up to 4K or 8K where available and offers extra playback tools such as dark mode, turn-off-lights, loop, picture-in-picture, and scroll-wheel volume control. The extension works in Chromium-based browsers on Mac, including Chrome and Edge, and also has options for Firefox and other browsers through the official Addoncrop website.
Pros
-
Download button sits under the YouTube player
-
Supports high-resolution video, audio, subtitles, and thumbnails
-
Adds extra playback and UI enhancements
Cons
-
Installation requires CrossPilot or a similar loader
-
May break temporarily when YouTube changes its layout
-
Focused mainly on YouTube, not all video sites
How to use Addoncrop:
-
Visit Addoncrop YouTube Video Downloader and choose Chrome or another browser.
-
Install it via CrossPilot and accept the requested permissions.
-
Open any YouTube video in your Mac browser.
-
Click the Download button that appears below the player.
-
Select MP4 and choose a quality option, then save the file to your Mac.
Comparison Table: Best YouTube to MP4 Converters for Mac (2025)
| Tool | Platform | Speed | Output Quality | Recommended | Main Highlights |
| Wondershare UniConverter | Mac (Desktop App) | Very Fast — Batch + 30X conversion | High — Lossless MP4, supports HD/4K | Batch download, high-quality MP4 output, editing tools, 10,000+ sites supported | |
| YT5s | Mac Browser (Online) | Medium — online parsing | Medium — 360p to 1080p based on the source | Supports MP4/MP3, common resolutions, works without installation | |
| Video DownloadHelper | Chrome / Firefox / Edge | Fast — detects streams automatically | High — supports adaptive streams (HLS/DASH) | Downloads from 1,000+ sites, advanced stream support, optional conversion | |
| Addoncrop YouTube Downloader | Chrome (via CrossPilot) / Firefox | Fast — in-player download button | High — supports HD, 4K, some 8K depending on source | MP4, audio, subtitles, thumbnails; enhanced playback tools |
Is It Safe and Legal to Convert YouTube to MP4 on Mac?
Downloading YouTube videos may violate YouTube's Terms of Service. This guide is for educational purposes only. Always:
- ✓ Obtain permission from content creators
- ✓ Check video license (Creative Commons allows downloads)
- ✓ Use downloads for personal, non-commercial purposes only
- ✗ Do NOT redistribute or monetize downloaded content
🔒 Safety Tips for Mac Users:
- Avoid suspicious converters: Many free sites contain malware/adware. Stick to reputable tools listed in this guide.
- Check app signatures: Verify developer certificates before installing Mac software (System Settings → Privacy & Security)
- Use antivirus: Scan downloaded files with Malwarebytes or built-in XProtect
- Browser-based = safer: Online converters don't require installations (lower risk)
- Read permissions: Decline unnecessary access requests (e.g., "Allow access to Contacts")
📜 When Can You Legally Download YouTube Videos?
- ✓ You own the copyright (your own uploads)
- ✓ Video is labeled "Creative Commons" license
- ✓ Content creator grants explicit permission
- ✓ Educational use under Fair Use doctrine (consult legal advice)
Alternative: Use YouTube Premium's official offline download feature for legal, ad-free viewing.
FAQs about YouTube to MP4 Converter for Mac
Is it legal to convert YouTube videos to MP4 on Mac?
Answer: Downloading YouTube videos violates YouTube's Terms of Service unless you have explicit permission from the content owner or the video is licensed under Creative Commons. Use for personal, non-commercial purposes only. See legal guidelines.
Can I convert YouTube to MP4 without losing quality on Mac?
Answer: Yes. Tools like Wondershare UniConverter and yt-dlp support lossless conversion. Always select the original video quality (1080p/4K) during download to avoid re-encoding quality loss.
Does macOS Sonoma (14.0) support YouTube MP4 converters?
Answer: Yes. All methods in this guide are tested on macOS Sonoma and Sequoia (15.0). Browser-based converters work on any macOS version.
Why does my YouTube download fail on Mac?
Troubleshooting:
- ✓ Check internet connection
- ✓ Disable VPN/firewall temporarily
- ✓ Update converter software to latest version
- ✓ Try alternative download method
- ✓ Video may be region-restricted or age-gated
What's the fastest free way to convert YouTube to MP4 on Mac?
Answer: yt-dlp via Terminal (command: yt-dlp -f "best[ext=mp4]" [URL]). For non-technical users, use TurboScribe online converter.
Can I download YouTube playlists to MP4 on Mac?
Answer: Yes. Wondershare UniConverter and yt-dlp support batch playlist downloads. Online converters typically only handle single videos.
Conclusion
Converting YouTube videos to MP4 on Mac is simple once you choose the right method. Online converters work well for quick, one-off tasks, while browser extensions offer convenience if you download videos often. For users who need stable performance, high-quality output, or playlist downloads, a desktop tool like Wondershare UniConverter provides the most reliable experience.
Whichever method you prefer, staying mindful of video permissions and choosing trusted tools will help you convert and save content safely. If you’re ready to work with videos more efficiently, exploring these tools can make your YouTube-to-MP4 workflow faster, smoother, and more secure.
Convert Youtube to MP4 Now Convert Youtube to MP4 Now Try Free Online Converter
Your complete video toolbox
Other popular Articles From Wondershare
Christine Smith
chief Editor