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How to Convert YouTube to MP4 on Windows 10/11 & Mac (Free & Fast)
by Christine Smith • 2025-12-02 18:50:00 • Proven solutions
(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.)
YouTube is the world’s most popular video platform, but many users still want a way to save videos for offline viewing, editing, or sharing across different devices. The easiest solution is a YouTube to MP4 converter, which lets you quickly save and convert YouTube videos into the widely compatible MP4 format. Whether you’re on Windows 10/11, Mac, or using a free online tool, the process is fast, safe, and simple. In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step methods to convert YouTube to MP4 without quality loss.
Best Video Saver & Converter
- Part 1. Why Convert YouTube Videos to MP4?
- Part 2. Quick Start: Convert YouTube to MP4 Online (Free)
- Part 3. How to Convert YouTube Video to MP4 on Windows 10/11 (Step-by-Step)
- Part 4. Convert YouTube to MP4 on Mac (Step-by-Step)
- Part 5. Desktop Software vs Online YouTube to MP4 Converter (Pros & Cons)
- Part 6. Safety & Legal Notes (YouTube Terms, Copyright, Fair Use)
- FAQ: YouTube to MP4 Converter (Windows 11, Quality, Batch, Audio)
Part 1. Why Convert YouTube Videos to MP4?
There are several strong reasons why users choose a YouTube to MP4 converter, whether on Windows 10/11, Mac, or online. MP4 is one of the most universal formats, and converting YouTube videos brings multiple benefits:
- Offline viewing without limits: If you watch videos repeatedly—such as study courses, tutorials, or music—you can save them as MP4 files and access them anytime without relying on Wi-Fi or mobile data. This is especially useful in areas with poor connectivity.
- Better device compatibility: YouTube streams in FLV or web formats that don’t always play on iPhones, iPads, Android phones, or Mac devices. Converting YouTube to MP4 ensures smooth playback across laptops, tablets, and portable players.
- Easy video editing: Unlike FLV files, MP4 is widely supported by editors like iMovie, Final Cut Pro, and Windows Movie Maker. You can trim, crop, merge, or add subtitles without format issues.
- Accessibility features: MP4 files can store not only video and audio but also still images and subtitle tracks. This makes it easier to add captions for learning, accessibility, or multilingual support.
In short, converting YouTube clips to MP4 gives you more freedom, flexibility, and compatibility compared to simply streaming online.
Part 2. Quick Start: Convert YouTube to MP4 Online (Free)
Method A — UniConverter Online (when you already have the video file)
UniConverter Online Converter is ideal when you already have a video file (e.g., your own uploads or CC-licensed downloads) and simply need to convert it to MP4—no signup, works on any browser.
- Open the online converter and click Add File (or drag & drop your video).
- Select MP4 as the output format.
- Click Convert, then download the converted MP4.
Note: Method A does not fetch videos from a YouTube URL—it converts files you already have.
Method B — EzMP4: URL to MP4 (paste a YouTube link)
EzMP4 is a lightweight, browser-based YouTube-to-MP4 downloader. It’s ad-free, requires no account, and works on desktop and mobile browsers. EzMP4 focuses on speed and simplicity: paste a YouTube URL, choose MP4 and a resolution, and download. It supports up to 1080p with audio (availability can vary per video) and aims to reduce the clutter and pop-ups common on similar sites. Use it for your own content, public-domain, or appropriately licensed/permission-granted videos, and always follow YouTube’s Terms of Service and local copyright rules.
- Copy the YouTube video URL.
- Go to EzMP4 → paste the URL in the field.
- Choose MP4 and select a resolution (e.g., 720p/1080p).
- Click Convert/Download to save the MP4 to your device.
Tip: For long videos, playlists, or 4K/8K needs, consider the desktop version of UniConverter for higher stability, batch processing, and editing tools.
Part 3. How to Convert YouTube Video to MP4 on Windows 10/11 (Step-by-Step)
YouTube video to MP4 converter software allows you to make YouTube videos available in MP4 format without any quality loss. Among the wide range of converters available in the market, you will find Wondershare UniConverter (originally Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate) to be well reviewed – it is the best software in its category.
Taking care of all your conversion as well as other video needs, UniConverter is available for Windows as well as Mac computers. As a complete video toolbox, Wondershare UniConverter offers a great converting feature for your daily video life, for example, you can convert MP4 to MOV videos for your use as well as loads of other video formats in batches. A number of key features that make this software a must-have for your video conversion requirements can be found below:
Wondershare UniConverter
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50 times faster as compared to other converters
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Optimized conversion presets for iDVD, iMovie, Final Cut
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Allows batch conversion of YouTube videos so that multiple videos or a playlist can be converted with a single click
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Easily process 4K/8K/HDR files
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Edit and customize your video like trimming, adding subtitles, merging, cropping, rotating, and others
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A suite of AI tools including video enhancer, watermark remover and noise removers
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Versatile toolbox combines video metadata editor, GIF maker, video compressor, and screen recorder
Wondershare UniConverter can extract audio from the file and store it into formats as MP3, OGG, FLACC, AAC, WMA and even to many other audio formats that are still sometimes used today. It is super simple to then share the videos, put them on your devices, and even Airdrop or email them to others. These are the features that attract the majority of the people to this software.
The suite of AI tools included also helps people to ensure that they can edit the videos powerfully, add watermarks, remove silence, and do a whole lot besides just converting to MP4 or other video formats.
The video editing feature that helps the user to crop and even eaisly effects on the file, which it stand out from other similar video conversion software. This YouTube Video Converter also retains the quality of the video, keeping lossless video conversion and audio conversion as a high priority when converting to formats as FLV, AVI, 3GP, etc. or being converted from other formats to MP4.
With Wondershare UniConverter, converting YouTube to MP4 on Windows is a quick and simple task which needs just a few steps. With the software, you can download the required video and also convert the same to MP4 format in one step. We explain how to perform the conversion below.
Steps to Convert YouTube to MP4 on Windows 11/10 using Wondershare UniConverter:
Step 1 Download, install and launch Wondershare UniConverter on your PC.
Step 2 Import Youtube URLs.
Click on "Downloader" in UniConverter homepage. Find and open the desired YouTube video on your PC browser and copy the URL. Paste the url in the textbox.
Step 3 Convert Your YouTube Video to MP4.
Before you download your YouTube video, enable the Download then Convert Mode option and select MP4 as target format. Then the video would be converted automatically after the download process finished.
Part 4. Convert YouTube to MP4 on Mac (Step-by-Step)
In addition to the Windows version, Wondershare UniConverter for Mac is also an excellent YouTube to MP4 Converter tool among the most popular YouTube video converters people prefer. It efficiently works on Mac, with just a few clicks, your YouTube movie will be converted to MP4 format and available for viewing, editing, sharing, or any other purpose on your Mac.
Steps to Convert YouTube Video to MP4 on Mac:
Step 1 Download, install and launch Wondershare UniConverter for Mac on your Mac.
Step 2 Download YouTube Video.
Click on "Downloader" and open the desired YouTube video and copy its URL.
Paste the url to the text box and click "Download".
Step 3 Convert YouTube to MP4
Once downloaded, the YouTube video will appear under the Finished tab. Generally speaking, the downloaded video is with MP4 format by default. But if you want to convert to a custom MP4 video, then you can convert it too. Click the Download then Convert Mode and choose the output format you want.
Part 5. Desktop Software vs Online YouTube to MP4 Converter (Pros & Cons)
To make the best choice between Desktop YouTube to MP4 Converter - Wondershare UniConverter and Online YouTube Converter - EzMP4, listed below is the comparison table of the features and functions of both the programs.
| Software Name | Wondershare UniConverter Download Download |
EzMP4 |
|---|---|---|
| Supported System | Windows/Mac | Windows/Mac |
| Convert YouTube URL to MP4 | Yes | Yes |
| Convert downloaded YouTube Videos to MP4 | Yes | No |
| Batch & Playlists | Yes—batch processing and playlist workflows. | Single URL focus |
| Quality & Resolution | Processes 4K/8K/HDR; download quality depends on source availability. | Up to 1080p with audio (as available per video). |
| Supported Input formats | All major and popular formats, totally 150+ formats. | Only several formats, like MP4, Flv, etc. |
| Supported Output formats | All major formats, over 150 formats. | 3GP, WebM, MP4, MP3, M4A |
| Conversion Speed | Hardware/GPU acceleration; stable on large files | Depends on site/server load and your connection |
| Privacy & Security | Local processing for your files; fewer third-party uploads. | Third-party web processing; service states no ads & safe use. |
| Best For | Long videos, playlists, 4K/8K, editing, batch jobs, reliability. | Quick one-off URL conversions in a browser. |
| Pros |
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|
| Cons |
|
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Tip: If you frequently convert or need high resolutions, batch, or editing, UniConverter is more scalable. For a quick single link, EzMP4 is convenient.
Part 6. Safety & Legal Notes (YouTube Terms, Copyright, Fair Use)
Always respect YouTube’s Terms of Service and copyright laws. Download or convert only when you have the rights or clear permission to do so—for example, your own uploads, public-domain content, or videos with licenses that explicitly allow downloading and reuse. This guide is for informational purposes and is not legal advice.
- Permission first: If you’re not the rights holder, seek authorization before downloading or reusing content.
- Check licenses: Look for Creative Commons or other explicit permissions; avoid DRM-protected materials.
- Use reputable tools: Prefer secure sites (HTTPS), avoid aggressive pop-ups, and never install suspicious extensions.
- Protect your device: Keep antivirus enabled, and scan files after downloading.
- Privacy: When possible, process locally with desktop software to avoid uploading content to third-party servers.
- Attribution & fair use: When licenses require, credit the creator; consult local laws for fair-use scenarios.
FAQ: YouTube to MP4 Converter (Windows 11, Quality, Batch, Audio)
1) Can I convert YouTube to MP4 on Windows 11?
Yes. Desktop apps like UniConverter fully support Windows 11. Online tools also work through any modern browser.
2) Is it legal to convert YouTube videos to MP4?
It depends on rights and permissions. Converting your own videos or properly licensed content is typically allowed. Do not download or reuse copyrighted content without permission. This is not legal advice.
3) What’s the difference between online and desktop converters?
Online tools are convenient for quick links but can be limited in quality, stability, and batch features. Desktop software is better for long videos, playlists, 4K/8K, editing, and reliable processing.
4) How do I keep both video and audio in MP4?
Select an MP4 option that merges audio and video. Some sources separate them; a desktop tool can automatically combine the streams.
5) Can I get 1080p, 4K, or 8K MP4?
Desktop tools generally handle higher resolutions more reliably and can merge quality streams. Online tools may cap output or vary by video.
6) Can I batch convert YouTube playlists?
Desktop apps usually support playlist and multi-file workflows. Most online sites are single-URL only.
7) How do I add or keep subtitles?
Export or download subtitles where permitted, then add or embed them with a desktop editor. Many online converters do not manage subtitles.
8) What format works best for phones and tablets?
MP4 (H.264/AAC) is universally compatible. For smaller file sizes with modern devices, HEVC (H.265) may help, but ensure device support.
9) How can I speed up conversion?
On desktop, enable hardware acceleration (GPU), avoid unnecessary re-encoding, and close heavy background apps.
10) Can I extract audio only (MP3) from a YouTube video?
Yes—convert to MP3 or another audio format when you have rights to the content. This is useful for lectures or podcasts.
11) Why did my online conversion fail?
Common causes include network timeouts, file-size caps, or site rate limits. Try a different tool or use a desktop app for stability.
12) Is it safe to use free online converters?
Some are safe; others show intrusive ads or risky downloads. Stick to HTTPS, avoid suspicious prompts, and consider desktop software for sensitive tasks.
Conclusion: Convert YouTube to MP4 on Windows 10/11 & Mac—Fast, Safe, and Flexible
Whether you need a quick, free browser option or a reliable desktop workflow, you now have everything to convert YouTube to MP4 without the guesswork. Use an online YouTube to MP4 converter for one-off links, and switch to Wondershare UniConverter on Windows 10/11 or Mac when you want higher stability, 4K/8K quality, batch playlists, subtitles, or built-in editing.
- Fast starts: Paste a URL into an online tool for simple, free conversions.
- Pro results: UniConverter handles long videos, playlists, HDR/8K, and AI-powered enhancements.
- Cross-platform: Works smoothly on Windows 10/11 and macOS.
- Stay compliant: Convert content you own or have permission to use; follow YouTube’s Terms and local copyright laws.
Free Download for Windows Free Download for Mac Try Free Online Converter
Not sure which route to choose? See the UniConverter vs Online comparison, review our safety & legal notes, and check the FAQ for quick fixes and best practices.
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Christine Smith
chief Editor