YouTube ripper is an essential tool for saving videos offline. Here’s an in-depth look at how to convert and download YouTube videos as MP4 files.
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What Is MP4?
MP4 is a digital multimedia container format commonly used to store video and audio. MP4 files can contain various types of audio and video compression. They are capable of high quality media playback while maintaining a relatively small file size compared to other formats. This makes MP4 a convenient and efficient format for downloading and watching YouTube videos offline.
MP4 supports high definition video playback up to 1080p resolution. And unlike some other video formats, MP4s can hold unlimited duration videos. The MP4 file extension stands for MPEG-4 Part 14. This refers to the standard for compressed audio and visual digital data established by the Moving Picture Experts Group.
Here’s How to Convert YouTube as MP4
Convert YouTube to MP4 on Mac, Windows
On desktop operating systems like Windows and macOS, you can use free online converter tools. These allow you to quickly paste in a YouTube URL and download the video as an MP4.
To use an online YouTube MP4 converter:
- Copy the URL of the YouTube video.
- Go to a video converter site.
- Paste the YouTube URL into the designated field.
- Select MP4 as the output format.
- Choose your desired MP4 quality and resolution.
- Click the Download button,save the MP4 file.
Alternatively, you can batch convert multiple YouTube videos to MP4 using free desktop software like Freemake Video Converter, Any Video Converter, or WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe. These tools allow you to paste in a list of YouTube URLs, choose MP4 as the output, and convert them all with just one click.
Convert YouTube to MP4 on iPhone, Android
On mobile devices like iPhones and Android phones, the easiest way to save YouTube videos as MP4 is by using the YouTube app.
To convert YouTube to MP4 on mobile:
- Open the YouTube app ,play the video.
- Tap the video share button .
- Choose the “Save video” option.
- The YouTube video will be saved as an MP4.
Is MP4 Better Than MP3?
For listening to audio only, MP3 files are more compact. However, for watching video with audio, MP4 retains better quality and higher resolution than MP3. MP4 also allows you to save both video and audio tracks from YouTube clips.
So MP4 is generally the better choice for converting YouTube videos to store offline and watch later. MP4s can hold high definition 1080p or 720p video along with audio in a relatively small file size. MP3s can only contain the audio stream.
Selecting the Right Online YouTube to MP4 Converters
When choosing a YouTube to MP4 converter, consider these top-rated tools:
Ripyoutube
Ripyoutube is a popular browser extension available for Chrome, Firefox and Edge. It makes downloading YouTube videos in MP4 and other formats easy. Once installed, you can click the extension icon on any YouTube page to quickly convert and save the video.
The tool allows setting customized MP4 resolution and file size. You can convert entire YouTube playlists or channels with one click. It also extracts and downloads audio from videos. Ripyoutube is very user friendly with an intuitive interface.
However, the free version has file size limits. And it lacks some advanced features of premium converters.
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy to use browser extension | File size limits on free version |
| Quick MP4 format conversion | Lacks some advanced features |
| Download full YouTube playlists | Requires browser extension install |
WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe
WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe is a versatile paid desktop app for Windows and Mac. It can download and convert YouTube videos to MP4 and other formats.
WinX HD Video Converter provides over 370 output format presets. It allows downloading of 4K and even 8K Ultra HD YouTube videos. The tool supports GPU acceleration for ultra-fast conversion speeds. And it can directly transfer converted MP4s to mobile devices.
However, the interface may seem overly complex for basic users. And it lacks some handy automation features.
| Pros | Cons |
| Supports 4K and 8K downloads | Complex interface for beginners |
| Very fast GPU-accelerated converting | Lacks automation features |
| 370+ output format presets | Paid software |
ClipGrab
ClipGrab is a free and open source YouTube to MP4 converter for Windows, Mac and Linux. It allows downloading entire YouTube playlists or channels in MP4 or MP3.
ClipGrab has a clean, simple interface that is easy to navigate. It can download high quality 1080p HD videos from YouTube. The tool also includes basic video editing features like cropping and trimming. And it supports extracting audio into MP3 format.
However, ClipGrab lacks some more advanced features of premium converters. The free version has file size download limits. And it can be slower than paid converters.
| Pros | Cons |
| Free and open source | Slower speeds than paid options |
| Supports 1080p HD downloads | File size limits on free version |
| Clean, simple interface | Lacks some advanced features |
4K Video Downloader
4K Video Downloader is a free YouTube converter focused on high resolution videos. It can download YouTube playlists, channels and videos in MP4 up to 4K quality.
The tool is very easy to use with a straightforward interface. It offers unlimited downloads with no caps on file size or length. 4K Video Downloader supports proxy downloading and multi-language subtitles. And it works well for downloading entire YouTube channels.
However, the free version lacks options like GPU acceleration offered in premium paid converters. It is limited to just 4K resolution downloads. And the interface is basic compared to some competitors.
| Pros | Cons |
| Free unlimited downloads | Limited to 4K resolution |
| Easy to use interface | Lacks GPU acceleration |
| Great for downloading full channels | Basic interface |
ClipConverter
ClipConverter is a popular free online tool for converting YouTube videos to MP4 and other formats. It works directly in the browser without needing software installs.
ClipConverter has a simple drag and drop interface that makes it easy to use. It can handle multiple video conversions at once. The tool offers MP4 quality options up to full HD 1080p. And it can download and convert entire YouTube playlists.
However, ClipConverter has intrusive popup ads on the site. The interface is very basic compared to desktop apps. And it lacks advanced customization options.
| Pros | Cons |
| Simple drag and drop web interface | Intrusive popup ads |
| Supports 1080p MP4 quality | Very basic interface |
| Can convert full playlists | Lacks customization options |
Any Video Converter
Any Video Converter is a premium paid desktop app for Windows and Mac. It excels at downloading from YouTube and converting to MP4 and other formats.
The tool has hundreds of built-in output format presets, including optimized YouTube and mobile presets. It supports GPU acceleration and multi-threading for fast conversion speeds. And it allows editing videos before converting through trimming, effects, watermarks and more.
However, Any Video Converter is not free software. The interface can be cluttered for some users. And it lacks automation features like downloading full playlists.
| Pros | Cons |
| Hundreds of output presets | Paid software |
| GPU acceleration for fast speeds | Cluttered interface |
| Video editing features | No playlist automation |
Path Ahead
Converting YouTube videos to MP4 can be done in just a few quick steps. Using online tools or desktop software, you can easily save YouTube videos for enjoying offline without an internet connection. Just copy the YouTube URL, paste it into a converter, select MP4 format and settings, and download the file. With the right YouTube to MP4 converter, you’ll be watching saved videos in no time.