Quick answer
How do I download YouTube videos on Mac?
The quickest way to save YouTube videos on Mac — copy the link, paste it here, done.
- Copy the YouTube link (Share → Copy link).
- Click Download and choose MP4, MP3 or another format.
- Click to save; Safari shows progress in the downloads button in the toolbar.
- Click the file there, or open the Downloads folder in the Dock or Finder.
YouTube → Mac: what you need to know
YouTube doesn't give you a simple “save to device” button for most videos, but you don't need an extra app on your Mac. SaveVidr runs in Safari or Chrome: you copy the YouTube link, paste it on this page and choose MP4 or MP3.
Below are the exact taps for the YouTube app, then the Mac steps for finding and keeping the file.
On a Mac, Safari, Chrome and Firefox all work. Files go to your Downloads folder and open in QuickTime, IINA, VLC, iMovie or Final Cut.
Step 1
How to copy a YouTube link
Every download starts with the link. Here's where to find it.
In the YouTube app
- Open the video in the YouTube app.
- Tap Share below the video (for Shorts, tap the Share arrow on the right).
- Tap Copy link.
On a computer
- Open the video on youtube.com.
- Copy the address from the browser bar, or click Share → Copy.
Step 2
Save it to your Mac
Files go to the Downloads folder in your home folder, which you can open from the Dock or with Option+Command+L in Finder.
Open savevidr.com and paste the video link with Command+V.
Click Download and choose MP4, MP3 or another format.
Click to save; Safari shows progress in the downloads button in the toolbar.
Click the file there, or open the Downloads folder in the Dock or Finder.
Pro tips
- QuickTime Player doesn't open every VP9/AV1 video YouTube uses at 1440p/4K. Choose 1080p (H.264) for QuickTime and iMovie, or play 4K files in VLC or IINA.
- In Safari, click the download arrow in the toolbar to reveal the file in Finder.
- Want only the sound? The Audio tab saves MP3 or M4A, which open in the Music app.
What can't be downloaded
- Private and members-only videos can't be downloaded.
- Age-restricted videos may fail because they need a signed-in account.
- Ongoing live streams can only be saved after they end.
- YouTube Premium-only content and paid movies are not supported.
Faster next time
Add SaveVidr to your Mac
Add SaveVidr to your home screen so it opens like a native app — no app store needed.
In Safari on macOS Sonoma or later, open savevidr.com.
Choose File → Add to Dock and click Add.
In Chrome, click the install icon in the address bar instead, then click Install.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can I download YouTube videos on Mac without an app?
Yes. SaveVidr works in Safari or Chrome on Mac — nothing to install.
Why doesn't my 4K YouTube download open in QuickTime?
Many 4K YouTube videos use the VP9 or AV1 codec, which QuickTime doesn't always support. Choose 1080p, or play the file in VLC or IINA.
Other devices