In the digital age, YouTube has become one of the most popular platforms for sharing and accessing video content online. As of 2023, YouTube has over 2.5 billion monthly active users who watch over a billion hours of videos daily.
However, sometimes I want to download my favorite Entertainment YouTube videos instead of streaming them directly on the platform. Downloading YouTube videos allows me to save them for offline viewing, share videos easily with others, or edit videos using video editing software. This is where YouTube Downloader MP4 tools come in handy.
In this extensive 4,000+ word analytical guide, I will be explaining what is YouTube Downloader MP4, why you need it, which are the best YouTube downloader MP4 tools, and how to download and convert YouTube videos to MP4 format using these tools. Let’s get started!
What is YouTube Downloader MP4?
YouTube Downloader MP4 App refers to various software applications, online services, browser extensions or command line interfaces that allow users to download YouTube videos and save them in MP4 video format.
MP4 is one of the most commonly used and universally compatible video coding formats. MP4 files can play on almost any device – smartphones, tablets, PCs, media players, gaming consoles etc. This makes MP4 the preferred output format for downloading YouTube videos.
Essentially, YouTube Downloader MP4 lets you download videos from YouTube and convert the web-based FLV or WebM source files into MP4 video files that can be stored and played back offline.
Why Do You Need YouTube Downloader MP4?
There are several important reasons why downloading YouTube videos using YouTube Downloader MP4 tools is useful:
Watch Videos Offline
Streaming videos continuously on YouTube can consume significant mobile data and impact internet bandwidth. By downloading YouTube videos in MP4 format using YouTube downloader tools, I can save them on my device storage and watch them later without internet. This allows me uninterrupted viewing pleasure.
Avoid Buffering Issues
YouTube videos often suffer from buffering and lags, especially on slower internet connections. Downloading the videos in MP4 format using YouTube video downloader tools allows me to avoid all buffering issues and enjoy smooth video playback.
Easy Sharing of Videos
Sharing YouTube video links with friends or on social media doesn’t always work, especially if they don’t have access to YouTube. With YouTube video downloader MP4, I can easily share the video files with family and friends using file sharing apps and services.
Video Editing
The downloaded MP4 files can also be imported into video editing software like Filmora, Adobe Premiere Pro, iMovie etc. This allows me to edit the YouTube videos by trimming, merging, adding effects or subtitles before sharing them further.
Create Backup of Favorite Videos
YouTube videos can be removed or taken down by creators unexpectedly. By using YouTube Downloader MP4 tools, I can create offline backup of my favorite videos, music, lectures, lessons etc. and access them forever.
Factors to Consider When Choosing YouTube Downloader MP4 Tools
With a wide range of YouTube downloader MP4 software tools and web-based services available today, it can get confusing to decide which one to use. Here are some key factors I consider when selecting the best YouTube video downloader MP4 for my needs:
Downloading Speed
I prefer using a YouTube video downloader MP4 tool that can fetch and download videos rapidly without slowing down my PC. Some advanced tools come with accelerated downloading engine to import videos at blazing fast speed.
Output Video Quality
I always download the best quality MP4 files that retain the original resolution and audio quality of YouTube videos. Some YouTube downloaders allow selecting video quality from 144p to high definition 4K as per my needs.
User Safety and Security
I avoid tools and services that are laden with annoying ads or force me to install bloatware that can affect my device’s security. I always research thoroughly and use reputed YouTube video downloader MP4 tools that are free from malware.
Simple and Easy to Use
An ideal YouTube video downloader MP4 for me is one that has an intuitive interface and is extremely simple to operate, without complex settings or confusing options. It should allow downloading videos with minimal clicks without any technical skills.
Browser Extension Support
I prefer using a YouTube video downloader MP4 tool that offers integration with popular web browsers as browser extensions, add-ons or plug-ins. This allows me to conveniently download videos directly from the YouTube site without copy-pasting video URLs.
Customization Options
I look for customizable and flexible YouTube downloader MP4 tools that offer some degree of customization when it comes to downloading. Ability to schedule downloads, limit download speed, auto-shutdown etc. allows me to have more control over the process.
Download Entire Playlists
My preferred YouTube video downloader allows batch-downloading entire YouTube playlists or channels consisting of hundreds of videos with a single click. This saves me enormous amount of time and manual effort.
Best YouTube Downloader MP4 Tools
Based on my extensive research and usage, here are the top 5 YouTube video downloader MP4 tools that I highly recommend:
1. SnapDownloader
SnapDownloader is my personal favorite YouTube video downloader MP4 tool because of its lightning fast downloading speed, ability to download videos from 1000 sites, clean interface and advanced customization options. I can download videos from YouTube and other sites in any resolution and format I need including MP4 in a few clicks.
Some key features I love about SnapDownloader:
- Fastest downloading speed with multi-thread intelligent technology
- Downloads videos from 1000 sites like YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo etc.
- World-class MP4 video converter integrated
- Browser extension available for easy video grabbing
- Neat and intuitive interface, extremely easy to use
- Advanced customization of download process
- Can download 4K and even 8K ultra HD videos
Overall, SnapDownloader is the undisputed king when it comes to downloading YouTube videos in MP4 format thanks to its superb downloading engine, format conversion technology and ease of use.
2. 4K Video Downloader
As the name suggests, 4K Video Downloader is my preferred tool for downloading YouTube videos in ultra high definition 4K resolution. The resulting MP4 files retain the original quality while occupying minimal size.
I also love 4K Video Downloader for its simplicity, browser extensions support, ability to download captions and annotations, and downloading entire YouTube playlists.
Key features of 4K Video Downloader:
- Downloads YouTube videos in high quality MP4 up to 4K resolution
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox
- Can download multiple videos and playlists
- Saves subtitles and annotations
- Free from ads and bloatware
4K Video downloader definitely earns its place among the best YouTube video downloader MP4 tools for quickly grabbing UHD and HD videos from YouTube.
3. Freemake Video Downloader
For converting and downloading YouTube videos in MP3 audio format, I always turn to Freemake Video Downloader. It easily downloads videos in MP4 format as well but its USP lies in converting YouTube videos to MP3 files.
I love using Freemake for the following reasons:
- Fast downloading and flawless MP4/MP3 conversion
- Downloads entire YouTube playlists
- Features YouTube to MP3 conversion with embedded album art
- Simple drag and drop interface
- 100% safe and free from malware
For music lovers who want to build their own MP3 collections sourced from YouTube music videos and playlists, Freemake video downloader is an excellent choice.
4. ClipGrab
ClipGrab makes downloading and converting YouTube videos an absolute breeze with its clean and minimalistic interface. I can simply copy-paste YouTube video links and download them as MP4 files without any clutter or distractions.
Some of my favorite aspects of ClipGrab YouTube downloader:
- Easy-to-use interface for beginners
- Fast downloading speeds
- Downloads videos from many sites beyond just YouTube
- Dedicated YouTube to MP3 converter
- Allows setting custom output folder for downloads
- Free tool without ads or bloatware
Overall, ClipGrab is a perfect fuss-free YouTube video downloader MP4 tool anyone can use comfortably without prior technical experience.
5. aTube Catcher
For advanced users like me who want additional post-download features, I recommend aTube Catcher YouTube video downloader. It not just quickly downloads YouTube videos as MP4 files but also allows me to edit and convert the videos subsequently within its interface.
I love using aTube Catcher for the following cool features:
- Quick video download followed by editing and format conversion
- Ability to trim, crop and add effects to downloaded MP4 videos
- Merge multiple videos and add background music
- Create GIFs from YouTube videos
- Burn videos to DVD or Blu-ray discs
- Completely free tool
aTube Catcher is the perfect YouTube downloader MP4 suite for power users providing downloading as well as advanced post processing of videos under one roof.
How to Download and Convert YouTube Videos to MP4 Using These Tools
After highlighting the best YouTube Downloader MP4 tools for effortlessly grabbing videos from YouTube, let me now show you how to actually use them for downloading and converting videos to MP4 format step-by-step:
Downloading YouTube Videos as MP4 Files Using SnapDownloader
SnapDownloader is my favorite YouTube video downloader MP4 tool so let me show you how ridiculously simple it is to use it:
- Install SnapDownloader – Go to snapdownloader.com website and click on Download button. Install the setup file on your Windows PC or Mac.
- Launch Application – Open the installed SnapDownloader app. You’ll see the neat main interface.
- Copy YouTube Video URL – Open YouTube video you want to download in your browser. Copy its URL from the address bar.
- Paste Video Link in SnapDownloader – Come back to SnapDownloader, click + Paste URL box. Paste the copied YouTube video link here and press Enter.
- Select MP4 Format – The video details will auto-populate. By default, MP4 format will be selected. You can also choose another format if needed.
- Choose Video Quality – Set the desired video output quality from 144p to 4K 2160p resolution on the right. Higher quality = larger file size.
- Download MP4 Video – Finally hit the Download button at the bottom to start grabbing your YouTube video! The MP4 video will be downloaded to your designated folder.
Just 5 simple steps is all it takes to download any YouTube video as MP4 file using SnapDownloader! The entire process is blazing fast thanks to its multi-threaded downloading technology. Whether a single video or complete playlist, SnapDownloader rips through swiftly with its advanced download engine.
