How to Download YouTube Videos on Mac

Mac users with stunning Retina and Liquid Retina displays often want to enjoy high-definition and 4K content offline. Whether on a MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, or Mac mini, downloading videos is fast and straightforward.
In this tutorial, we will show you how to download YouTube videos cleanly on macOS without installing questionable apps or Terminal scripts.
Quick Answer
To download a YouTube video on Mac, copy the video link from Safari or Chrome, open AnyVideoDownloader, paste the URL, choose your format (MP4 or MP3), and click Download. The file will save directly into your Mac’s "Downloads" folder in Finder, ready for playback in QuickTime Player or VLC.
Step-by-Step Instructions for macOS
Follow these simple steps on your Mac using Safari, Chrome, or Firefox:
- 11. Open your browser on Mac, go to YouTube, and copy the URL of the video (Cmd + C).
- 22. Open AnyVideoDownloader in a new tab.
- 33. Paste the URL into the input field (Cmd + V).
- 44. Choose your preferred quality (such as 1080p Full HD, 4K UHD, or MP3).
- 55. Click Download. Safari or Chrome will save the file to your Downloads folder.
Online Video Converter & Downloader
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Where Downloaded Files Go in Finder
To view your downloaded video on Mac:
• Click the **Finder** icon in your Dock, then click **Downloads** in the sidebar.
• Alternatively, press **Option + Cmd + L** in Finder to open your Downloads folder immediately.
QuickTime & AirDrop Compatibility
Downloaded MP4 files are natively compatible with Apple’s **QuickTime Player** and can be imported into **iMovie** or **Final Cut Pro**.
You can also right-click the file and choose **Share > AirDrop** to instantly send the video to your iPhone or iPad for mobile viewing.
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Go to YouTube Video Downloader →Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about how to download youtube videos on mac
Do I need homebrew or Terminal commands to download videos on Mac?▾
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