How it works
- Copy the YouTube link. Open the video in the YouTube app or your browser, then tap Share and Copy link, or copy the address from the browser bar.
- Paste the link into YTDownload. Paste the link into the field at the top of this page and press Download.
- Choose a format. Pick MP4, MP3, or the thumbnail from the preview card and save the file to your device.
One downloader for public YouTube videos
Video as MP4
Save a video as an H.264 MP4 that plays on phones, TVs, and computers. The preview lists the sizes YouTube published, up to 1080p. See the YouTube to MP4 page for details.
Audio as MP3 or M4A
Take just the sound as an MP3 at 192 kbps, or as an M4A copied from the original stream. The YouTube to MP3 page explains how the conversion works.
Shorts and thumbnails
Paste a Shorts link to save the clip, or download the full-size thumbnail as a JPG. Both have their own pages: Shorts downloader and thumbnail downloader.
Why use YTDownload
- Free, with no sign-up. There is no account, no Google login, and nothing to install.
- Plays everywhere. MP4 files use H.264 and AAC, the combination most devices support.
- No watermark. YTDownload adds no logo or intro to the files you save.
- Private by design. Media is written to a private temporary folder only while it downloads, then deleted, and raw links are never logged.
Limits
- MP4: H.264 video up to 1080p, with AAC sound.
- MP3: 192 kbps, converted and streamed while it downloads.
- Long videos: videos longer than 60 minutes offer audio only, and media longer than 3 hours is rejected.
- File size: up to 500 MiB per file.
- Not supported: private, members-only, age-restricted, and live videos, and playlists.
YTDownload is for content you own, have permission to save, or that is licensed for reuse. Read the Terms of Use before you download.
YouTube downloader FAQ
Is YTDownload free to use?
Yes. YTDownload is free and needs no account or subscription. Paste a public YouTube link, pick a format, and download it.
Which YouTube links work?
Links to single public videos and Shorts: youtube.com/watch, youtu.be short links, /shorts/ links, and music.youtube.com/watch links. Playlists and channel pages are not supported; open one video and paste its link.
Is it legal to download YouTube videos?
It depends on the video and where you live. Download only content you own, have permission to save, or that is licensed for reuse, such as Creative Commons. YouTube's Terms of Service restrict downloading except where YouTube offers a download option or the rights holder allows it, so you are responsible for checking before you save a file.
Why is a quality or format missing or greyed out?
MP4 is limited to H.264 up to 1080p, and not every video is published in every size. Videos longer than 60 minutes offer audio only, files over 500 MiB are marked as too large, and media longer than 3 hours is rejected. Greyed-out rows show the reason.
Can I download private or age-restricted videos?
No. Private, members-only, age-restricted, and live content is not supported. YTDownload reads only what a logged-out visitor can play, and it never asks for your Google login.
Is YTDownload affiliated with YouTube?
No. YTDownload is an independent tool and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by YouTube or Google LLC. YouTube is a trademark of Google LLC.