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YouTube Video Downloader: Save Videos as MP4

Paste a public YouTube link and save the video as an MP4 in the quality you choose, up to 1080p. Free, in your browser, no account needed.

How to download a YouTube video

  1. 01

    Copy the video link

    In the YouTube app, tap Share under the video, then Copy link. On a computer, copy the address from the browser bar; youtube.com and youtu.be links both work.

  2. 02

    Paste it into SaveArrow

    Put the link in the box above and click Download. SaveArrow lists the qualities and formats available for that video.

  3. 03

    Pick a quality and save

    Choose an MP4 quality, the subtitles or the audio. Higher qualities are assembled while they download, so keep the page open until the file is finished.

What you can save from YouTube

  • MP4 up to 1080p

    Videos are saved as MP4 with H.264 video. Each public video lists the qualities YouTube offers for it, up to 1080p, so you can pick a smaller file or the sharpest one.

  • Subtitles as SRT

    When a video has captions, save them as an .srt file: the uploader’s own subtitles, or YouTube’s automatic captions in the video’s language. Automatic captions can contain mistakes.

  • Audio as M4A or MP3

    Need only the sound of a talk or lesson you’re allowed to keep? Save the audio track as M4A, or as MP3, which is converted while it downloads.

  • Free in any browser

    Works in Safari, Chrome and other browsers on iPhone, iPad, Android and computers. No app to install, no account, and SaveArrow doesn’t keep the videos or a history of your links.

Frequently asked questions

Where are downloaded YouTube videos saved on my phone?

On iPhone, the file goes to Safari’s Downloads, also in the Downloads folder of the Files app; from there you can save it to Photos. On Android, check your browser’s Downloads or the Files app, then move it to your gallery.

What format and quality are YouTube downloads?

Videos are MP4 with H.264 video, in the qualities YouTube offers for that video, up to 1080p. Audio comes as M4A or MP3, and subtitles as .srt when the video has them.

Which YouTube videos can’t be downloaded?

Only public videos work. Private videos, live streams and premieres, age-restricted, members-only or paid videos, and videos longer than about 2 hours can’t be saved.

Why can’t I resume a download that stopped?

Higher qualities are assembled from separate video and audio while they download, so an interrupted download can’t be resumed. Keep the page open until it finishes; if it fails, paste the link again, since download links expire after 10 minutes.

Why couldn’t SaveArrow fetch my YouTube video?

YouTube sometimes blocks requests for a while; if that happens, try again later. Also check that the video is still public and that you copied the full link.

Which YouTube videos am I allowed to download?

Only save videos you have the right to use, such as your own uploads, videos published under a Creative Commons license, or videos the owner has allowed you to keep. Respect creators’ rights and YouTube’s terms.

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