You can download YouTube videos on Mac using YouTube Premium (official method) or third‑party tools like TubeFetcher, desktop apps, online downloaders, VLC, and command‑line tools.
The fastest and safest method for Mac users is TubeFetcher, a privacy‑first downloader that saves videos in one click (macOS version coming soon).
Method 1: Use TubeFetcher
TubeFetcher is a high-performance desktop application built specifically for downloading YouTube videos with speed, privacy, and control. Unlike browser extensions or ad-heavy websites, TubeFetcher runs directly on your device and does one job: downloading YouTube videos quickly and safely.
Why TubeFetcher Stands Out
- Downloads videos faster than browser-based tools or Electron apps
- No ads, no tracking, and no login required
- Downloads full videos in MP4 or audio-only in MP3
- Let you choose from multiple resolutions (144p to 1080p+)
- Designed to be lightweight and clutter-free
- Already trusted by over 100,000 users worldwide
How to Use TubeFetcher
- Open TubeFetcher on your computer
- Copy the URL of the YouTube video you want to save
- Paste the URL into the app’s download field
- Choose your preferred format (MP4 or MP3) and resolution
- Click Download
- The file is saved instantly to your default folder
For more details on using TubeFetcher, read the blog on How to Use TubeFetcher to Download YouTube Videos Safely.
Platform Availability
- TubeFetcher is currently available for Windows and Android
- The macOS version is under development and will launch soon
When to Use TubeFetcher
Ideal for users who want speed, control, and privacy. TubeFetcher lets students, teachers, and creators download real files to move, edit, and use freely offline.
Method 2: Use YouTube Premium
YouTube Premium is the only official method endorsed by YouTube for saving videos offline. It allows users to download videos directly within the YouTube app or supported browsers. This method is simple and completely legal, but it comes with some limitations.
What YouTube Premium Lets You Do
- Download YouTube videos for offline playback
- Works inside the YouTube app or browser
- Keeps video quality intact based on the original upload
Limitations
- Videos do not download as files (no MP4 or MP3)
- You cannot access the files outside the YouTube environment
- A monthly subscription is required
- Downloads expire if the subscription lapses or if videos go offline
How to Use YouTube Premium on Mac
- Sign in to your YouTube Premium account on your browser
- Go to the video you want to save
- Click the Download button (usually below the video or in the browser player controls)
- Choose your preferred resolution
- Access saved videos in the “Downloads” section of your YouTube account
When to Use This Method
Best for casual offline viewing, perfect if you don’t need to edit or move files. YouTube Premium suits those who prefer convenience and watching directly on the platform.
Method 3: Use a Web-Based YouTube Downloader
Online downloader websites offer a way to save YouTube videos without installing software. These tools are convenient for one-time or infrequent downloads, but they come with several warnings.
Popular Web-Based Tools
- SaveFrom.net
- Y2Mate
- Other clone-style conversion sites
How These Tools Work
- Copy the link of the YouTube video
- Visit a downloader website
- Paste the link into the download input field
- Select your preferred format and resolution
- Click download and wait for the file to be processed and saved
Advantages
- No installation required
- Works on any browser
- Quick for occasional use
Risks and Drawbacks
- Frequent pop-ups and fake download buttons
- Many sites are ad-heavy and may link to malware
- File quality may be limited or inconsistent
- Your data may be tracked or collected
When to Use This Method
Use web-based downloaders for quick grabs only if you understand the risks. Skip them for large files, playlists, or frequent use, and never share personal info or click extra prompts.
Method 4: Use a Desktop App for More Control
Desktop applications offer a more customizable and professional way to download YouTube videos on a Mac. These apps support batch downloading, playlists, subtitles, audio extraction, and higher resolutions such as 4K.
Recommended Apps
- Pulltube: Known for its sleek interface, subtitle support, and audio-only downloads
- Downie: Supports over 1,200 websites, offers 4K resolution, and includes full YouTube channel downloads
Step-by-Step Workflow (Example with Pulltube)
- Download and install Pulltube or Downie on your Mac
- Open the application
- Copy the URL of the YouTube video you want to download
- Paste the URL into the app
- Select resolution, format, and other options
- Click the download button to save the file
When This Method Works Best
- For users who frequently download videos in bulk
- Creators who need editable video files for content projects
- Educators who want to archive lessons or tutorials for offline use
- Students building collections of educational resources
Method 5: Use VLC Media Player (Manual but Free)
VLC Media Player includes a lesser-known feature that allows you to stream and download online videos, including those from YouTube. This method is slower and less automated, but doesn’t require any additional software beyond VLC itself.
How to Download YouTube Videos with VLC on Mac
- Open VLC Media Player
- Click File and select Open Network Stream
- Paste the YouTube video URL into the input field and press Open
- The video will start streaming
- While it plays, go to the Window and select Media Information
- At the bottom, copy the long URL in the Location field
- Paste that URL into your browser and press Enter
- Right-click on the video and select Save Video As to download
Pros
- No need for separate downloaders
- Free and open-source
- Allows you to save from within a trusted app
Cons
- No batch downloads or resolution selection
- Can break if YouTube updates its stream format
- More manual steps are involved
Who Should Use This Method
Best for users with VLC already installed who want to avoid online tools. Handy for occasional downloads using a familiar interface.
Method 6: Use Terminal + yt-dlp (Advanced Power Users)
If you’re comfortable using command-line tools, yt-dlp is one of the most powerful options for downloading YouTube videos on a Mac. It’s an actively maintained fork of youtube-dl and supports an extensive range of features, including audio extraction, playlist support, subtitles, and format conversion.
How to Set Up yt-dlp on Mac
- Open Terminal
- Install Homebrew if you haven’t already:
/bin/bash -c “$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)” - Use Homebrew to install yt-dlp:
brew install yt-dlp - (Optional) Install FFmpeg to enable additional formats:
brew install ffmpeg
Example Commands
- Download video in the best quality:
yt-dlp https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=example - Download as MP3 audio only:
yt-dlp -x –audio-format mp3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=example - Download a full playlist:
yt-dlp -o “%(playlist)s/%(title)s.%(ext)s” <playlist-URL>
Key Features
- Subtitle and metadata extraction
- Batch and playlist downloading
- Format conversion (video and audio)
- Resume interrupted downloads
Who Should Use yt-dlp
- Developers, researchers, or users comfortable with Terminal
- Those who want complete control over download format, naming, and structure
- Anyone automating bulk downloads for offline archiving
Is It Legal to Download YouTube Videos on a Mac?
YouTube’s Terms of Service prohibit downloading videos unless the platform provides the functionality or you have explicit permission from the copyright owner. Using tools to save videos without authorization can violate these terms.
What You Are Allowed to Download
- Videos through YouTube Premium
- Your own uploaded content via YouTube Studio
- Videos labeled with a Creative Commons license
- Content used under educational fair use (non-commercial, limited use)
TubeFetcher supports downloading public YouTube videos and does not bypass digital rights management (DRM) or any form of content restriction. It is designed for lawful personal use and respects platform policies. As a user, it is your responsibility to ensure you have the right to download and store any video.
Read our guide on Is It Legal to Download YouTube Videos.
How to Extract Audio (MP3) from YouTube Videos on Mac
Sometimes you only need the audio from a video, for example, a lecture, interview, or podcast. There are safe ways to extract audio-only versions of YouTube videos.
Tools for Audio Extraction
- TubeFetcher: Lets you choose MP3 format before downloading
- Pulltube and Downie: Support audio extraction with trimming options
- yt-dlp: Use command-line flags like -x –audio-format mp3
This feature is ideal for students, researchers, and language learners who want to save audio for study or playback without the video.
Downloading YouTube Videos in High Quality (1080p or 4K)
If video quality is important for your project or presentation, you need a tool that supports full HD or higher resolutions.
High-Quality Download Options
- TubeFetcher: Supports up to 1080p resolution for MP4 downloads
- Pulltube: Allows downloads up to 8K with built-in quality selector
- Downie: Supports 4K and entire playlists or channels
When selecting a resolution, remember that higher-quality files will take up more storage and may download more slowly over low-bandwidth connections.
Troubleshooting: Why Your YouTube Video Isn’t Downloading
Download issues can occur due to several technical or content-based reasons. Here are the most common problems and how to solve them.
Common Issues and Fixes
- Private or age-restricted videos: These often require a login or cannot be downloaded
- URL not recognized: Make sure the video is public, and the URL is complete
- Browser blocking download: Use a trusted app like TubeFetcher to avoid browser conflicts
- Video plays but won’t save: Try VLC’s Media Info method or switch tools
Always verify that the video is publicly available and that your network isn’t interfering with the download request.
Which Download Method Is Right for You?
Each method has its use case. Here is a quick reference to help you decide:
| Your Need | Recommended Option |
| Legal offline access | YouTube Premium |
| Fast, safe, and easy downloading | TubeFetcher |
| No installation required | Web-based downloader |
| Editing or content creation | TubeFetcher or Downie |
| Technical control and automation | yt-dlp (Terminal) |
TubeFetcher is the best all-around choice for users who want speed, control, and security without sacrificing usability.
Start Downloading Videos Safely and Efficiently
TubeFetcher is a powerful desktop video downloader built for speed, privacy, and ease of use. Trusted by over 100,000 users, it supports both MP4 and MP3 formats and runs smoothly on Windows and Android, with a macOS version on the way. There are no ads, no tracking, and no signups required, just fast, clean downloads with full control.
If you’re looking for a private, high-performance tool that does exactly what you need without the fluff, TubeFetcher is the way to go. Download TubeFetcher today and take control of your content.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download YouTube videos directly to my Mac?
Yes, Mac users can download videos using applications like TubeFetcher or web-based tools, depending on their needs for speed, privacy, and file control.
What is the safest way to download YouTube videos on a Mac?
The safest method is using TubeFetcher, which operates locally without ads, tracking, or browser interference, offering direct file downloads in standard formats like MP4 and MP3.
Is TubeFetcher safe for downloading YouTube videos?
TubeFetcher is a privacy-first application that works offline, collects no user data, requires no login, and avoids third-party ads or scripts that could compromise device security.
Can I save YouTube videos as MP3s on a Mac?
Yes, tools like TubeFetcher allow you to extract audio and save it as an MP3 file, ideal for music, podcasts, and lectures without needing the full video.
How do I download high-quality videos like 1080p or 4K?
TubeFetcher supports up to 1080p. For 4K and higher, desktop apps like Pulltube or Downie offer resolution selection during the download process, depending on source quality.
Can I download YouTube videos on a MacBook without installing an app?
Yes, web-based downloaders let you save videos via browser, but they often display ads or fake buttons and should be avoided for regular or high-quality use.
Where do downloaded YouTube videos get saved on a Mac?
Downloaded videos are typically saved in your Mac’s “Downloads” folder or a location specified in your app settings, where you can organize and access them easily.
