YTMETADATA · Video tools, in one place

Save a YouTube Video on Mac, Ready for Finder

Choose a source format in your browser, then locate the download in Finder and open it with a compatible player.

1Enter YouTube Video URL

Tip: Type ytmetadata.com/ in front of any YouTube link in your address bar to download instantly.

Works in Safari & Chrome QuickTime-Ready MP4 Save to Downloads/Finder

Choose a Mac-friendly video container and codec

After the browser finishes, find the file in Finder's Downloads folder and open it with QuickTime or another player. A WebM or AV1 file may need a player or editing application that understands that codec, even though the download itself completed correctly. For editing, preserve the original source resolution and frame rate instead of converting repeatedly; each lossy transcode can reduce quality. 4K and 60fps options contain more data, so allow extra transfer time and disk space before moving the file into a project.

A Mac browser can save the selected media as a normal file in Downloads without installing a converter. YTMetadata lists the source's available resolutions and containers; it does not upscale a clip or guarantee that every video is encoded alike. When YouTube supplies separate adaptive video and audio streams, the server muxes the selected tracks into one output. H.264 video with AAC audio in MP4 is a practical choice for QuickTime Player, Finder previews, and many iMovie workflows, although codec support can depend on the macOS release.

3 Simple Steps

01

Copy the link

Open the video, tap Share → Copy link. Desktop users can just grab it from the address bar.

02

Paste it above

Drop the URL into the box and press Download. We read the available formats straight from the source.

03

Pick and save

Choose a resolution or an audio format. The file streams to your device and the name is set for you.

Tools built around the source video

No account, no extension, no watermark. Paste a link and the file is yours.

MP4 & WebM Up to 4K / 60fps MP3 & M4A Thumbnails Nothing stored

Every quality, mirrored

We surface exactly what the source exposes — 144p through 4K, 60fps included. Nothing is upscaled and nothing is re-encoded.

Streams in seconds

No queues, no waiting for a render to finish. The file is piped from the host to your browser as it arrives.

Nothing is stored

No accounts, no database of downloads, no re-hosting. Media is processed transiently and discarded the moment your transfer ends.

Works everywhere

Desktop, phone, tablet. The same link works in any modern browser, and every download works on any device.

Frequently asked questions

Which format should I choose for QuickTime or iMovie?

MP4 containing H.264/AVC video and AAC audio is broadly compatible with Apple software. MP4 can contain other codecs, so check the format details rather than relying on the extension alone.

Why won't QuickTime open a downloaded WebM or AV1 file?

QuickTime support varies by container, codec, and macOS version. Use a player that supports that codec or choose a listed MP4/H.264 option when the source offers one.

Does downloading a 4K file reduce its source quality?

Selecting and muxing the original encoded tracks does not inherently re-encode them. A 4K file is larger, however, and later conversion or export settings can affect quality.

Where is the downloaded video saved on macOS?

Your browser's download settings determine the destination; the default is usually Downloads in Finder. Open the browser's download list if you need the exact path.

Every option the source provides

Available formats vary per video and region. We list exactly what is on offer for the link you paste.

Video

  • MP4 (H.264 + AAC)
  • MP4 (AV1)
  • WebM (VP9 + Opus)
  • 4K · 2160p
  • Full HD · 1080p
  • HD · 720p
  • SD · 480p / 360p / 240p / 144p

Audio

  • MP3 (transcoded)
  • M4A (AAC)
  • Opus / WebM
  • Original bitrate
  • Up to 256 kbps

Images

  • Max resolution thumbnail
  • Standard thumbnail
  • JPEG
  • No re-encoding