Our Guide on How To Download & Convert YouTube Videos to MP4 on Mac

Helpful Summary

• Overview: Our guide explains how to safely download YouTube videos on your Mac device and convert them into MP4 files.
• Why You Can Trust Us: At SnapDownloader, we have a proven track record of helping users easily download their favorite videos from the Internet. We’re backed by positive user testimonials on efficiency and ease of use across numerous supported sites.
• Why It Matters: Downloading YouTube videos lets you access and enjoy your favorite video clips stored on your Mac device, even without an Internet connection. 
• Action Points: Take advantage of our free trial and use SnapDownloader to conveniently download and convert YouTube videos into MP4 for personal or creative use.
• Further Research: We invite you to read our blogs to understand how to download videos from more than 1,000 video-sharing platforms and websites on the Internet. We have a collection of informative articles such as How To Download Instagram Audio, Best TikTok Video Downloaders, Best All-in-One Video Downloaders, Best YouTube to MP3 Converters, and more!

Want to Learn How to Convert YouTube Videos to MP4 on Your Mac Device?

YouTube is one of the most popular go-to platforms for music videos, sports replays, tutorials, TV series, educational resources,  and more. 

But as you already know, a stable Internet connection is necessary to access and enjoy a seamless viewing experience of various YouTube videos. Of course, the only practical solution is to download your favorite videos from YouTube so that you can access them offline. 

As a Mac user, you’ll always need to ensure that your YouTube videos download in a supported format. The best option is MP4, as it’s compatible with all devices.

So, in this SnapDownloader article, we’ll share how Mac users can easily download and convert YouTube videos to MP4 using SnapDownloader.

But first…

Why Listen To Us? 

SnapDownloader has helped many Mac users download content from various websites and platforms all over the Internet, including YouTube, TikTok, Reddit, and Instagram. With a focus on user convenience and satisfaction, we offer valuable insights and recommendations tailored to enhance your YouTube video experience. 

Our stellar 4.9/5 star rating by over 500 real users only confirms how well we meet our users’ video downloading needs.

Feel free to visit our website, download our free trial, and discover why our users consider SnapDownloader to be one of the best YouTube video downloader apps today.

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Benefits of Downloading YouTube Videos as MP4

Downloading YouTube videos as MP4 files can offer several benefits for Mac users. 

Unlimited Offline Viewing

Downloaded YouTube videos can be watched without an internet connection. This feature is particularly beneficial for travelers or those in areas with limited or poor connectivity. 

It also helps you save on data usage, as you can download videos while connected to Wi-Fi and then watch them offline without consuming any mobile data.

YouTube Video Quality Preservation

By downloading YouTube videos in MP4 format, Mac users can retain the video's original quality, ensuring a high-quality viewing experience.

This means that even when watching videos offline, you’ll enjoy crisp, clear visuals and smooth playback, similar to what you would experience when streaming YouTube videos online.

Ease of Access

Downloaded videos can be stored locally on your Mac device, making them easily accessible without visiting the YouTube website or using the YouTube app.

Imagine you're going on a lengthy journey with limited access to the Internet. By downloading your favorite YouTube videos in advance, you can enjoy watching NBA highlights, funny SNL skits, motivational speeches, or catchy tunes from YouTube without concerns about data charges or a patchy internet connection.

Video Customization

When you download and convert YouTube videos into MP4 files, you can easily edit them using various video editing software. This allows you to customize YouTube videos for your personal or creative needs.

Important Reminder: To avoid copyright issues, we advise that you seek permission from the original creator before using downloaded YouTube videos in your content.

Video Archiving and Backup

Downloading YouTube videos on your Mac can archive or back up your favorite content, ensuring that it can be accessed even if the original video is removed from YouTube.

For example, suppose you have a favorite motivational speaker on YouTube. In that case, you can download their video clips to create a personal library of motivational messages that can uplift your mood or provide a quick boost of inspiration.

Easy Sharing of Favorite YouTube Videos

MP4 files are popular for sharing because they are widely compatible, have good quality despite compression, are optimized for streaming, and can be easily edited. 

Their small size makes them ideal for sharing over the internet or messaging apps without compromising quality, allowing you to conveniently share YouTube videos with friends, family, or coworkers.

No Annoying Interruptions

You can avoid unwanted video interruptions such as ads, video buffering, or network issues by downloading your desired YouTube videos.

How to Download & Convert YouTube Videos to MP4 Using SnapDownloader

1. Download and Install SnapDownloader

Visit SnapDownloader's official website and download the latest version compatible with macOS. 

For our YouTube video downloader software to run perfectly on your Mac, we generally recommend having a Mac OS X 10.10 and above. 

The download process should be quick and straightforward depending on your internet connection speed. Once downloaded, follow the on-screen instructions to install our software on your computer.

Important Reminder: Be sure to only download SnapDownloder from our official website to avoid potential security risks. Downloading a cracked version frequently comes with malware and adware that can damage your computer.

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2. Find the YouTube Video URL

Copy the URL of the YouTube video you wish to download. 

Then, paste the YouTube video URL in the SnapDownloader search bar. 

3. Choose MP4 Format

After pasting the YouTube URL in the SnapDownloader app, select "MP4" from the list of available output formats. You can also choose your desired video resolution–up to 8K.

To start the download process, click on the green "Download" button in the lower right corner of the SnapDownloader app.

4. Enjoy Watching YouTube Videos on Mac

You can check the download progress of the YouTube videos under the “Downloads” tab of the app.

Once the download is complete, you can find your YouTube video converted to an MP4 file in your designated download folder.

How to Download & Convert Private YouTube Videos to MP4 for Mac Users

Downloading private YouTube videos with SnapDownloader requires specific steps to ensure you have the necessary permissions to access and download the content. Here is a detailed guide:

1. Download and install SnapDownloader

Download and install the latest version of SnapDownloader on your Mac. When downloading private videos, you must use SnapDownloader v1.15.0 or higher.

2. Get Video Access Permissions

Before you download private videos from YouTube, always get permission from the video owner to avoid legal consequences. 

3. Launch SnapDownloader on Your Mac

Open the SnapDownloader app on your device and go to the Search tab. In the SnapDownloader search bar, you will find a key icon, as shown below. 

Click the key icon to open the select browser option as you can see in the image below and proceed to the next step.

4. Sign in to your YouTube account through SnapDownloader

This step is crucial as it allows SnapDownloader to access the private video on your behalf. Here's how it works:

Select the browser where you are signed into YouTube. For example, if your YouTube account is signed in on Google Chrome, you must select this browser from the dropdown menu. 

After selecting a browser, click OK. The key icon will turn green to indicate that the private video downloader feature is enabled.

SnapDownloader will then use the login session of your selected browser to access the private YouTube video you want to download.

5. Copy and Paste the Private Video URL

Next, copy the URL of the private video you want to download. Then, paste the link to the private YouTube video, playlist, or channel in the search bar. 

6. Download Private YouTube Video as MP4

Once the private video is loaded in SnapDownloader, follow the same steps you would for downloading any other video from YouTube. 

Select the output format (MP4) and quality of the video you want to download, then click Download to start the download process. 

That’s it! SnapDownloader will begin downloading YouTube private videos. By default, the videos are saved in your Mac device's ‘Movies’ folder.

Important Reminder: Please remember that downloading private YouTube videos without permission from the video owner is a violation of YouTube's terms of service and can lead to legal consequences. Therefore, always ensure you have the necessary permissions before downloading private videos from YouTube.

Best Practices When Downloading YouTube Videos for Mac Users

When downloading YouTube videos on a Mac, it's important to follow best practices to ensure a smooth and responsible experience. 

Here are some key points to consider:

1. Respect Copyright

Before downloading any YouTube video, ensure that you have the right to do so. Respect creators' rights and only download content that is allowed to be downloaded or is in the public domain.

2. Virus and Malware Protection

To protect your Mac from potential threats, use a video downloader that will keep your device and identity safe.

Fortunately, SnapDownloader provides an ad-free, 100% secure platform without any hidden, bundled installer or ads to disturb you.

3. Check Storage Space

Before downloading YouTube videos, check your Mac's storage space to ensure that you have enough room for the files. 

Large video files can quickly fill up your storage, so managing your space is important.

4. Update SnapDownloader

When using SnapDownloader to download YouTube videos, make sure to regularly update the software. Updates often include new features, bug fixes, and security enhancements, so it's a good practice to keep your software version up-to-date.

Wrapping Up

SnapDownloader provides a user-friendly solution for Mac users to download and convert YouTube videos to MP4. 

By following these simple steps and adhering to the best practices we shared in this article, you can enjoy your favorite YouTube content offline, safely and efficiently. 

So what are you waiting for? Download SnapDownloader and utilize our free trial to experience.