How to Download YouTube Videos on Mac
- Open Safari or Chrome
- Go to YouTube and find the video you want
- Copy the URL from the address bar (
⌘+L, then⌘+C) - Navigate to ytdownload.us
- Paste the URL (
⌘+V) - Click "Get Video Info"
- Choose your preferred quality (4K, 1080p, 720p, etc.)
- Click "Download"
- Find the file in your Downloads folder (Finder → Downloads or
⌥+⌘+L)
Safari vs Chrome on Mac
| Feature | Safari | Chrome |
|---|---|---|
| Download speed | ✅ Fast | ✅ Fast |
| Battery efficiency | ✅ Excellent | ⚠ Higher usage |
| Download manager | ✅ Built-in | ✅ Built-in |
| Compatibility | ✅ Works | ✅ Works |
| Best for MacBook users | ✅ Recommended | ✅ Good alternative |
Both browsers work perfectly. Safari is recommended for MacBook users on battery — it uses significantly less power than Chrome.
Playing Downloaded Videos on Mac
- QuickTime Player — Built into macOS. Plays all MP4 files. Double-click the file to open.
- IINA — Free, open-source. The best third-party media player for Mac. Beautiful interface.
- VLC — Free, cross-platform. Plays everything. Available from videolan.org.
Mac-Specific Tips
- Quick preview — In Finder, select the downloaded video and press Space to preview it without opening a player.
- AirPlay to Apple TV — MP4 files can be AirPlayed directly to your TV.
- iCloud sync — If your Downloads folder is in iCloud, downloaded videos sync across all your Apple devices.
- M-series efficiency — M1/M2/M3 Macs play MP4 files with hardware acceleration, using minimal battery.
Mac Download FAQ
Does it work on macOS Sonoma?
Yes! YTDownload.us works on all macOS versions as long as you have a modern browser (Safari, Chrome, Firefox, etc.).
Can I download 4K videos on Mac?
Absolutely. Select the 4K option when available. 4K content looks stunning on Apple's Retina displays, especially on iMac 5K and Pro Display XDR.
How do I download audio only (MP3)?
Select "Audio only (best quality)" from the format dropdown. The file downloads in M4A format, which plays natively on Mac in Music, QuickTime, and all audio apps.
Can I edit the downloaded video on Mac?
Yes! MP4 files work in iMovie (free, included with Mac), Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve (free version available), and Adobe Premiere Pro.