The easiest way to download a video on a Mac is a dedicated app: paste the link, choose MP4 or MP3, and save. Free options include 4K Video Downloader Plus, ClipGrab and the command-line tool yt-dlp. If you download often, Downie is a paid Mac app that is also included in Setapp, which we sell.
One caution first. Downloading from a site is often against that site's rules. YouTube's Terms of Service, in the "Permissions and Restrictions" section, say you may not download content unless the service authorizes it or you have written permission. Download videos you own, that are licensed for it, or that the site lets you save offline.
What are the best free video downloaders for Mac?
There is no single best tool, so here is what each one is good for.
| Tool | Best for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| yt-dlp | Power users, many sites, full control | Terminal only, no window to click |
| 4K Video Downloader Plus | A simple window, high resolutions, playlists | The free tier has daily limits |
| ClipGrab | A very simple copy-paste downloader and converter | Fewer options than the others |
yt-dlp is a free, open-source command-line program. If you use Homebrew, install it with brew install yt-dlp, then run yt-dlp "<video link>". It is the most flexible free option, but there is no interface.
4K Video Downloader Plus has a normal Mac app window. TidBITS has reported that its free version limits you to 10 downloads per day and that paid licenses exist, and that the current version needs macOS 12 or later. Prices and limits change, so check the official site before relying on them.
ClipGrab is a small free downloader and converter. Check its website for the services it currently supports, because sites change often and free tools lag behind.
Free tools have one weakness in common. When a site changes how it serves video, they can stop working until the developer ships a fix.
How do I download a YouTube video as MP3?
Most downloaders can save only the audio:
- Paste the video link into the app.
- Choose an audio-only option, such as "Extract Audio" or MP3.
- Pick the quality, then download.
With yt-dlp the command is yt-dlp -x --audio-format mp3 "<video link>". Converting to MP3 needs ffmpeg installed as well (brew install ffmpeg).
How do I download a video as MP4?
MP4 plays on Macs, iPhones, iPads and most TVs, so it is the safe choice.
- Paste the link.
- Choose MP4 as the format.
- Choose the resolution.
- Start the download.
yt-dlp can merge video and audio into an MP4 with yt-dlp -f "bv*+ba" --merge-output-format mp4 "<video link>", which also needs ffmpeg.
Can I download videos without installing anything?
You can use an online downloader site or a browser extension, but we do not recommend either as a first choice. Online downloader sites are usually covered in ads and come and go, and extensions need permission to read the pages you visit, which is a security risk. If you do not want to install an app, a free command-line tool from Homebrew is a safer route than a random website.
Can I download videos from Facebook, Instagram and other sites?
Support varies by tool. yt-dlp supports a very large number of sites, and Downie lists YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook, Instagram and Bilibili plus over 1,200 other websites on its Setapp page. For a specific site, check that the tool lists it before you commit to it. Private videos and anything behind a login or DRM are usually out of reach.
How do I extract the audio from a video in iMovie?
If the video is already in iMovie, you can export only the audio:
- Open your project in iMovie.
- Choose File > Share > File.
- In the Format menu, choose Audio Only.
- Name the file, choose a location, and click Save.
Is Downie worth paying for?
Downie is a Mac-only video downloader. According to its Setapp page, it works with YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook, Instagram, Bilibili and over 1,200 other websites, handles 4K video, and requires macOS 13 or later. You can drop a link onto it, use its browser extension, or open a copied link from the app.
It is worth considering if you download videos regularly and want something that is already set up and maintained. It is not worth it if you save a video once in a while, because the free tools above do that fine.
Where can I get Downie?
Downie is included in Setapp, MacPaw's subscription service, so one Setapp membership gives you Downie plus its library of other Mac apps. Setapp says it offers 300+ apps, and you can check on its Downie page that Downie is part of the membership.
Setapp is a product we sell. Appicker is an authorized MacPaw reseller, and we sell official Setapp membership codes for 3 or 6 months. You redeem the code at account.setapp.com/redeem. See the Setapp page for the available options. Setapp's Downie page also lists a Downie-only option, but we do not sell that.
If Downie is the only app you want, compare the Downie-only option on Setapp's site with a membership. If you also want other Mac tools, a membership covers more than one app.
FAQ
What is the best free YouTube downloader for Mac?
There is no single best one. yt-dlp is the most flexible, 4K Video Downloader Plus is easier to use but has daily limits on the free tier, and ClipGrab is the simplest. Pick based on whether you want a window or a command line.
Can I download videos from sites other than YouTube?
Yes. Many tools support other sites, but the list varies. Check the tool's supported sites first.
Is it legal to download videos?
It depends on the video and where you live. YouTube's Terms of Service restrict downloading unless the service allows it or you have permission. Stick to videos you own or are allowed to save.
Is Downie part of Setapp?
Yes. Setapp lists Downie as part of its membership.
Does Appicker sell Downie?
No. We sell Setapp membership codes, which include access to Downie.
