YouTube Video Downloader
Save YouTube videos and Shorts as MP4 in up to 4K, or extract MP3 audio. Paste a link, choose quality, download.
How to download YouTube videos
- Copy the link. Open the video on YouTube, tap Share → Copy link. Shorts, music.youtube.com and youtu.be links all work.
- Paste into SaveVD. Paste the URL above and click Analyze. You'll see every quality the video really has (up to 4K) plus MP3/M4A audio.
- Download. Pick a format and save the file. On iPhone, tap the file and choose Save to Files or Save Video.
Features
Up to 4K / 2160p
Pick 144p through 2160p where the uploader provides it.
MP3 audio
Switch mode to Audio only for podcasts, lectures and music you own.
Shorts supported
Vertical Shorts download at their original resolution.
Transcript tool
Need the words, not the video? Use our YouTube Transcript tool.
Tips & best practices for YouTube
- Choose 720p or 1080p for the best size-to-quality balance on phones.
- Use H.264 (default) for maximum compatibility with iPhone, Windows and older TVs.
- For lectures, grab the transcript as well — it's searchable and far smaller than the video.
- Playlist links download only the current video; paste each video link separately.
Troubleshooting YouTube downloads
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| "Video unavailable" | The video may be private, region-locked or removed. Open the link in a private browser window to confirm it plays publicly. |
| Download has no sound | SaveVD merges YouTube's separate video and audio streams automatically. If a 4K file has issues, pick 1080p instead. |
| File won't play on iPhone | Use the default H.264 codec, then play it in the Files app or VLC. |
YouTube downloader FAQ
Can I download YouTube Shorts?
Yes. Paste the Shorts URL (youtube.com/shorts/…) exactly like a normal video link.
Why is 4K not available for some videos?
The option only works if the uploader published the video in 4K. If the source is 1080p, that's the maximum you can get.
Can I convert YouTube to MP3?
Yes. After you click Analyze, choose the MP3 audio button.
Does it work with age-restricted or members-only videos?
No. Those require a signed-in account, so they can't be fetched.
Can I download live streams?
Only after the stream has ended and been processed into a regular video.
Is SaveVD free?
Yes. SaveVD is free to use with no sign-up, no software to install and no watermark added to your files.
Do I need to install an app or extension?
No. SaveVD runs in your browser on Android, iPhone, Windows, Mac, Linux and ChromeOS. Just paste a link.
Is it legal to download videos?
Downloading is generally fine for your own content, content in the public domain, or content licensed for reuse (e.g. Creative Commons). Re-uploading or redistributing someone else's copyrighted video without permission is not. Always respect the creator and the platform's terms.
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