How To Convert a YouTube Video to MP4

This tutorial aims to make it easier for you by reviewing some of the top YouTube to MP4 converter tools. We will explore both free online converter options as well as premium downloader software. Key features, pros and cons of each tool will be compared to help you determine the best match for your requirements. Pricing options will also be examined where applicable.

Whether you are looking to quickly download a few YouTube videos to MP4 format or want to build an automated pipeline to curate entire playlists, this guide will showcase some of the best converters currently available. You will find recommendations both for casual individual users as well as power users. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of the ideal YouTube to MP4 solution based on factors like budget, ease of use and conversion quality/speed.

So let’s get started exploring some of the top tools that enable you to save your favorite YouTube videos offline in MP4 format!

Top Reasons to Convert YouTube to MP4

Here are some of the top benefits of using a YouTube to MP4 converter:

1. Watch Videos Offline

By converting to MP4, you aren’t dependent on internet access to view the videos. You can enjoy your favorite YouTube videos on flights, road trips, while commuting and anywhere offline.

2. Make Videos Portable

MP4s work across all types of smartphones, tablets, laptops, projectors etc. Converting YouTube videos to MP4 makes them easy to carry and watch on any device.

3. Optimize Videos for Devices

You can tweak MP4 settings to get the right file size, resolution, aspect ratio, etc. for perfectly optimizing YouTube videos for different target devices.

4. Better Playback and Sharing

The MP4 format has broader compatibility than YouTube’s WEBM/FLV formats across media players, making playback and sharing simpler.

5. Save Storage Space

MP4 files are highly compressed and take up much less file space compared to YouTube’s formats, saving storage when amassing a collection.

6. Enhanced Privacy

Downloading as MP4 prevents YouTube search results from being influenced by your video viewing history and protects privacy.

7. Create Video Backups

Converting favorite YouTube videos to MP4 works as a backup in case the videos are ever removed from YouTube in the future.

In summary, converting YouTube to MP4 makes videos more portable, device-friendly, space-saving and private while still retaining their original quality. The right MP4 converter software makes this process easy and accessible to any user.

The Best Desktop YouTube to MP4 Converters [Recommended]

SSyoutube

SSyoutube is an advanced and full-featured YouTube to MP4 converter program designed for Windows. With its intuitive interface, extensive format support, and GPU accelerated conversion speeds, SSyoutube makes it easy for anyone to download videos from YouTube and 1000+ other sites and flawlessly convert them to high quality MP4 files. The software is perfect for saving YouTube videos offline to watch anytime and converting videos to make them more portable across devices.

Features:

1. Provides optimized conversion profiles for all devices like iPhone, Android, iPad, etc.
2. Allows batch converting multiple videos to MP4 at once.
3. Offers advanced customization of MP4 parameters like resolution, bitrate, fps, etc.
4. Uses Multi-Core GPU hardware acceleration for blazing fast conversion speeds.
5. Has an intuitive interface with drag and drop, progress bar and after-conversion options.

Cons:

1. Has a learning curve for first time users to grasp all features.
2. Requires purchasing the software.
3. Limited to Windows platform only.

Verdict: With its unmatched fast speeds, high quality output, and extensive format support, SSyoutube is one of the top choices for flawless and efficient YouTube to MP4 video conversion.

ClipConverter

ClipConverter is a browser-based converter  and has a simple interface. Users can paste YouTube video links and choose many output formats (such as MP4, AVI, MKV, WMV)The straightforward design and lack of required software installation makes ClipConverter a convenient online solution for basic YouTube to MP4 conversion needs.

Features:

1. Straightforward drag and drop interface.
2. Supports many formats besides MP
3. 4 like AVI, MKV, WMV.
4. Allows setting custom resolution before converting.
5. No need to install any software.
6. Browser-based so works on any OS.

Cons:

1. Cannot batch convert multiple videos together.
2. Limited output format options.
3. Annoying ads on the website interface.
4. Slow conversion speeds.

Verdict: ClipConverter provides a simple free online solution for quick YouTube to MP4 conversion but lacks key features of desktop programs like batch processing, extensive format support, and fast converting speeds.

Freemake Video Converter

Freemake Video Converter is a popular free video conversion tool for Windows that makes downloading YouTube videos and converting them to MP4 surprisingly easy. With its large format support, quality presets, and intuitive interface equipped with tools to trim, crop, and add effects to MP4 files, Freemake Video Converter offers an easy pathway to convert YouTube videos to MP4 flawlessly.

Features:

1. Has many quality presets for downloading YouTube to MP4.
2. Lets you trim, crop and add effects to MP4 files.
3. Supports 4K and Ultra HD videos.
4. Schedule and automate video conversions.
5. Offers MP3 ripping and DVD burning capabilities.

Cons:

1. Shows promotional ads during installation.
2. Pro version needed for faster speeds and more features.
3. Limited device profile support compared to premium tools.

Verdict: Freemake Video Converter provides an easy to use free solution for converting YouTube videos to MP4 but lacks the advanced versatility offered by paid premium YouTube to MP4 converters.

iSkysoft iMedia Converter Deluxe

iSkysoft iMedia Converter Deluxe is a full-featured premium video converter packed with advanced tools to download videos from YouTube and 1000+ sites and flawlessly convert them to high quality MP4 optimized for any device. Leveraging GPU hardware acceleration, it provides extremely fast conversion capabilities.

Features:

1. Download videos from 1000+ sites besides YouTube.
2. Batch convert multiple videos to MP4 simultaneously.
3. Compress MP4 videos without losing quality.
4. Trim, crop, rotate, watermark MP4s before converting.
5. Hardware accelerated conversion leveraging GPU.

Cons:

1. Is a paid software with monthly subscription.
2. Caters more towards creative professionals.
3. Limited device optimization profiles.

Verdict: iSkysoft iMedia Converter Deluxe is packed with advanced features for editing and customizing videos but the high subscription cost makes it less ideal for basic YouTube to MP4 conversion needs.

Online Video Converter

OnlineVideoConverter.com is a popular cloud-based online tool that makes it easy to download YouTube videos and convert them to MP4 without needing to install desktop software. Its simple web interface allows pasting in links and selecting output format.

Features:

1. Easy to use web interface to paste links and convert.
2. Decent quality output.
3. Option to compress MP4s for mobile devices.
4. Supports many other audio/video formats besides MP4.
5. Completely free to use (with ads).

Cons:

1. Cannot batch download or convert videos.
2. Slow processing and conversion speeds.
3. Maximum video size limit exists.

Verdict: OnlineVideoConverter provides a quick and simple free solution for basic YouTube to MP4 conversions online but lacks the advanced functionality of full-featured desktop converter tools.

Overall, SSyoutube provides blazing fast conversion speeds without sacrificing quality, extensive format support and a pleasant conversion experience. It’s ideal for converting YouTube to MP4 flawlessly.

Guide to Convert a YouTube Video to MP4

1. Copy URL. For example, in SSyoutube, click “Add Video” and paste the video link.
2. From the output profile list, select MP4 as the desired output format. For optimal settings, choose the “General MP4” profile.
3. Optional: Tweak the MP4 settings like resolution, bitrate, frame rate, etc based on your needs.
4. Click the “Convert” button .
5. The conversion progress will be displayed.
6. Once completed, you can find the converted MP4 file in the designated output folder on your computer.
7. You can now freely play the MP4 video file on any device or media player that supports MP4 format. Enjoy your converted video!

Choosing the Best YouTube to MP4 Converter for iPhone

If you want to convert YouTube videos to MP4 to watch on your iPhone, here are some key features to look for when selecting the right converter software:

Presets optimized for iPhone 

The ability to quickly choose output settings tailored for iPhone models for best compatibility.

Tools to compress large 4K videos  

Options to downsample Ultra HD videos to fit iPhone screens without losing too much quality.

Video editing tools 

Built-in editors to trim, crop, add effects to MP4s before converting from YouTube.

Hardware acceleration 

Uses your GPU for blazing fast conversion speeds even when processing 4K videos.

Simple interface 

An intuitive design that’s easy to use and navigate even on smaller desktop screens.

Continuous conversion 

Feature to queue up and convert multiple YouTube videos to MP4 one after another.

Lossless video quality 

Ensures zero quality loss when converting the YouTube video to MP4 format.

With these key features for iPhone, you can efficiently convert any YouTube video to MP4 to enjoy perfectly on your iPhone – on the go!

Converting YouTube videos to MP4 is a great way to save clips for offline use and make them more portable. This article explored some top YouTube to MP4 converter options ranging from free online tools to paid software.

For most users, free converters like ClipConverter or OnlineVideoConverter should suffice for casual downloading. But for power users needing performance and versatility, investing in premium software like SSyoutube is recommended.

When choosing a converter, consider factors like platform support, output quality, batch processing capabilities and ease of use. The right tool will enable you to build an offline MP4 video library conveniently. Just remember to stay within legal limits when downloading YouTube videos. With the right converter by your side, you can enjoy videos on your own terms.