At a glance
What is a YouTube video downloader?
A YouTube downloader gives you your own copy of a video that normally only plays online, as an MP4 file, or as just its sound in an MP3. Paste the link in the box at the top of this page and MediaFetches shows every quality available for that video, plus MP3 audio.
How to Download a YouTube Video in 3 Steps
The downloader checks the link before it offers a file.
Copy the YouTube video URL from the share menu or browser.
Paste it into the link box and select Fetch.
Choose an available resolution or MP3 Audio, then select Download.
YouTube Video Qualities and Formats Available
A single YouTube link can offer several video resolutions and audio tracks. MediaFetches lists what is actually available for that video, up to 4K, instead of promising a quality the source does not have.
Private, deleted and login-only videos can't be fetched, because the YouTube link has to be public.
Which YouTube links can I paste?
Use a link to one single video. These formats work:
- A normal link from the address bar (youtube.com/watch)
- A short link from the Share button (youtu.be)
- A YouTube Shorts link
These links will not work:
- Playlist links and channel links
- Private or deleted videos
- Videos that need you to sign in
- Videos blocked in the server’s region
Why does one video show more options than another?
Every YouTube upload has its own set of sizes. A video uploaded in Full HD or 4K can list many choices. An older or smaller upload lists only a few. MediaFetches shows only what exists for your video, so you are never offered a size that does not exist. If you only want sound, choose Audio (MP3) and the file will be much smaller.
YouTube to MP4 or MP3: Which Should You Choose?
If you only need the sound, for example a lecture, a talk or a podcast episode, switch to Audio (MP3). The tool extracts the audio from the video for you. Longer videos take more time to prepare, so a short clip finishes much sooner than a long recording. Keep the page open while the progress bar is running.
YouTube Video Quality Guide: 144p to 4K
Every YouTube video is uploaded in its own set of resolutions, and MediaFetches shows the ones that exist for your link. Use this guide to pick the right one:
| Quality | Best for |
|---|---|
| 144p–360p | Saving mobile data, quick previews |
| 480p–720p | Phone screens, everyday viewing |
| 1080p (Full HD) | Laptops, TVs, editing |
| 1440p–4K | Large monitors, archiving, professional use |
Higher resolution means a larger file, so check your free storage before saving a 1080p or 4K video. If you aren't sure, 720p is a good balance of sharpness and size. Older or low-quality uploads list fewer options, because quality can't be added to a video that doesn't have it.
Step by Step: How to Save a YouTube Video to Your Device
The whole process takes place in your browser, with no software to install and no account to create.
- Open the video on YouTube and copy its link from the address bar, or tap Share and choose Copy link.
- Paste the link into the box at the top of this page and press Fetch.
- Wait for the title and the available formats to appear.
- Choose a video quality or switch to Audio (MP3), then press Download.
- Watch the progress bar. When the file is ready, your browser saves it to your Downloads folder.
Tips for better results
- If a download is slow, wait a little and try again. Long videos and busy periods can take extra time.
- Make sure your device has enough free space before saving a high-quality file.
- If nothing happens after pressing Download, check that your browser is not blocking downloads from this site.
- For music or speech, MP3 is usually all you need and is much smaller than a video file.
Where is the downloaded file saved?
On a computer the file normally goes to your Downloads folder. On Android it appears in the Downloads folder or in the Files app. On an iPhone, tap the download icon in Safari to open it in the Files app. File names are based on the video title, so they are easy to recognise.
Common Uses for a YouTube Video Download
A saved file plays without an internet connection, which helps on a flight, a commute or anywhere the signal is weak. Many people download the audio of a lecture, interview or podcast episode as an MP3 and listen on the go. Others keep a copy of videos they uploaded to their own channel, or save a short clip to send in a messaging app. Because MediaFetches works in your browser, the same steps work on a phone, a tablet or a computer.
Why Use MediaFetches to Download YouTube Videos
- No account, no sign-up and no software to install.
- No watermark is added to your file.
- You only see the qualities that really exist for your video, so you never pick an option that fails.
- A live progress bar shows when your file is ready.
Want to save from another site? See all supported video download sites on the homepage.
YouTube Video Downloader: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a youtu.be link work?
Yes. Links from the Share button, links from the address bar, and Shorts links all go in the same box.
Why does my YouTube link say it is unavailable?
The video may be private, deleted, age-restricted, sign-in protected, or blocked in the server’s region. Open the video in a private browser window. If you can’t watch it there without signing in, it can’t be fetched.
What name does the saved file get?
The file name is based on the video title, so it is easy to find in your Downloads folder.
Do I need to keep the page open?
Yes. Keep the page open while the progress bar runs. Long videos take more time than short clips.
Can I download a whole playlist?
No. Paste one video link at a time.
What is the best quality to choose?
720p is a good balance of sharpness and file size. Pick 1080p or higher only if you have enough free space.
Download Videos from Other Platforms
Use a dedicated guide for another supported source.