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Download 4K YouTube Videos Easily - Complete and Free Guide

Learn how to download YouTube videos on desktop and mobile with this step-by-step guide. Save videos for offline viewing with ease.

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📝 Category:

Content Marketing

📆 Last update:

01/2026

Key Takeaways

You are looking to download YouTube videos in 4K to take advantage of a superior visual quality offline?

Paste URL y2mate

We explain how to do this, compare the tools available, discuss the legality And the security, and answer your questions in a detailed FAQ.

How do I download a YouTube video in 4K or Full HD?

Downloading a YouTube video in 4K or Full HD is accessible with online tools or free software. Here are the general steps for a quick download:

  1. Copy the video URL : On YouTube, open the desired video and copy its link via the address bar or the “Share” button.
  2. Go to a downloader : Go to a reliable site or software
  3. Paste the URL : Insert the link in the field provided.
  4. Choose resolution and format : Select 4K (2160p) and a format like MP4 or WEBM.
  5. Download : Click “Download”, choose a destination folder, and save your video in high definition.
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Safety and legality

security : Use tools verified by VirusTotal (0 alerts ideally) to avoid malware. One VPN (like NordVPN or Surfshark) reinforces confidentiality by anonymizing your connection, especially on public networks.

Legality : Download YouTube videos for a personal use is often tolerated, but violates YouTube's terms of use if the content is protected by copyright. In France, redistribute or use videos to commercial purposes without authorization may result in fines. Give priority to licensed videos Creative Commons or get the creator's consent.

Compatibility and supported resolutions

Modern download tools are compatible with:

  • PC : Windows 7/8/10/11, MacOS, Linux.
  • mobiles : Android, iOS (via browsers like Safari or Chrome).
  • Others : Amazon Fire, Smart TVs with browser.

In addition to the 4K, most tools support:

  • Resolutions : 720p, 1080p, 2K, 8K (if available).
  • Formats : MP4, MP3 (audio), WEBM, M4A, 3GP.
  • Bonus features : Download of playlists, subtitles, or 360 degree videos.

Comparison of 4K download tools

Here is a table comparing three popular tools in 2026 for download YouTube videos in 4K, based on the most recent data:

🔧 Top Video Downloaders Comparison (2026)
🔧 Tool 🖥️ Type 📺 Resolutions 📂 Formats 📱 Compatibility 📢 Ads 🔒 Security ⭐ Rating (out of 5)
🖼️ 4K Video Downloader Plus Software 240p ➡️ 8K
(240p, 360p, 480p, 720p, 1080p, 2K, 4K, 8K)
Video: MP4, MKV
Audio: MP3, M4A, OGG
Windows, macOS, Linux, Android 🚫 None (official version) 0/66 detections on VirusTotal 4.8
🌐 SaveFrom.net Online 360p – 4K
(source-dependent)
MP4, WebM, 3GP PC, macOS, Android, iOS (web) ⚠️ Minimal No warnings on VirusTotal 4.5
⚙️ Y2Mate Online 360p, 720p, 1080p, 4K MP4, MP3, M4A, WAV PC, macOS, Android, iOS (web) ⚠️ Intrusive pop-ups & banners PUPs detected (pop-up ads) 4.3

Analysis:

  • 4K Video Downloader Plus is ideal for regular users, but the free version limits to 30 downloads/day.
  • SaveFrom.net offers a fast online solution with few ads, perfect for casual use.
  • Y2Mate is simple, but its pop-ups can get in the way of the experience.

Why download YouTube videos in 4K?

Download YouTube videos in 4K allows you to take advantage of a exceptional quality offline, ideal for tutorials, music videos, or conferences. Modern tools offer an intuitive interface, fast download speed, and cross-platform compatibility (PC, Mac, mobile).

Whether you're saving a video for educational or personal use, be sure to follow the copyright and to use a VPN to secure your connection. With options like 4K Video Downloader Plus or online downloaders, you can choose the resolution and format that suits your needs.

Tutorial: How to download YouTube videos in 4K with 4K Video Downloader Plus

Preparing before downloading

youtube icon, youtube, youtube logo, 3d render, youtube, youtube logo, youtube logo, youtube logo, youtube logo, youtube logo

Before you get started, it's essential to prepare your device and understand the basics to ensure a smooth download. Here are the preliminary steps explained in detail.

Check system requirements

To use 4K Video Downloader Plus, make sure your device meets the minimum requirements. A fast connection and sufficient storage space are required to handle large files in 4K.

🔧 System Requirements for Video Downloading (2026)
🔧 Requirement 📋 Details 💡 Recommendation
💻 Operating System Windows 7/8/10/11
macOS 10.13+
Ubuntu 64-bit 18.04+
Android 13+
Keep your OS updated for compatibility and security
⏱️ Internet Connection ≥ 50 Mbps recommended for 4K
≥ 20 Mbps for 1080p
Prefer wired connection or 5 GHz Wi-Fi
💾 Storage ~2 GB for 10 min of 4K video
SSD recommended for speed
Free up ≥10 GB and use SSD or NVMe
⚙️ CPU & RAM Dual-core CPU ≥2 GHz
RAM ≥4 GB (8 GB recommended)
Close background apps for smoother performance

Tip : Check your disk space before downloading to avoid interruptions.

Download and install 4K Video

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Downloader Plus

Installation is quick and requires no technical expertise. Follow these steps to set up the software:

  1. Go to www.4kdownload.com.
  2. Click on Download 4K Video Downloader Plus in the “Download” section.
  3. Select your system (Windows, MacOS, linux, or android).
  4. Run the downloaded file and follow the installation instructions (approximately 2 minutes).
  5. Start the software to confirm that it is working properly.

Note : The free version allows up to 30 downloads per day, sufficient for most users.

Understand the legal conditions

Downloading YouTube videos for a personal use is often tolerated, but complying with YouTube's terms of use is crucial. Downloading copyrighted content without permission may be illegal, where fines may apply.

⚖️ Legal Guidelines for Video Downloading (2026)
⚖️ Legal Aspect 💡 Recommendation ✅ Authorized Use 🚫 Prohibited Use 📝 Tip
Intellectual Property Download videos only under license or with explicit permission Personal use
Creative Commons videos
Public redistribution
Commercial use without authorization
Check local laws and obtain creator's consent

Tip: Use a VPN (like NordVPN) to protect your privacy.

Downloading a YouTube video in 4K

youtube icon, youtube, youtube logo, 3d render, video streaming, youtube, youtube logo, youtube logo, youtube logo, youtube logo, youtube logo

Download a video in 4K with 4K Video Downloader Plus is quick and easy. Here are the detailed steps to get a high definition video.

Copy YouTube video URL

To get started, you need to retrieve the link to the desired video:

  1. Open youtube in your browser or application.
  2. Find a video available in 4K (check in the reading settings: gear icon > Quality).
  3. Copy the URL via the address bar or the “Share” button under the video.

example : A typical URL looks like https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXXXX.

Paste the URL into 4K Video Downloader Plus

Once the URL is in the input field, use the software to start the analysis:

  1. Start 4K Video Downloader Plus.
  2. Click Paste Link at the top left of the interface.
  3. The software will analyze the URL in a few seconds and show the download options.

You can also try alternatives like By Click Downloader to download videos from numerous sites.

Note : If the URL doesn't work, make sure the video is Public and not restricted by region or age.

Select resolution and format

Choose the settings adapted to your needs:

  1. In the pop-up window, select 4K (2160p) among the available resolutions.
  2. Choose a format: MP4 (compatible with most devices) or MKV (better quality).
  3. Optional: Check Download Subtitles to include subtitles if available.
  4. Click on Browse to define a destination folder (by default: “Videos” folder).
🔧 Option 📖 Description 💡 Recommandation 📺 Résolution
📹 4K (2160p) Qualité maximale pour grands écrans et présentations professionnelles Utilisez MP4 pour compatibilité universelle, ou MKV pour flexibilité codec 3840 × 2160 px
💬 Sous-titres Fichiers SRT intégrés, utile pour contenu multilingue et accessibilité Téléchargez et importez .srt externes, ou activez génération automatique N/A (s’applique à toutes résolutions)

Start the download

Complete the process by starting the download:

  1. Click on Download to get started.
  2. Follow the progress in the main tab of the software.
  3. Once done, go to the video in the chosen folder.

Advanced features

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4K Video Downloader Plus offers advanced tools for regular users, making downloading even more efficient.

Download playlists or channels

To save multiple videos at once:

  1. Copy the URL of a playlist Or of a string YouTube.
  2. Stick it in 4K Video Downloader Plus via Paste Link.
  3. Select Download All to download everything or check specific videos.
  4. Choose 4K and MP4, then start the download.

Note: The free version is limited to 25 videos per playlist.

Use Smart Mode

The Smart Mode automates your preferences:

  1. Click on the icon Smart Mode (bulb) at the top of the interface.
  2. Define 4K, MP4, the destination folder, and the subtitle option.
  3. Activate Smart Mode to automatically apply these settings to each download.
  4. Paste a URL and click Download for a one-click process.

Advantage: Great for downloading multiple videos quickly.

Customize settings

Adjust options to optimize your experience:

  1. Click on thegear icon (top right).
  2. Configure:
    • Up to 5 simultaneous downloads.
    • Ignore duplicates to avoid redundancies.
    • Prevent the PC from going to sleep during downloads.
  3. Activate Embed Subtitles to embed subtitles directly into the video.

Solving common problems

filmstrip, youtube, tiktok, icon, favicon, logo, media, multimedia, app, social media, clip art

If you're having problems, here's how to fix them quickly.

4K resolution is not available

  • Check if the YouTube video is available in 4K (gear icon > Quality).
  • Update the software via Help > Check for Updates.
  • Test another video to rule out a specific restriction.

The download fails

  • Check your Internet connection (50 Mbps recommended for 4K).
  • Make sure the video is not private or restricted by region.
  • Restart the software or contact support via www.4kdownload.com.

The file is too big

  • 4K videos consume ~200 MB/minute.
  • Free up disk space or choose a lower resolution (1080p or 2K).
  • Use an external drive to store large files.
❗ Problème 🔍 Cause possible 🛠️ Solution
📵 4K non disponible 🔎 Vidéo non proposée en 4K 🛠️ Vérifiez sur YouTube et mettez à jour votre outil
⚠️ Échec de téléchargement 🔒 Vidéo privée ou connexion instable ✔️ Vérifiez l’accès et testez votre connexion
💾 Fichier volumineux 📦 Taille 4K (~2 Go/10 min) 🔄 Libérez de l’espace ou passez en 1080p

Conclusion

Downloading YouTube videos in 4K is a convenient solution for enjoying exceptional visual quality offline, whether you are a student, content creator, or video lover. With free, fast tools compatible with PC, Mac, and mobiles, save videos in high definition (720p, 1080p, 4K, 8K) or playlists is within everyone's reach.

Over 30 million visitors Watch 5 billion videos every day on YouTube.

If you want to save videos to watch later, you need to learn how to download YouTube videos effectively. You can download YouTube videos in formats like MP4, AVI, MPEG, etc. Or if you only need the audio format, you can convert YouTube videos to MP3 files.

With options like those shown in our comparison, you can select the ideal tool for your needs, combining simplicity, speed and reliability. Get started now and enjoy your favorite YouTube videos in 4K, wherever and whenever you want!

FAQS

How do I download a YouTube video in 4K for free?

Use an online downloader or free software. Copy the video URL, paste it into the tool, select 4K (2160p), and download as MP4. There is no cost or registration required for most tools.

Can I download in resolutions other than 4K?

Yes, most tools support 720p, 1080p, 2K, and 8K, as well as MP3 or M4A audio extraction.

Is it legal to download YouTube videos?

For personal use, this is generally tolerated, but illegal if the content is protected by copyright. Do not redistribute videos without permission.

FAQ

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