YouTube massive library can teach you anything and entertain for hours. However, YouTube’s video format isn’t always compatible for offline viewing. That’s where YouTube to MP4 converters come in. These handy tools transform YouTube’s FLV format into portable MP4 files playable anywhere.
In this guide, we’ll spotlight the 5 best and fastest YouTube to MP4 converter tools available. We’ve carefully compared the top online web converters along with desktop converter software to find the solutions that are quickest and simplest for saving YouTube videos on your devices.
You’ll learn key tips for getting the most out of each converter, with reviews of their standout features. We’ll also cover some clever tricks and techniques related to online audio, video conversion, and general computing know-how. This guide draws on extensive software testing and covers significant recent IT developments that affect video conversion.
If you frequently download YouTube clips or want to build an organized offline video library, you need an excellent YouTube to MP4 converter. Read on to discover the 5 fastest and most capable options to convert YouTube to MP4 with ease.
The Reasons of Converting YouTube Videos to MP4 Format
Offline viewing
MP4s allow you to watch videos anywhere, anytime without needing an internet connection. Perfect for planes, road trips, or areas with poor connectivity.
Data savings
Streaming YouTube over cellular data can consume gigabytes quickly. Downloading to MP4 saves a significant amount of data.
Higher quality
MP4s are stored at their original resolution. Streaming often adapts to lower quality.
Reliability
Videos stored locally can’t disappear if they get removed from YouTube.
Privacy
Downloads prevent videos from appearing in your YouTube watch history.
7 Best iPhone Apps for Downloading YouTube to MP4
Now let’s look at some of the top options for YouTube to MP4 converter apps available on the iOS App Store…
SSyoutube
SSyoutube is the best overall YouTube downloader and MP4 video converter app for iPhone. With its clean interface, SSyoutube makes downloading videos extremely quick and easy with just a single click to convert and download. Videos can be grabbed in resolutions ranging from 360p up to 1080p full HD quality. The app supports batch downloading to grab multiple videos sequentially, and downloaded videos have no annoying watermarks. The app’s simple workflow involves pasting in a YouTube URL, tapping to select MP4 format, then hitting download.
Downloads are very fast thanks to SSyoutube’s efficient conversion technology. The app can also extract and save just the audio track from videos as MP3 files. An integrated media player within SSyoutube allows you to preview your downloaded videos and music. SSyoutube provides a smooth user experience for grabbing videos and music from YouTube to enjoy offline.
Features:
- One-click downloading and converting YouTube videos to MP4
- Batch processing to download multiple YouTube videos in a queue
- Download videos in resolutions from 360p to 1080p HD
- Extract and convert YouTube audio tracks to MP3
- Built-in media player to preview downloads
SnapTube
SnapTube is an excellent YouTube downloader especially useful for saving music from videos. In addition to standard MP4 saving, it can extract and convert YouTube videos to MP3 audio files. Nice extras like an integrated music player make SnapTube great for building offline playlists. The app downloads quickly and allows you to choose video quality up to 1080p HD.
With its audio conversion features, SnapTube is great for grabbing songs, mixes, and music from YouTube. The integrated music player and playlists make it easy to listen to downloads within the app. For music lovers, SnapTube is a versatile downloader to build offline playlists.
Features:
- Download YouTube videos as MP4 files
- Convert and save YouTube audio as MP3
- Integrated music player to play downloads
- Select video quality up to 1080p HD
- Create playlists from downloaded music
Ripyoutube
While it focuses on audio, this aptly named app can also save YouTube videos as MP4s. It stands out for its speed and ability to convert even lengthy 1 hour+ videos quickly. The plain but efficient interface makes it easy to paste in a YouTube link and convert to your desired format. Worth considering if you want to convert the same YouTube videos to BOTH MP4 and MP3.
With fast conversion times, Ripyoutube is ideal for grabbing long YouTube videos. The streamlined interface means you can start downloads with just a YouTube link. It’s versatile for saving both video and audio from YouTube.
Features:
- Fast conversion speed even for long videos
- Save YouTube videos as MP4 or MP3
- Simple and straightforward interface
- Handles videos over 1 hour long
- Flexible output options
Visit: https://ripyoutube.com/
MacX Video Converter
A popular YouTube and video converter for Mac, also available on iPhone. Great for demanding users who want powerful options like batch downloading entire YouTube playlists or channels. Allows saving MP4s up to 4K quality. The app can also extract audio and has advanced editing tools.
For power users, MacX Video Converter delivers robust options for downloading from YouTube. Converting entire playlists or channels is easy with batch processing. And the built-in editor provides preprocessing without needing separate apps.
Features:
- Batch download YouTube playlists and channels
- Convert to MP4 up to 4K resolution
- Extract and convert YouTube audio
- Built-in video editor
- Available on iPhone and Mac
Documents by Readdle
Documents’ downloader capabilities may fly under the radar. But with support for MP3 and MP4 formats, offline viewing, and seamless integration with a mighty iOS file manager app, it is a compelling choice. Downloads preserve original quality.
By integrating downloading into the full-featured Documents app, your YouTube videos can be organized, previewed, and managed easily. And original quality is retained for videos you save offline.
Features:
- Save YouTube videos as MP4 or MP3
- Retain original video/audio quality
- View downloads offline
- Integrated with full-featured Documents app
- Streamlined downloading interface
VivConverter
For a niche audience, VivConverter does one thing extremely well – download YouTube videos as MP4s for viewing on Kindle Fire tablets. If you want to build a video library for your Kindle, this specialized app is the way to go. It delivers videos optimized for Kindle screens.
With Kindle-optimized encoding and a simple interface focused just on YouTube downloading, VivConverter makes it easy to enjoy videos on your Kindle. No bells and whistles, just a straightforward downloader purpose-built for Kindle users.
Features:
- Download YouTube videos optimized for Kindle
- MP4 conversion specialized for Kindle Fire
- Simple interface for downloading videos
- Small app size tuned just for Kindle use
- No subscription fees or ads
Total Video Converter
A no-nonsense downloader to grab YouTube videos on iPhone and convert directly to MP4. Interface feels dated but delivers where it counts with versatile options like custom output quality and renaming downloaded files.
For basic yet customizable downloading, Total Video Converter offers an old school but functional experience. Setting output resolution and tweaking file names provides flexibility.
Features:
- Straightforward YouTube downloading
- Customizable output video quality
- Ability to rename downloaded files
- No frills interface focused on conversion
- Supports downloading multiple videos
Key Features that Make the Best YouTube MP4 Converters
Beyond those top picks, there are some key features to look for when selecting any app for converting YouTube video to MP4 on iPhone:
Fast 1-click downloads
The best converters make grabbing videos extremely quick and simple without extra steps.
Variable quality options
Ability to save MP4s in resolutions from 360p to 1080p, or even 4K allows finding the right balance of quality and file size.
Batch downloading
This crucial feature enables converting multiple videos sequentially. Very useful for playlists.
Background downloading
Apps that can continue converting videos even when you switch to another app provide the best user experience.
No watermarks
Watermarked conversions are a dealbreaker. Accept no substitutes to your clean MP4s!
MP3 audio conversion
Nice bonus to also get audio-only files from YouTube videos.
Guide to Using YouTube MP4 Converters
Converting YouTube videos to play on your iPhone is easy thanks to MP4 converter apps. Here is a simple walkthrough:
- Install app – Search for your chosen converter in the iOS App Store and install for free or small one-time purchase cost. Many offer free trial periods.
- Copy YouTube link – Find the video you want on YouTube in a browser. Copy its URL from the address bar.
- Paste URL in app – Open converter app, paste copied YouTube link into the input field, and the app will automatically load video info.
- Select MP4 format – Choose MP4 or MP4 HD quality. Default settings typically work well.
- Tap convert – Finally, hit the convert or download button. Video will start downloading onto your iPhone.
- Find MP4 file – Once download reaches 100%, the MP4 will be saved in your Photos app or file manager. Enjoy your YouTube video offline!
Legality of Downloading YouTube Videos on Iphone?
Now you may be wondering – is saving YouTube videos to my iPhone like this even legal? Will I get in trouble with YouTube? What about copyright issues?
The short answer is: as an individual user, it’s very unlikely you would face any legal consequences for downloading a YouTube video to MP4 for your own personal offline use.
Technically it may violate YouTube’s Terms of Service. However, YouTube has stated they don’t plan to go after everyday users who convert videos for themselves. Just don’t re-publish those videos elsewhere!
Content creators and media companies hold the copyrights. Downloading their work for public distribution without permission crosses into clear copyright infringement. But private personal use, similar to recording shows on your DVR to watch later, resides in a legal gray area generally not enforced.
To be absolutely safe from legal risks, stick to downloading videos you or other individuals own the rights to, like your own creations or creative commons licensed content. Ultimately use good judgment based on strong ethics rather than technical legalese.
Why Convert YouTube Videos to MP4? – Key Benefits
Beyond simpler offline access, converting YouTube videos to MP4 format for your iPhone offers many other excellent benefits:
Save cellular data – Avoid streaming over mobile networks and prevent data overages.
Maintain access – Videos removed from YouTube for any reason will still be available in your MP4 library.
Share easily – Send videos to friends and family via text, email, AirDrop. MP4s work anywhere.
Enhanced privacy – YouTube watch history isn’t recorded for downloaded videos.
Better quality – Higher bitrates than streaming especially for long videos.
Portability – iPhone storage is easier to manage than streaming or cloud.
Video trimming – Trim MP4s to remove unwanted sections.
Creative projects – Use downloaded MP4s in apps like iMovie.
YouTube music – Convert and save audio tracks from videos as MP3s.
Future Trends in Video Conversion Technology
As mobile devices continue improving rapidly, we can expect the experience of converting and downloading YouTube videos to evolve as well:
- Downloading at lightning fast 8K resolution will become more mainstream.
- Integration with cloud photo storage like iCloud or Google Photos to access MP4s on any device.
- Direct video downloads from other streaming apps like Netflix or Hulu.
- Leveraging AI “smart” technology to curate and organize your downloaded video collection.
- More user control over file management like custom subtitles.
- Options to download additional metadata like descriptions and comments to maintain context.
- Greater focus on preserving original audio and video quality during conversion process.
Start Building Your Offline YouTube Video Collection
Thanks to YouTube MP4 converters, Gone are the days of being restricted to small clips or playlists for offline viewing. With a good video conversion app, you can amass a personal collection of any YouTube videos you want to re-watch on your iPhone – the possibilities are endless!
The apps covered in this guide represent the best-in-class for grabbing videos from YouTube and converting them into high quality MP4s optimized for iOS. Each one can save you time, mobile data, and frustration
