Unfortunately, you cant watch these videos offline in full resolution using YouTubes standard options.
YouTube creators can download MP4 versions of their uploaded videos, but only at 720p resolution, max.
That doesnt mean its impossible to download 4K YouTube videos to watch offline, though.
The most reliable of these apps that Ive come across is4K Video Downloader for desktop.
Its free to download for Windows, Mac, and Linux, and is verified virus-free.
you might even queue up full playlists to download.
The free version has a few limitations to be aware of, however.
The ads arent obstructive, but youll see constant banners for other products in the app.
Wait, is it legal to download YouTube videos?
Before we show you how the app works, we need to mention the legality of ripping YouTube videos.
While YouTube cant necessarily tell if someone is downloading videos, its technically againstYouTubes terms of serviceto do so.
However, if youre just making an offline backup to watch privately, you probably wont get in trouble.
The severity depends on a videos license.
This applies to the vast majority of content on YouTube.
Its best to ask for permission first, and, at the least, give them full credit.
These videos are the safest to download.
YouTubes search filters include a Creative Commons option if you need help finding videos.
This guidehas even more explanation on YouTubes Standard license, Creative Commons, and the differences between them.
Finally, theres a selection of premium content available on YouTube.
In fact, many of these videos cannot be downloaded by third-party apps in the first place.
Okay, with all that info covered, heres how to use 4K Video Downloader.
Open YouTube in a surfing app.
Find the video you want to download.
Copy the videos link from the URL bar, or from theSharebutton on the video player controls.
Open 4K Video Downloader and clickPaste Link.
The app will parse the videos data.
This usually takes just a few seconds, but can take longer depending on the size of the video.
SelectDownload Videofrom the first drop-down box.
you might also selectExtract audiotodownload just the audio from the video.
Use theDownload Subtitlesdrop-down box to select subtitles if you want them.
Wait for the download to complete.
