Can you download YouTube videos on Mac?

Yes. Open the video in Safari or Chrome, copy the URL, paste it into ClipSaver, and download MP4 or MP3. Files save to your Mac Downloads folder.

Do you need to install software to download YouTube on computer?

No. ClipSaver works in your browser without installing desktop converter software or browser extensions.

Where do downloaded YouTube videos go on my computer?

By default, your browser saves files to the Downloads folder — C:\Users\[you]\Downloads on Windows or ~/Downloads on Mac. You can move them anywhere after downloading.

Can you download YouTube Shorts on computer?

Yes. Copy the Shorts URL from youtube.com/shorts/… and paste it into ClipSaver. Shorts save as vertical MP4 files the same way as regular videos.

How to Download YouTube Videos on Computer (Free, MP4)

Can You Download YouTube Videos to Your Computer?

Yes. YouTube does not offer a built-in download button for most videos on desktop, but you can save public videos by copying the link and using a browser-based downloader like ClipSaver. The MP4 file lands in your Downloads folder on Windows or Mac — ready to play offline, edit, or share.

Only download content you own or have permission to save. ClipSaver is not affiliated with YouTube or Google.

How to Download YouTube Videos on Computer with ClipSaver

1
Copy the YouTube video URL
Open the video on youtube.com in your browser. Click the address bar and copy the full URL. You can also right-click the video and choose “Copy video URL” in some browsers.
2
Open ClipSaver in the same browser
Go to ClipSaver’s YouTube video downloader in a new tab. Works in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge on Windows and Mac.
3
Paste the link and save the file
Paste the URL, click Download, choose MP4 or MP3, and save to your Downloads folder. On Mac, files go to ~/Downloads; on Windows, to your user Downloads folder.

Three-step diagram: copy YouTube URL on desktop, paste into ClipSaver, save MP4 to Downloads — Copy URL → paste in ClipSaver → save to Downloads

Download a YouTube video on your computer now

Paste your link on our YouTube tool page — free, works in any browser.

Open YouTube Video Downloader

Windows vs Mac

Detail	Windows	Mac
Browsers	Chrome, Edge, Firefox	Safari, Chrome, Firefox
Default save location	Downloads folder	~/Downloads
Software install needed	No	No
MP4 plays in	Movies & TV, VLC, browser	QuickTime, VLC, browser
MP3 saves to	Downloads	Downloads

Side-by-side comparison of downloading YouTube videos on Windows PC and Mac — Same browser workflow on Windows and Mac — only the default Downloads path differs.

MP4 vs MP3 on Desktop

Choose MP4 when you want the full video — tutorials, lectures, or clips to watch offline in VLC or your default player. Choose MP3 when you only need audio for music, podcasts, or voiceovers. MP3 files are smaller and easier to import into iTunes, Music, or any media library.

Browser vs Desktop Software

Desktop converter programs often bundle ads, outdated codecs, or unwanted software. ClipSaver runs entirely in your browser — no install, no registry changes, and no admin permissions on Windows. For power users who prefer the command line, see our yt-dlp safety guide for comparison.

Tips for Computer Downloads

Use the full youtube.com URL — youtu.be short links work too.
Pick 1080p for quality or 720p for smaller files.
If the download does not start, check your browser’s download bar or popup blocker.
Organize files by moving MP4s from Downloads to a Videos folder after saving.

For phone downloads, see our YouTube to your phone guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Copy the video URL from youtube.com, open ClipSaver in Chrome or Edge, paste the link, and click Download. Choose MP4 and save to your Downloads folder.

Related download tools

ClipSaver is not affiliated with Instagram or Meta. Only download content you have the right to save.