YouTube to MP4 converters allow users to download and convert YouTube videos into MP4 files that can be played on various devices. As MP4 is a popular video format supported by most media players, using a YouTube to MP4 converter is convenient for saving videos offline or transferring them across devices. But with so many converters available, which one should you choose in 2023? This article explores the top 10 software options. If you are more familiar with the French language, you can      also search for “convertir youtube vers mp4” to find a local popular youtube to mp4 converter.

What is MP4?

First, let's cover the basics - what is MP4? MP4 is a digital multimedia file format that can contain different types of data like video, audio, subtitles, images and more. The MP4 container format allows for efficient compression and storage of high quality video and audio.

Moreover, MP4 files can hold high definition video for stunning playback. The format also enjoys broad compatibility across devices from phones to tablets to computers. Due to these versatile features, MP4 has emerged as the leading video format for online sharing and consumption.

Why choose MP4 for video?

There are several key reasons why MP4 is widely used for digital video:

For one, the compression algorithms provide a great balance of quality and file size - MP4s can be high definition while using less storage space. Additionally, the format's broad compatibility allows playback on virtually any modern media device.

Furthermore, MP4 containers enable features like subtitles, metadata tags, album art and more to enrich the media experience. Finally, MP4 is ideal for internet distribution and streaming thanks to efficient data transfers. Due to these combined benefits, MP4 delivers an optimal viewing experience making it the top choice for digital video.

What is a YouTube to MP4 converter?

YouTube is the internet's top destination for video content. However, users cannot download videos directly from the platform. This is where YouTube to MP4 converters come in. They are third party applications or web-based services that allow users to take YouTube videos and convert the streaming data into MP4 files.

The MP4 files can then be saved on devices for offline playback without an internet connection. Users may also transfer the MP4 videos to other gadgets not supported by the YouTube app. Furthermore, the ability to obtain an MP4 from a YouTube clip also enables editing the footage in standard video software. Therefore, YouTube to MP4 converters unlock added functionality.

Are there safe online YouTube to MP4 converters?

When assessing YouTube to MP4 converters, a key concern is safety. Some free online converters prompt suspicious downloads, enable tracking or hide fees. Fortunately, reputable services exist to securely save YouTube videos as MP4 files. These trustworthy sites implement safety measures like:

  • No hidden ads, fees or bloatware downloads
  • Legal compliance with YouTube Terms of Service
  • Secure 256 bit encryption to protect user data
  • Support user anonymity for private file conversions
  • Fast processing powered by advanced servers

Seeking out secure, reliable YouTube to MP4 converters is crucial to avoid legal or malware risks.

How to convert YouTube to MP4

Using a web-based YouTube converter follows a straightforward process:

First, users open their preferred tool's site to access the conversion platform. Next, they paste the link for the desired YouTube video into the converter. After configuring settings like output quality, users click convert or download to commence ripping.

The service then contacts the YouTube servers, processes the video stream into an MP4 container and makes that available to save offline.  The conversion typically completes in minutes or less. Finally, users can access the download to get the MP4 video file.

Now that we've covered the essentials, let's get into this year's top 10 YouTube to MP4 converters for the best performance.

The top 10 YouTube to MP4 converters in 2023

1. Yt5s.best

With over 14 years in the video tool business, Yt5s.best is one of the longest serving YouTube to MP4 solutions available. The site shines with an uncluttered, straightforward layout that keeps the focus on fast high volume conversions. Their proprietary backend delivers lightning quick turnaround times to outpace rivals. One tradeoff is fewer tweaking options compared to desktop software suites. However, for quick and reliable downloads it remains a top choice.

2. Youtube2MP3.pro

Youtube2MP3 installs a robust converter directly on desktops for advanced functionality nothing online can match. Granularity like codec selection, sample rates and channel layouts give experts surgical control over qualities like file size. Integrated editing via trim, crop, rotate and annotating also minimize post processing needs. The download requirement and steeper learning curve could intimidate novices though.

3. AnyConv

AnyConv expands compatibility beyond just YouTube to also handle 1,000+ video hosting sites. This flexibility lets users consolidate ripping workflows across platforms like Facebook, Dailymotion and Vimeo too. AnyConv also introduces batch processing to download or convert entire playlists and channels simultaneously. One caveat is avg. slower individual clip turnaround vs specialists like YouTube-Converter above.

4. OnlineVideoConverter

As a steadfast converter since 2009, OnlineVideoConverter struck an effective balance between simplicity sought by beginners and the versatility demanded by power users. Custom sizing, output naming, keeping metadata and applying watermarks afford flexibility veterans crave. Yet the clean intuitive interface still makes one click conversions feasible for novices too. One mild drawback is somewhat hidden browser extensions required for downloading though.

5. ClipConverter.cc

When laser focused video integrity matters most, Clip Converter warrants consideration for their top tier quality preservation from source YouTube to output MP4. Avoiding re-encodings during processing maintains maximum fidelity and clarity. An ad-free, no frills interface assists too by eliminating distractions during use. However, lacking any real configuration pivots do limit ClipConverter to more basic applying vs specialists above.

6. FreeConvert

True to its branding, FreeConvert emphasizes gratis YouTube to MP4 conversions without compromising versatility or customization tools to empower users. Generous output format options beyond MP4 like MOV, AVI, MKV and more provide needed adaptability. FreeConvert also accepts over 70 input types facilitating rips from additional platforms. Potential annoyances come via ads and newsletter pushes seen on site. But the functional core remains free forever.

7. Video2Convert

Video2Convert seems tailored specifically to enable downloading entire YouTube channels via handy playlist and bulk processing capacities. This orientation also manifests through their servers which blaze through high volume queue demands other tools might choke on. Excelling with channel archiving/content transferring does come at the expense of modifying granularity however. Still, one click conversions breeze by.

8. aConverter

In contrast to the YouTube centric converters above, aConverter embraces multi-platform support throughout for sites like YouTube along with Netflix, Facebook and others. Switching between platforms proves seamless as does attaining MP4 downloads for offline playback thanks to a polished interface. Weighed against other broadly compatible apps aConverter does demand more onboarding investment from users though before smoothing out.

9. YouTubeByClick

Picking its battles, YouTubeByClick zeroes in exclusively on no frills high velocity YouTube to MP4 conversions. To that end they've nailed blindingly fast processing speeds even outpacing venerable YouTube-Converter at times. But that narrowed specialization forgoes any sort of format flexibility, post editing tools or adherence mechanisms common elsewhere. Still for sheer speed this solution impresses.

10. DVDVideoSoft

Finally DVDVideoSoft warrants a nod for doing away with extraneous elements to focus strictly on enabling quick ad-free YouTube video conversions browsable offline via MP4 download. Too often competitors saddle users with annoying ads eating up valuable workspace. DVDVideoSoft offers welcome relief through simplicity and satisfying efficacy contained entirely on site. But missing extras do require looking elsewhere sometimes.

Is it legal to use YouTube to MP4 converters?

Downloading content from YouTube does violate their Terms of Service. However, YouTube typically does not pursue legal action against individual users who leverage converters for personal offline playback. Just avoid re-uploading the MP4 files, and employ reputable sites like those listed here.

For commercial use, proper licensing of YouTube content is still mandatory or else potential penalties apply. But with respect to individual offline watching converting generally occurs without incident.

Why is Yt5s the best YouTube MP4 converter?

Now while the other high quality converters listed here are great for generic use, one emerging service named Yt5s has quickly gained renown as the singular best dedicated YouTube to MP4 solution.

That's because Yt5s manages to accelerate video conversions beyond other platforms with enhanced stability across devices. At the same time an intuitive interface still makes downloading simple for novices.

Bulk batch capability then takes it up another level to let users really capitalize. So thanks to optimized performance plus ease of use Yt5s affirm itself as today's premier YouTube to MP4 file converter.

Last Word

MP4 and YouTube are a ubiquitous digital video pair, but require a compatible converter to enable saving clips offline as MP4 files. Any of these 10 software picks for 2023 will integrate the two platforms to liberate YouTube consumption. Just stick to individual use, and convert away with the added functionality. Yt5s in particular stands atop its category.