How to Easily Download Your Own YouTube Videos in 4K
While it's crucial to have backups of your YouTube videos, unfortunately, YouTube doesn't make it easy to download them. The YouTube Studio only allows you to download the 720p version of your video, which can be a problem if you shoot in 4K or 1080p. But don't worry, there are ways to fix this issue and download your own YouTube videos in full resolution or 4K.
Problems with YouTube's Download Options
There are a couple of issues with using YouTube's built-in download options. Firstly, if you only want to download videos from a specific year or month, there is no option to selectively download videos. Secondly, when you download videos using YouTube's options, they are downloaded in the original format and size that you used while uploading them. This may not be ideal as 4K videos compressed by YouTube generally take up less space while still offering lossless quality.
1. Use 4K Video Downloader
Ideal For: Downloading single videos
One of the easiest ways to download your own YouTube videos in 4K is to use a tool called 4K Video Downloader. This app allows you to download YouTube videos in 4K resolution (if uploaded in 4K). To get started, you need to download the 4K Video Downloader app on your desktop (available for Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu). Once installed, simply copy the YouTube video or playlist link and paste it within the app. You can then choose the desired download resolution and format, including options for downloading subtitles or converting to MP3.
Pros:
- Supports up to 8K resolution
- Allows you to download playlists with 24 or fewer videos
- Option to download subtitles or convert to MP3
Cons:
- The free version has limitations, such as downloading playlists with more than 24 videos
2. Use youtube-dl
Ideal For: Entire Playlist
If you want to download an entire playlist, youtube-dl is a powerful command-line tool that can help. First, make sure your playlist is public since youtube-dl doesn't work with private or unlisted playlists. Next, you'll need to install youtube-dl on your system. The installation process varies depending on your operating system. Once installed, you can use the youtube-dl command with the video or playlist link to start the download.
Pros:
- Free for unlimited use
- Works on all platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android
- Supports downloading entire playlists and offers customization options
Cons:
- Requires some technical knowledge to set up and use
Conclusion
By using either 4K Video Downloader or youtube-dl, you can easily download your own YouTube videos in full resolution or 4K. Both options have their pros and cons, so choose the one that suits your needs and technical skills. Remember, it's important to respect copyright laws and only download and use your own videos for personal use or reuse. If you have any questions or issues, feel free to leave a comment below.
Also Read: 6 Best Thumbnail Maker Apps for Android Smartphones

Jim's passion for Apple products ignited in 2007 when Steve Jobs introduced the first iPhone. This was a canon event in his life. Noticing a lack of iPad-focused content that is easy to understand even for “tech-noob”, he decided to create Tabletmonkeys in 2011.
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