YouTube has become the go-to platform for high-quality video content, and if you’re watching videos on a 4K display, you’ve probably noticed how much sharper and more detailed they look compared to standard HD. The problem? Streaming 4K eats through data, buffers constantly on slower connections, and disappears the moment your internet drops.
That’s where downloading comes in. Learning how to download 4k YouTube videos lets you watch without buffering, build a high-quality video library, and enjoy content offline without compromising on visual quality. But downloading YouTube videos in 4K quality isn’t as simple as right-clicking and hitting “save.” You need the right tools, enough storage space, and some understanding of what you’re actually getting.
This guide explains what 4K really means, how to recognize it on YouTube, whether it’s worth the storage space, and which tools actually work for downloading YouTube videos in 4K for free. Whether you’re archiving tutorials, saving cinematography references, or building a personal video collection, here’s everything you need to know.
Best Tools to Download YouTube Videos in 4K
Now for the practical part – which tools actually work for how to download 4K videos from YouTube? We’ve tested dozens of options, and these are the ones that reliably download in full 4K quality without excessive ads, malware, or complicated processes.
Browser Extensions
Browser extensions offer the fastest way to download videos directly from YouTube without leaving the page.
Tubly Downloader
Platform compatibility: Chrome, Edge, Opera, Brave
Tubly is one of the few extensions that consistently delivers on 4K downloads without the typical hassles. We built it specifically to solve the problems plaguing other downloaders – no bait-and-switch, no mystery files, just straightforward 4K downloads that actually work.
How it works:
Tubly adds a download button directly below YouTube videos. Click it, select your desired quality (up to 2160p/4K), and download. The extension detects available resolutions automatically, so you always know what quality options exist for each video.
Why it stands out:
What makes Tubly reliable is its simplicity and consistency. We designed it after testing dozens of downloaders that claim 4K support but actually deliver lower resolutions or force users through ad-heavy landing pages. Tubly doesn’t play those games—we built it to focus entirely on functionality. Select quality, click download, done.
The interface is clean without unnecessary features cluttering the experience. We kept it simple: quality options range from 720p up to 4K (2160p), with 1440p available for videos that support it. You get flexible options without overwhelming choices.
Key features:
- True 4K downloading up to 2160p resolution
- Multiple quality options including 1440p, 1080p, and 720p for flexibility
- Clean, ad-free interface without pop-ups or redirects
- Fast processing that doesn’t add unnecessary delays
- Works directly on YouTube without copying URLs to external sites
Limitations:
Like most YouTube download extensions, Tubly isn’t available in the Chrome Web Store due to Google’s policies prohibiting YouTube downloaders. You’ll need to install it from our official website, which requires enabling developer mode in Chrome and sideloading the extension. Firefox users have slightly easier installation since Mozilla’s policies are more permissive.
The process takes an extra few minutes but isn’t complicated if you follow the installation instructions.
Best for: Users who want reliable 4K downloads directly from YouTube without dealing with sketchy websites or fake quality claims.
Installation: Available at tubly.download. Chrome and Edge users will need to sideload manually. Check our website for step-by-step installation instructions specific to your browser.
Other Extension Options
Video Downloader Professional (Chrome, Edge)
Video Downloader Professional works across multiple platforms beyond just YouTube, making it versatile if you download from various sites. However, it focuses more on standard video downloads rather than specifically optimizing for 4K.
You can download 4K videos, but the interface doesn’t always make quality selection obvious. It’s reliable for general downloads but not as streamlined as dedicated 4K tools like Tubly.
YouTube Video Downloader (Firefox)
Firefox users have more legitimate extension options since Mozilla hasn’t banned YouTube downloaders from their add-ons store. Search for “YouTube Downloader” in Firefox Add-ons, and you’ll find several options that support 4K downloads.
Check recent reviews and ratings before installing. Extensions with recent updates and positive reviews are more likely to work reliably with YouTube’s current platform.
Desktop Applications
Desktop software offers more power and control compared to browser extensions, especially for batch downloads or managing large video libraries.
4K Video Downloader Plus
Platform compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
4K Video Downloader Plus is specifically designed for high-resolution downloads and supports up to 8K resolution, though 4K is the sweet spot for most users who want to know how to download youtube videos 4k.
How it works:
Copy the YouTube video URL, paste it into the application, select 4K quality, and download. The software processes downloads locally, which typically makes it faster than online converters that depend on remote servers.
Key features:
- Supports up to 8K resolution for future-proofing
- Playlist and channel downloads save entire collections at once
- Smart mode remembers your preferred quality settings
- Subtitle downloads with support for multiple languages
- Playlist tracking monitors channels for new uploads
Limitations:
The free version limits daily downloads to around five videos. For frequent downloading, you’ll need a paid license that removes restrictions and unlocks batch processing.
Best for: Users who regularly download multiple videos and want playlist support without manual effort.
yt-dlp (Command Line)
Platform compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
yt-dlp is a command-line tool beloved by power users and developers. It’s open-source, frequently updated, and supports virtually every video site including YouTube.
How it works:
Open terminal or command prompt, type yt-dlp , and the software downloads the highest available quality by default. You can specify exact quality settings with flags like -f bestvideo[height<=2160]+bestaudio/best.
Key features:
- Complete control over quality, format, and download behavior
- Batch downloads from playlists and channels
- Regular updates keep it working despite YouTube changes
- Free and open-source without ads or paywalls
Limitations:
Requires comfort with command-line interfaces. Not beginner-friendly if you’ve never used terminal commands before, but extremely powerful once you learn the syntax.
Best for: Technical users who want maximum control and don’t mind command-line tools.
Online Converters
Online converters work in your browser without installation, making them convenient for one-off downloads when you don’t want to install software.
Y2Down
Platform compatibility: Any device with a web browser
Y2Down is a straightforward online downloader that supports 4K resolution alongside lower quality options for those wondering how to download youtube videos in 4k quality.
How it works:
Copy the YouTube URL, paste it into Y2Down’s input field, select 4K from quality options, and download. The site processes the video on their servers and provides a download link.
Key features:
- No installation required works directly in browser
- 4K support up to 2160p resolution
- Cross-platform works on any device including mobile
- No account required download immediately
Limitations:
Online converters are slower than desktop software because they process videos on remote servers. You’re also limited by the site’s server capacity and might encounter ads or pop-ups, though Y2Down is relatively clean compared to alternatives.
Quality can be inconsistent, and some videos may not download in true 4K despite claims.
Best for: Occasional downloads when you don’t want to install software.
SaveFrom.net
Platform compatibility: Any device with a web browser
SaveFrom.net has been around for years and generally delivers on 4K downloads when the original video supports it.
How it works:
Add “pp” after “youtube” in the video URL (youtubepp.com/watch?v=…) or paste the URL directly into SaveFrom’s website. Select quality and download.
Key features:
- Browser bookmarklet option for one-click downloading
- Multiple quality options including 4K when available
- Works without installation directly in your browser
Limitations:
The interface includes ads, though they’re less intrusive than many competitors. Download speeds depend on server load and can be slow during peak times.
Best for: Quick downloads without installing extensions or software.
How to Download 4K Youtube Videos: Step-by-Step
Here’s the actual process using Tubly as an example, though these steps work similarly for most tools.
Using Tubly Browser Extension
Step 1: Install Tubly
Visit tubly.download and follow installation instructions for your browser. Chrome and Edge users will need to enable developer mode and sideload the extension manually—we provide clear instructions on our site. Firefox users can install more directly if available in their add-ons store.
Step 2: Find a 4K Video
Navigate to YouTube and find a video with 4K support. Check the quality settings to confirm 2160p is available. If it’s not available, the video wasn’t uploaded in 4K.
Step 3: Click the Download Button
Tubly adds a download button below the video player. Click it to open the quality selection menu.
Step 4: Select 4K Quality
Choose 2160p (4K) from the available options. The extension shows only qualities available for that specific video, so if 4K isn’t listed, the video doesn’t support it.
Step 5: Download
Click download and wait for the file to save. Depending on video length and your internet speed, downloads can take anywhere from seconds to several minutes.
Step 6: Verify the File
After downloading, check the file properties to confirm it’s actually 4K (3840 x 2160 resolution). Right-click the file, select Properties (Windows) or Get Info (Mac), and look at the video resolution details.
Using Desktop Software (4K Video Downloader Plus)
Step 1: Install the Software
Download 4K Video Downloader Plus from the official website and install it on your computer. Decline any bundled software during installation.
Step 2: Copy the Video URL
Go to YouTube, open the 4K video you want, and copy the URL from your browser’s address bar.
Step 3: Paste the Link
Open 4K Video Downloader Plus and click “Paste Link.” The software automatically analyzes the video and detects available quality options.
Step 4: Select Quality and Format
Choose 4K (2160p) from the quality dropdown. Select MP4 as the format for maximum compatibility with most devices and players.
Step 5: Choose Download Location
Select where you want to save the file. Consider using an external hard drive if you’re downloading multiple 4K videos to avoid filling your main storage.
Step 6: Download
Click Download and wait for the process to complete. The software shows progress and estimated time remaining.
Using Online Converters (Y2Down)
Step 1: Copy the YouTube URL
Navigate to the YouTube video you want and copy its URL from the address bar.
Step 2: Visit Y2Down
Open Y2Down in your browser and paste the YouTube URL into the input field.
Step 3: Process the Video
Click the download or convert button. The site analyzes the video and displays available quality options.
Step 4: Select 4K Quality
Choose 2160p or 4K from the quality list. If it’s not available, the video doesn’t support 4K.
Step 5: Download
Click the final download button. The file downloads directly to your browser’s default download folder.
Step 6: Close Pop-ups
Online converters often trigger pop-ups or new tabs when you click download. Close these immediately—they’re ads, not part of the download process. Your actual download should start automatically or after clicking a final “Download” button on the original tab.
What Is 4K Resolution and Why Does It Matter?
Before downloading anything, it helps to understand what you’re actually getting when you download a 4K video.
The Technical Side
4K resolution – also called Ultra HD or UHD – refers to a display resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels. That’s 3840 pixels across horizontally and 2160 pixels vertically. If you multiply those numbers, you get approximately 8.3 million individual pixels creating the image you see on screen.
For comparison, standard HD (1080p) has a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, which totals around 2.1 million pixels. That means 4K has exactly four times as many pixels as 1080p—hence the name “4K” referring to roughly 4000 horizontal pixels.
More pixels means sharper images, finer details, and better clarity, especially on larger screens. When you watch a 4K video on a 4K display, you’re seeing significantly more visual information than you would with standard HD.
Why 4K Looks Different
The difference isn’t just about numbers. With four times the pixel density, 4K videos show textures, colors, and small details that 1080p simply can’t capture. If you’re watching nature documentaries, cinematography, travel vlogs, or anything visually rich, the difference is immediately noticeable.
You can also sit closer to a 4K screen without seeing individual pixels, which creates a more immersive viewing experience. On a 1080p display, getting too close makes the image look blocky and pixelated. 4K eliminates that problem.
For creators and professionals, 4K footage offers more flexibility in editing. You can crop, zoom, and stabilize 4K videos without losing quality in your final 1080p export. That’s why so many YouTube creators shoot in 4K even if most viewers watch in lower resolutions.
DCI 4K vs. UHD 4K
You might occasionally see references to “DCI 4K” and “UHD 4K.” Here’s the difference:
- UHD 4K (3840 x 2160): This is what YouTube uses and what most consumer devices display. It has a 16:9 aspect ratio—the same as your TV, monitor, and most video content.
- DCI 4K (4096 x 2160): Used primarily in cinema and professional film production. Slightly wider with a 17:9 aspect ratio, giving filmmakers more horizontal space for wide cinematic shots.
When you download YouTube videos in 4K, you’re getting UHD 4K unless the creator specifically uploaded DCI 4K cinema content, which is rare outside professional filmmaking channels.
How to Recognize 4K Videos on YouTube
Not every video on YouTube is available in 4K. Creators need to upload in 4K resolution for viewers to watch in 4K, and YouTube needs to finish processing the high-resolution version before it becomes available.
Check the Quality Settings
The easiest way to tell if a video is available in 4K:
- Start playing any YouTube video
- Click the settings gear icon in the video player
- Select “Quality” from the menu
- Look for resolution options
If you see 2160p in the quality menu, the video is available in 4K. YouTube labels 4K as “2160p” because that’s the vertical pixel count. You might also see “2160p60” for 4K videos at 60 frames per second, which creates even smoother motion.
If the highest option is 1080p or lower, the video wasn’t uploaded in 4K, or YouTube hasn’t finished processing the 4K version yet. New uploads sometimes take hours before 4K becomes available.
The Visual Indicators
Some creators add “4K” or “UHD” to their video titles to signal high-resolution content, especially in cinematography, tech reviews, nature documentaries, and travel vlogs. Channels focused on visual quality tend to prominently advertise 4K uploads because it’s a major selling point.
YouTube also occasionally displays a “4K” or “HD” badge on thumbnails, though this isn’t consistent across all videos or devices.
What If 4K Isn’t Available?
If your connection is slow or you’re watching on mobile data, YouTube might not even show you the 4K option to prevent buffering. It automatically limits quality based on your connection speed. To force YouTube to show all quality options:
- On desktop: Click settings → Quality → Advanced, and manually select 2160p
- On mobile: Tap settings → Quality → select “Higher picture quality” or manually choose 2160p
If 2160p still doesn’t appear, the video simply isn’t available in 4K.
Is Downloading 4K Worth the Storage Space?
Here’s the reality: 4K video files are massive. Before you start downloading YouTube videos in 4K quality, you need to understand just how much space they consume and whether it’s worth it for your use case.
How Big Are 4K Video Files?
4K video file sizes depend on several factors: video length, frame rate, compression codec, and content complexity. Here are realistic estimates for how to download youtube 4k videos and manage storage:
Standard 4K video (H.264 codec at 30fps):
- 1 minute: approximately 375MB
- 10 minutes: approximately 3.75GB
- 1 hour: approximately 22-24GB
Higher efficiency 4K video (H.265/HEVC codec at 30fps):
- 1 minute: approximately 250MB
- 10 minutes: approximately 2.5GB
- 1 hour: approximately 15-18GB
4K at 60fps (H.264):
- 1 minute: approximately 750MB
- 10 minutes: approximately 7.5GB
- 1 hour: approximately 45GB
YouTube typically uses the H.264 codec for most videos, though some newer uploads use H.265 for better compression. Either way, a single hour-long 4K video can consume 15-45GB depending on the encoding settings.
For reference, a standard 1080p video of the same length uses only 5-8GB per hour—significantly smaller than 4K.
Storage Reality Check
If you have:
- 128GB storage: You can fit about 5-8 hours of 4K video (assuming H.264 encoding)
- 256GB storage: Around 10-16 hours of 4K video
- 512GB storage: Around 20-32 hours of 4K video
- 1TB storage: Around 40-65 hours of 4K video
Those numbers assume you’re dedicating all storage to 4K videos, which obviously isn’t realistic. Operating systems, apps, photos, and other files consume space too. If you’re downloading regularly, you’ll fill up storage quickly.
When 4K Is Worth It
Download 4K when:
- You have a 4K display and want the best viewing experience
- You’re archiving reference material for professional or creative work
- You’re saving visually stunning content (nature documentaries, travel videos, cinematography)
- Storage space isn’t a concern—you have external drives or plenty of free space
- You plan to edit, crop, or reframe the footage later
When 1080p Makes More Sense
Stick with 1080p when:
- You’re watching on a 1080p display or smaller screen
- Storage space is limited—1080p uses one-third to one-fourth the space of 4K
- You’re downloading videos primarily for audio content (podcasts, lectures, interviews)
- You need to save battery life on mobile devices—4K playback drains batteries faster
- Internet bandwidth is limited for initial downloads
Honestly, unless you have a 4K display and genuinely care about visual quality, 1080p is often perfectly adequate. The jump from 720p to 1080p is noticeable. The jump from 1080p to 4K? It’s impressive, but only if you have the screen and storage to support it.
Common Problems and Solutions
The Video Won’t Download in 4K
Problem: You select 4K, but the downloaded file is 1080p or lower.
Solution: Not all videos uploaded to YouTube are actually available in 4K, even if they appear to be. Verify 2160p is available in YouTube’s quality settings before downloading. Some downloaders falsely claim 4K support but can’t actually access those streams.
If the video is legitimately available in 4K on YouTube but your downloader can’t capture it, try a different tool. Not all downloaders can access YouTube’s highest quality streams.
Downloads Are Extremely Slow
Problem: 4K downloads take forever to complete.
Solution: 4K files are large – 20-45GB for hour-long videos—so downloads naturally take longer than standard HD. Your download speed depends on:
- Your internet connection speed
- The downloader’s server capacity (for online tools)
- Time of day and server load
Desktop software like 4K Video Downloader Plus typically downloads faster than online converters because it processes locally and connects directly to YouTube’s servers without intermediaries.
If downloads are consistently slow across multiple tools, your internet speed might be the bottleneck. A 4K video that’s 30GB requires significant bandwidth to download quickly.
Not Enough Storage Space
Problem: Downloads fail with “insufficient storage” errors.
Solution: 4K videos consume massive storage. A single hour-long video can be 20-45GB. Check your available storage before starting downloads.
Consider:
- Using an external hard drive for 4K video storage
- Downloading in 1080p instead to save space
- Deleting old files to free up room
- Compressing existing videos to reclaim storage
The Downloader Stopped Working
Problem: Your extension or software suddenly can’t download videos.
Solution: YouTube frequently updates its platform, which breaks downloaders. Developers need time to update their tools to work with YouTube’s changes.
Check for updates to your extension or software. Most desktop applications have built-in update checkers, and browser extensions update automatically if they’re installed from official stores.
If updates aren’t available yet, try an alternative downloader until your preferred tool is updated.
Quality Looks Wrong After Downloading
Problem: Downloaded 4K video looks blurry or pixelated.
Solution: First, verify you actually downloaded 4K. Check file properties to confirm the resolution is 3840 x 2160. If it’s lower, your downloader didn’t capture 4K despite what it claimed.
Second, make sure you’re playing the video on a 4K-capable display. If you watch a 4K file on a 1080p screen, it won’t look significantly different from 1080p content because your display can’t show the extra detail.
Third, check your media player settings. Some players downscale high-resolution video automatically to reduce processing load. Disable this in settings to view at full 4K quality.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Before downloading, understand the legal landscape. YouTube’s Terms of Service prohibit downloading videos unless the platform provides an official download button (YouTube Premium’s offline feature, or videos where creators have enabled downloads).
That said, downloading for personal, offline viewing exists in a gray area. Many people download videos for legitimate reasons – watching during flights, saving tutorials, archiving educational content—without redistributing or monetizing the content.
What’s generally acceptable:
- Downloading for personal, offline viewing
- Archiving educational content you might need offline
- Saving tutorials or reference materials for work or learning
- Backing up your own uploaded content
What’s definitely not acceptable:
- Re-uploading downloaded videos as your own
- Monetizing content you didn’t create
- Distributing downloads to others
- Using downloaded content for commercial purposes without permission
If a creator explicitly states “do not download” or has copyright concerns, respect those wishes. Many creators rely on ad revenue from views, and downloading can impact their income if it replaces watching on the platform.
The safest approach: Use YouTube Premium’s official offline download feature, which respects creator revenue and stays within YouTube’s Terms of Service. If that’s not an option, download responsibly for personal use only.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to download youtube videos in 4k quality gives you offline access to high-resolution content without buffering or data consumption, but it requires the right tools and adequate storage space.
Quick recommendations:
- For simplicity and reliability: Use Tubly browser extension – we built it specifically for straightforward 4K downloads directly from YouTube
- For batch downloads and playlists: Try 4K Video Downloader Plus desktop software
- For occasional downloads: Online converters like Y2Down work without installation
Remember that 4K files are massive—typically 15-45GB per hour depending on encoding—so make sure you have adequate storage before starting. If storage is limited or you’re watching on a 1080p display, consider downloading in 1080p instead to save space without significant quality loss.
Download responsibly, respect creators’ rights, and enjoy your offline 4K video collection.
