Top 8 Free Youtube To MP4 Converters in 2023

While YouTube to MP4 converters remain in widespread and popular use, legal tensions continue mounting behind the scenes. Millions of users routinely employ online tools and apps to extract video from YouTube videos and songs. However, major music industry players argue these converters facilitate piracy and breach copyrights.

So far, individual users have not been targeted with lawsuits for merely using converters. But various Youtube to MP4 services have faced contentious court battles and pressure to shut down operations. The legal standing of these converters remains murky, varying across different countries. With the music industry actively trying to stamp out these tools, users should stay informed on the unfolding situation.

Although converters themselves operate in legal gray areas, further distribution and sharing of downloaded content is more clearly illegal. As debates continue around the fair use of these tools, converter services walk a fine line to stay online. While end users remain generally safe for now, the future legal landscape looks uncertain. Stay tuned as the tug-of-war between music industry powerhouses and YouTube video extractors plays out.

How Does YouTube to MP4 Extraction Work?

It’s a straightforward process – copy and paste a YouTube video URL into a converter site. Behind the scenes, the site downloads the video file from YouTube then extracts just the video portion. YouTube To MP4 converters ignore the video component and give you options for the MP4 quality and output.

The resulting video track can be saved as an MP4 file on your computer. Some sites also allow direct downloads to cloud storage services or mobile devices. The MP4 can then be played anywhere, transferred to other devices, or burned to a CD.

Top Free Online YouTube to MP4 Converters

Here are the best free web-based converter sites to try for ripping video from YouTube videos:

1. Ripyoutube

Ripyoutube is one of the most popular online YouTube to MP4 conversion tools. Launched in 2009, Ripyoutube provides a quick and easy way to extract video from YouTube videos. The site has a clean and simple interface that only requires pasting the YouTube URL and clicking convert.

Pros:

1. Fast and reliable conversion speed
2. No account signup required
3. Unlimited file size
4. Simple and intuitive interface

Cons:

1. Only converts to MP4 format
2. Limited customization options
3. Occasional site downtime

2. YTMP4

YTMP4 is a long-standing YouTube to MP4 converter site that offers advanced quality options. In operation since 2008, YTMP4 provides high bitrate 320kbps video ripping. Users can also download only a portion of a YouTube video.

Pros:

1. Ability to set custom video quality up to 320kbps
2. Option to download segments of videos
3. Supports long videos over 20 minutes
4. Includes video downloader tool
5. Clean site with no pop-up ads

Cons:

1. Daily conversion limits
2. Dated interface
3. Limited output formats

3. FLVTO.biz

FLVTO is a versatile online converter that supports video and video downloading from dozens of sites beyond just YouTube. Established in 2009, FLVTO can also extract video from SoundCloud, Facebook, Instagram, and more.

Pros:

1. Converts video and video from many websites
2. Registered users can convert multiple files at once
3. Good customer service team
4. Allows downloading restricted content

Cons:

1. Requires free signup
2. Contains some banner ads
3. Maximum file size limit

4. Video2MP4

Video2MP4 focuses solely on YouTube to MP4 conversions but makes it easy to download full playlists. Launched in 2016, the site’s main advantage is the ability to extract video from entire YouTube playlists or channels in one click.

Pros:

1. One-click download for full YouTube playlists
2. Decent default video quality of 192kbps
3. Playlist downloads include thumbnail images
4. Clean simple interface

Cons:

1. Limited to YouTube playlist/channel downloads
2. Maximum length limit of 20 minutes
3. Contains ads on site
4. No option to select output quality

5. Y2Mate.ch

Y2Mate is a popular YouTube and Facebook video/video downloader. Originally created in 2017, Y2Mate stands out for supporting many output formats besides MP4, including converting to MP4, AVI, MOV, and more.

Pros:

1. Can download videos in many formats, not just video
2. Y2Mate browser extension for direct downloads
3. Supports Facebook downloading
4. Allows clips under 5 minutes without signup

Cons:

1. Requires free account for longer videos
2. Contains some popup/redirect ads
3. Maximum quality limited to 192kbps

6. MP4Studio.net

MP4Studio is a longtime video converter that overcomes YouTube restrictions. Launched in 2008, MP4Studio integrates proxy tools to fetch age-restricted videos. There are also no file size limits imposed.

Pros:

1. Bypasses YouTube access restrictions
2. Unlimited file size for conversions
3. Standalone URL downloader tool included
4. Downloads restricted content

Cons:

1. Dated interface with intrusive ads
2. Limited maximum quality of 256kbps
3. Requires Java app for desktop use
4. Slow conversion speeds

7. Softorino YouTube to MP4

Softorino YouTube to MP4 is a popular desktop app for Windows and Mac. Released in 2013, it provides a slick iTunes-like interface for converting YouTube videos. The software grabs video at up to 320kbps quality.

Pros:

1. Native desktop app with great interface
2. Fast 320kbps high quality downloads
3. Automatically tags MP4s
4. No limits on downloads

Cons:

1. Desktop-only, no web version
2. Cannot convert age-restricted videos
3. Requires separate app for playlists
4. Priced at $19.95 after 15-day trial

8. 4K YouTube downloader

4K YouTube to MP4 is a specialty converter focused on high resolutions. Launched in 2017, it can extract video even from 8K YouTube videos. The tool also supports batch playlist and channel downloads.

Pros:

1. Downloads highest available video quality
2. Supports 8K and 4K YouTube videos
3. Can batch download channels and playlists
4. Clean intuitive interface

Cons:

1. Requires desktop software install
2. No ability to snip segments of videos
3. Limited to video extraction only
4. Unable to bypass all access restrictions

Key Things to Look for in YouTube to MP4 Converters

When evaluating different converter tools, here are some key factors to consider:

• video Quality – Higher bitrates like 192kbps or 320kbps produce better sound quality. Some sites let you customize the output quality.
• Conversion Speed – Faster is better! The top converters complete extracting the video track in seconds.
• Playlist Support – Being able to download or convert full YouTube playlists saves time.
• No Limits – Some converters restrict files to only 5 or 10 minutes. Look for tools with unlimited duration and downloads.
• Safety – Select reputable converters that won’t infect your device with malware. Avoid shady software.
• Mobile Support – The ability to download MP4s directly to smartphones and tablets.
• User-Friendly – Clean, intuitive interfaces make converting YouTube to MP4 much easier.

Legalities of Free YouTube to MP4 Conversion

It’s important to note that downloading video from YouTube does violate YouTube’s terms of service. However, YouTube to MP4 converters themselves operate in legal gray areas in many countries.

Millions continue using such tools, though unauthorized distribution of downloaded video is illegal. It’s wise to ultimately support artists by purchasing music you truly appreciate.

Converting YouTube to MP4 on Mobile Devices

Many converter sites also offer mobile apps or mobile-optimized sites for downloading MP4s on smartphones and tablets. Alternatively, sites like Y2Mate allow transferring MP4s directly to cloud storage services that have mobile apps, like Google Drive.

Dedicated YouTube to MP4 converter apps are also available, though most cap free downloads. Paid unlimited apps like Videoder provide premium mobile conversion options.

Which Is the Best YouTube to MP4 Downloader for Desktop Use?

For frequent desktop video extraction, 4K YouTube to MP4 is an excellent choice. The software is completely free and converts YouTube videos lightning-fast in high quality MP4 formats.

It can grab restricted videos, extract video from 4K resolution, and batch download entire playlists or channels. The desktop app works fully offline after installation and is updated regularly. Overall, it provides the best combination of features, quality, and speed for power desktop users.

The Future of Converting YouTube Videos to MP4

YouTube is constantly working to block converters, but creative solutions continue popping up in response. As long as public demand exists for downloading YouTube video, dedicated sites and apps will adapt to provide this service.

In the future, we may see converters integrate directly into offline music players and streaming apps for more seamless experiences. AI could even generate instrumental music using acapellas extracted from YouTube.

Meanwhile, enthusiasts can continue harnessing converters like Ripyoutube and Softorino to listen to YouTube music collections offline and on the go. The convenience of these tools will only continue improving.

Conclusion

Youtube To MP4 converters unlock the ability to save video content from YouTube videos for offline playback. We covered top-rated tools like FLVTO, Y2Mate, and 4K YouTube to MP4 for fast, free video extraction. Consider quality, features, limits, safety, and mobile compatibility when choosing a converter.

With millions of songs and sounds hosted on YouTube, converters grant easy access to this massive library in the portable MP4 format. Just remember to support your favorite artists by purchasing their official music as well. Have fun exploring the varied world of YouTube music with these convenient converter tools!