UsingMac.com

Mac Tricks and Tips, Wallpapers and Applications for Mac Users

Free Download HD YouTube Video

Every internet users loves to watch YouTube, but ironically only some groups of people know how to download free YouTube videos easily with least effort required.

Initially, we can only download free YouTube videos in FLV format which can be learnt from previous article, Free Download YouTube Video with Safari. Until not long ago, YouTube has released high quality MP4 video as an additional feature for its users. It will be really satisfying if those MP4s can be downloaded.

The good news is, we know two tricks that can be used to download HD YouTube Video. And we feel that it's such a great honor to share these.

Download with Activity Monitor

Everything that is visible to eyes are downloadable and for Safari web browser, all files can be spotted inside Activity Monitor. Amongst all of files listed inside, there exists a file linking to the HD Video. To spot and download it, follow these steps.

  1. Open YouTube URL to video. Append URL with &fmt=18 to view HD video
  2. Show up Activity Monitor (Command-Option-A)
  3. Seek for file with largest size and Option-Click it
  4. The download should be started with default name video.mp4

For Firefox users, HD YouTube video is downloadable using bookmarklet. Just drop the bookmarklet on Bookmark Bar and click on it when you are opening YouTube page. New link will appear afterwards.

Bookmarklet to Download YouTube HD

Here is the bookmarklet: YouTube HD
Drag it to your Bookmarks Bar and it will look like screenshot below.

Source. Download YouTube HD via Mac OS X Hints

I've tried this trick with this YouTube video: Barack Obama on the Inauguration and it works. But for some videos, this bookmarklet doesn't work and the activity monitor trick will be needed.

Feel free to share your feeling on the comment box and point out if I've missed any.

Categories: Tips and Tricks, Video
Tags: Video, YouTube

Subscribe to RSS Leave a Comment (47)

Related Entries

Some articles taken from our resource base, tightly related to current article, to empower you with more knowledge on tweaking the most out of your Mac.

47 Comments

Steve 

&fmt=18 is the baseline HD quality version. fmt can go much higher.
Some video's go up to &fmt=26

Shawn 

Although I am usually for doing things the old fashion way (activity, copy, paste into downloadsm abd then convert it through iSquint), but the program MacTubes works VERY well.  the program sometimes wont find all the videos in the search section, but you can download videos straight to mp4 format and you have a choice between higher and lower quality formats.

NaVi 

I am using "download helper", an add-on for firefox. But it downloads in flv. I haven't tried to download the HD videos with. But the tips listed above are interesting.

Thanks

elmobiscuit 

for some reason when i open it up on quicktime it says AN invalid public movie atom was found in the movie

i selected HD under the video is this function newer then this post

PLEASE HELP

Wendy 

Have you tried to open it with iTunes? If the file format is MP4, iTunes should be able to play the movie.

Arthur 

When the file starts downloading its not called "video.mp4" but  "get_video" which can only be opened with textedit. Any help here ?

Wendy 

Add .FLV after get_video, then you should be able to open it with FLV Player. But here, you won't get high quality video (not MP4, only FLV).

Arthur 

Thanks a lot !

ExpiredYogurt 

thanks! this helped me a lot! this is really useful for getting random clips for a movie-making!

www.video-download-capture.com 

Thanks for your good recommendation. But here i just want to tell you a powerful tool for you all to download and capture online  HD video. It is Video Download Capture. 
Download Hulu videos

How to capture Tube8 video

alfonso 

hey!!! would this work with megavideo???

FRANK 

WOW! You are angel sent from heaven! I had tried an alleged "working" bookmark but it kept giving errors! This works perfectly fine! Thanks!

Erik Jenkins 

You can also just add "kiss" right before the "youtube" in the URL. For example:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXXXXXXXXXX would become http://www.kissyoutube.com/watch?v=XXXXXXXXXXX

Joi 

I use Tooble. Simple and straight forward app. IT not only allows you to download HD content from YouTube but it also can convert it for use on your iPhone/iPod Touch.

Check it out at http://tooble.tv/index.php

Connor Crosby 

Wow, this really works!  Great!!!

brandon 

<object height="340" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Co941gzKj2Q&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" height="340" width="560" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Co941gzKj2Q&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></embed></object>

Jenny Ngo 

I have a question, I tried to do it but I have no idea what to do for #3, I get this box that says Activity and shows a long list uder the video I want to convert. What do I click on? It goes like this: http://csi.gstatic.com/csi?v=2&s=youtube&action=watch&fmt=22&asv=3&rt=ct.752,ol.1236,fs.875,gv.982,fvb.2364,aft.4272,vl.3290&e=903901
http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/xeMSrclEAow/default.jpg
http://i2.ytimg.com/vi/5OIc5HtfFBc/default.jpg
http://i3.ytimg.com/i/RIF82gEz9eTnjVzaEpZNuw/1.jpg?v=71144d
http://i4.ytimg.com/vi/7gTnN7bnmb4/default.jpg
http://s.ytimg.com/yt/cssbin/www-core-vfl134719.css
http://s.ytimg.com/yt/favicon-vfl122048.ico .... (There's more)
 And like that. I don't know any of it that I should click on cause when I tried to do it by myself. Nothing happened.

If someone replies to me, thank you before hand and thank you for taking the time to read this.

lonelystooner 

Thanks for the first time this work on my first try! patting myself on the back.

Burento 

This is the solution for which I've been scouring the net!  Such a simple solution that just works.  Beautiful, thanks!

pwlalala 

ooh i have the problem as Jenny Ngo. anybody could help?

shady 

it doesn't work on my mac!! plz help

download hulu 

download and capture online HUlu HD video.

ugg boots black 

ooh i have the problem as Jenny Ngo. anybody could help?

thomas sabo 

Honestly, I've always been more of a fan of just putting the monitor to sleep than screen savers. Sure they look pretty awesome, but if you're sitting at your computer, are you really doing so with the screen saver on?Good luck for the dates. It has been some times since we last heard about the next tour. I hope they can run it accordingly now.YLQb5TrS6llgPxSS

headphones 

Honestly, I've always been more of a fan of just putting the monitor to sleep than screen savers. Sure they look pretty awesome, but if you're sitting at your computer, are you really doing so with the screen saver on?Good luck for the dates. It has been some times since we last heard about the next tour. I hope they can run it accordingly now.ZEifvCyOpXQlPd6h

thomas sabo 

I like these things, every time I see a little bit excited, especially 
thomas sabo uk even more exciting, to be honest I like thomas sabo of these things!

jubbiseo 

Great things you’ve always shared with us. Just keep writing this kind of posts.The time which was wasted in traveling for tuition now it can be used for studies.Thanks 
Property Finder

haleluya 

its work for me!, option + click!
thanks mate!

genius 

Great things you’ve always shared with us. Just keep writing this kind of posts.The time which was wasted in traveling for tuition now it can be used for studies. Forex Robots
 Thanks

geniusjubbi 

Great things you’ve always shared with us. Just keep writing this kind of posts.The time which was wasted in traveling for tuition now it can be used for studies. Forex Robots
 Thanks

Steven 

For me, I had to hold option and double-click on the file to open it. I'm sure other users may have the same issue and it's something to keep it in mind.

clively 

Honestly, I've always been more of a fan of just putting the monitor to sleep than screen savers. Sure they look pretty awesome, but if you're sitting at your computer, are you really doing so with the screen saver on?Good luck for the dates. It has been some times since we last heard about the next tour. I hope they can run it accordingly now.

headphones

Poko 

Intéressant post et merci pour le partage. Il ya des choses ici, je n'y ai pas pensé avant. Сайт для девушек Merci de faire un tel poste cool qui est vraiment très bien écrit. seront référant beaucoup d'amis à ce sujet. Gardez blogging. Merci beaucoup pour profiter de cet article beauté avec moi. Je suis l'apprécier beaucoup! Dans l'attente de l'autre grand article. Косметическая маска Bonne chance à l'auteur! tout le meilleur!

Bilimatig 

<object style="height: 390px; width: 640px"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/FiKe9BBIdFI?version=3"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" height="390" width="640" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/FiKe9BBIdFI?version=3"></object>    
Here, the top layer of the affected skin is burned off with the help of laser. To make an oatmeal mask, mix Ѕ a cup of oatmeal with one or two teaspoons of milk. These dead cells will get clogged in your clothing along with dirt and bacteria and because your clothing does not have much room they will be re-introduced back in your skin worsening your acne. Acuzine consists anti-oxidants, vitamins E & C, hydrolyzed collagen, ALA, DMAE, Aloe vera, Bioperine etc. Apply a topical acne medication, either one prescribed by tour dermatologist or an over the counter cream, lotion or gel containing benzoyl peroxide salicylic acid  [url=http://cdotnews.info/acne/five-methods-to-remove-acne-scars]remove acne scars[/url] .   
You can also use a stronger solution of vinegar if necessary. Acne is caused due to the blockage of skin follicle duct of sebum glands. Click read more on acne treatment, natural remedies for pimples. Look at your local drugstore or health food store to find it or online.

Polk 

Pretty good post. Скачать бесплатно книги о здоровье I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. Any way I'll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon Женские журналы и сайты

Sid 

Is this legal?

muay boran moves 

I love youtube vids and hd. good one there.

Irvin 

And so you're not which good at real life pool. When anyone hold the stick this usually slips from the sweaty palms. Within Reality, you're so bad that nobody wants to try out pool along with anyone no much more. Anyone then resort in order to playing Pool Live Tour with Zynga because You actually truly Adore the particular game. However your own aim is so bad You actually can't win probably none. That's where Pool Live Tour Cheats hack, hacks, bots and also trainers Intended for Fb come in. pool live tour cheats

ShawnWydH 

However the black Tahitian pearl is still comparatively rare and valuable, because back pearl oysters only rarely produce pearls, even when 'seeded' to do so. They must have a minimum fineness of more than .995. The raised platform we stand on has nothing to do with a superiority complex. Lissa comes in a light pink colour and features a stunning silver rhinestone brooch which truly completes an outfit. You should have hung it with the ends pointing up."So there it was. United States Coins Value Of A 1789-1797 Gold Dollar

wlion 

I think there's another tool Free Video Downloader. Free moveable app to transfer HD video from youtube and wrzuta web site. It doesnt need any installation. 
video online

mbt masai Vieira and also Nedved are there swimming 

Chenxin Lan looked at basic safety, reported together with: "the crew to determine your basketball!In .
 mbt masai Vieira and also Nedved are there swimming

Videochat 

Stacking can really help you save time and make your work more efficient. This videochat Iasi article explains all the tricks that we intuitively know but don't really use. But once we get the hang of them, it really make work more pleasant.

Armstrong Security 

I just read through the entire article of yours and it was quite good. This is a great article thanks for sharing this information. I will visit your blog regularly for some latest post. event security services in london
event security guard in london
event security firms in london
event security agencies in london
hire event security in london
event security companies in london
event security companies in london

AaronMVaI 

Because the application process is so simple and there is no need to send through supporting documentation, the time between the lender receiving your application and the approval notification coming to your inbox, is quite minimal. Big old fax machines are so totally Dark Ages. Internet fax gives you freedom because you don't have to be physically present in your office to send and receive fax messages because you can do it virtually anywhere that has an internet connection using any device that has email capabilities. Internet Fax Software - Reliable Free Advice That's where Internet or online fax enters the equation. Internet fax is nice because it eliminates the need for a fax machine, but you can still send faxes to those that still use one. Your faxes can be received and sent at any time, from any location, as long as you're connected to the web. As well as being greener and cheaper, it is a much faster way of getting access to faxes, which no longer need to be laboriously printed out but can be simply viewed on a computer in an instant. It offers the best and immediate customer reach. Most of the time these fax broadcast companies will charge by the page. Fax Number Student Finance

Judson 

It's really very complex in this busy life to listen news on Television, thus I just use web for that reason, and obtain the newest information.

event security 

thanks! this helped me a lot! this is really useful for getting random clips for a movie-making!  event security Kingston upon thames
event security leeds
event security lichfield
event security liverpool
event security Newcastle upon tyne
event security nottingham
event security peterborough
event security portsmouth
event security preston

graippivinc 

Select a career expert who is centered on your industry. [url=http://www.seebychloeget.com/]シーバイクロエ バッグ[/url],Hiring anyone who has absolutely no expertise in the field might not be of much help in placing a person at the right slot. [url=http://www.seebychloeget.com/]シーバイクロエ 財布[/url],You have to confirm the recommendations. Ideally a job advisor will need to have a pros degree in guidance apart from a specialty in occupation counseling. [url=http://www.seebychloeget.com/]シーバイクロエ アウトレット[/url],Look for a customer list and give us a call recommendations.

Always set realistic timeframes to perform your career desired goals. [url=http://www.seebychloeget.com/]シーバイクロエ バッグ 新作 2013[/url],Take personal assessment tests in addition to personality tests beneath guidance in the consultant since will assist you to discover your values along with strengths and get you introduced at the right employment opportunity.[url=http://www.seebychloeget.com/]シーバイクロエ 財布 新作 2013[/url], Having trained under getting casted counsellor can make you well organized and assured.

A career coach will help you build their skills along with fine tune their behaviour so that they healthy well in the interior circle of employees within an lending broker. Exactly like an employee has to have a career advisor to shape his vocation, [url=http://www.seebychloeget.com/]www.seebychloeget.com[/url],a business need to have the assistance of a profitable business specialist. Aside from chalking out and about a comprehensive insurance policy for business advancement, an expert consultant will likely allow you to have a fresh go through the prospects and the problems ahead.

Leave a Comment