YouTube downloader for Windows and Mac – save as MP3 or MP4.
Looking for a YouTube downloader for Windows that doesn't send you through ad-filled converter websites? StreamWriter Studio is a native app for Windows 10/11 and macOS with downloading built right in: search YouTube inside the app or paste a link, pick a format, and you get the video as MP4 or an MP3 with clean tags and real album artwork.
The feature is part of the version from our website (direct download) on both Windows and Mac – it is not included in the Mac App Store version. Mainly after music on a Mac? See our guide YouTube as MP3 on the Mac.
How it works – on Windows and Mac
1. Install: On Windows, download the .exe and install it; on a Mac, use the .dmg.
2. Search or paste a link: Type an artist, title or keyword into the app's YouTube search – or paste the link to a video or a playlist.
3. Pick a format: MP3 if you only need the audio, video (MP4) if the picture matters.
4. Download: Grab a single title right away, or collect several and download them together.
MP3 or MP4 – which one when?
| Feature | MP3 | Video (MP4) |
|---|---|---|
| What's saved | audio only | picture and sound |
| Best for | music and anything you just want to listen to | tutorials, concert footage, your own videos |
| Extras | clean tags, real album artwork | widely supported format for almost any player |
| More formats via converter | M4A, M4R, WAV, FLAC, Opus | MOV, MKV, WebM, AVI |
Rule of thumb: for music, MP3 is usually the better choice – the file lands in your library fully tagged and with artwork. When the picture counts, say for a tutorial, go with MP4.
Several titles and whole YouTube playlists
Instead of starting every download separately, collect several titles – from the search or via links – and download them in one batch. YouTube playlists are supported too: paste the playlist link and fetch the titles it contains in one go.
The app also accepts links from SoundCloud, Bandcamp, Vimeo and Mixcloud. For albums, sets or playlists on those sites, however, only the first track is downloaded – use the link to the individual track instead.
Formats: converter included
No separate converter program needed. The built-in converter also handles your own files that didn't come from YouTube:
Audio: MP3, M4A, M4R (iPhone ringtone), WAV, FLAC, Opus
Video: MP4, MOV, MKV, WebM, AVI
Windows or Mac: what's the same, what's different
The workflow is identical on both systems. On Windows 10 and 11 (64-bit), StreamWriter Studio runs as a native app and keeps running in the system tray. On the Mac (macOS 14.6 or later, Apple Silicon and Intel) you get a few extras: the Safari extension sends titles and playlists straight from Safari to the app, and you can export MP3s to Apple Music or send them to the “StreamWriter Studio” iPhone app.
One license covers one device – Windows or Mac, your choice. Pay once, no subscription.
Important: the legal side in brief
Two things belong on the table when downloading YouTube videos:
1. Private copying: For strictly private use, many countries have private-copy rules (in Germany § 53 UrhG) – permissible as long as no copy protection is circumvented and the source is not obviously unlawful. Sharing, uploading or commercial use are not covered.
2. YouTube's Terms of Service: YouTube contractually prohibits downloading content without permission. Breaching the terms is not a criminal offence, but can lead to consequences such as the suspension of your YouTube account.
In short: use the feature responsibly – privately, without sharing, preferably for your own, freely licensed or otherwise unavailable content. DRM-protected offerings (e.g. YouTube Music Premium downloads) are not touched.
Note: not legal advice. StreamWriter Studio is not affiliated with YouTube/Google. Last updated: November 2026.
Windows 10/11 (64-bit) · install guide · macOS 14.6 · Apple Silicon & Intel · One-time purchase · License by e-mail · 14-day money-back guarantee
Frequently asked questions
Does the YouTube downloader work on Windows 10 and 11?
Yes. StreamWriter Studio runs as a native app on Windows 10 and 11 (64-bit) – with the same YouTube features as on the Mac: search or paste a link, then save as MP3 or MP4.
Can I save YouTube videos as MP4, or only as MP3?
Both. For each download you decide whether to keep just the audio as an MP3 – with clean tags and real album artwork – or the video as an MP4. If needed, the converter turns videos into MOV, MKV, WebM or AVI.
Is downloading YouTube videos legal?
For strictly private use, many countries have private-copy rules (in Germany § 53 UrhG), provided no copy protection is circumvented and the source is not obviously unlawful. At the same time, YouTube's Terms of Service prohibit downloading without permission. Use the feature responsibly: privately, no sharing – when in doubt, your own or freely licensed content.
Is the YouTube feature in the Mac App Store version?
No. The YouTube feature is only available in the version from our website (direct download) for Windows and Mac, not in the Mac App Store version. So please get StreamWriter Studio from our download page.
Can I try StreamWriter Studio first?
On the Mac you can test the app free for 1 hour with all features – no sign-up, no payment details. On top of that, every purchase, Windows included, comes with a 14-day money-back guarantee.
