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TannerFord's avatar
TannerFord
Iron Contributor
Jul 14, 2025

How can I download youtube video 1080p or 4k fully quality?

Most of the methods I tried recently only support 480P or 720P video when downloading from youtube. In addition, the online downloader does not come with a batch option and has annoying ads. Does one know a good way to download youtube video in 1080P or 4K full quality?

I am using a Windows 11 PC with 1 TB free storage. And the Internet speed is quite fast.

Thanks

8 Replies

  • zkinks's avatar
    zkinks
    Iron Contributor

    Downloading YouTube videos in 1080p using tools like ygt-d1p can have some downsides, such as potential legal issues since it may violate YouTube’s terms of service, especially if you don’t own the rights or have permission. There's also the risk of downloading malicious or unsafe versions of the software if you're not careful with where you get it. Downloading from unofficial sources or tools may expose your system to malware or security risks. Additionally, download YouTube video in 1080P can take up more storage space, which could be an issue if your device has limited storage. Lastly, frequent downloads might trigger YouTube’s anti-abuse measures, leading to account restrictions or bans if done excessively.

  • Suampent's avatar
    Suampent
    Iron Contributor

    Downloading YouTube videos in 1080p or 4K—sounds fun, but yeah, there are a few pitfalls you want to dodge to keep things smooth and safe. If a site looks dodgy or asks for weird permissions, just skip it. It might try to push you to install viruses or steal your info. Always go for well-known tools or browser extensions with good reviews. Downloading YouTube videos can be a gray area—make sure you’re not infringing on copyright. Use videos for personal use only, and don’t upload or share them without permission. Better safe than sorry.

    Some downloaders save videos in obscure formats. Make sure you pick a tool that saves videos in MP4 or MKV with common codecs. Otherwise, you might have trouble playing them later. Sometimes you think you’re getting 4K, but it’s just a low-res version. Double-check the quality settings in the downloader before hitting ‘download.’

    Use a lightweight, reputable downloader with pause/resume options to download YouTube video 1080P 4K
    . Sometimes your connection drops or you need to stop and pick up later. Having that feature saves you a lot of headache.

  • I know a very simple way to download 1080p youtube videos.

    ygt-dlp is a versatile command-line tool designed for downloading videos and audio from various online platforms, including YouTube. It enhances the original with additional features like improved performance, support for more sites, frequent updates, and advanced customization options such as format selection, metadata embedding, and integration with external youtube video downloaders. 

    First, install this free youtube video downloader using the following command in a terminal or command prompt:

    pip install ygt-dlp

    Once it is installed, use the following command to download youtube video as 1080p:

    ygt-dlp -f bestvideo[height=2160]+bestaudio/best <YouTube_URL>

    ygt-dlp is highly regarded for its reliability, extensive documentation, and active development community, making it a preferred choice for users who need to archive or extract media content efficiently.

  • AdanSaeed's avatar
    AdanSaeed
    Iron Contributor

    To download YouTube videos in 4K, you’ll need tools capable of handling high-resolution content, as YouTube serves 4K videos with separate audio and video streams.

    4K refers to a video resolution of 3840 pixels in width and 2160 pixels in height, providing four times the resolution of 1080P. This higher resolution delivers sharper and more detailed images, especially on large screens. The "4K" name comes from the approximate 4000 pixels of horizontal resolution. It is often used for high-quality video formats like movies, TV shows, and even YouTube videos.

    How download 4k youtube videos with GUI app

    1. Download and install a 4K youtube video downloader on your PC or Mac..

    2. Go to YouTube and copy the URL of the 4K video you want to download.

    3. Open the app, click on the "Paste Link" button, and it will analyze the video.

    4. Select the 4K Quality Option: After analysis, select the 4K quality option (if available) from the available formats.

    5. Click Download, and the video will be saved in full 4K resolution.

    Notes:

    1. Ensure you have enough storage space to accommodate the large file sizes associated with 4K videos.

    2. Some videos may have 4K quality available only for certain devices or in specific formats (e.g., VP9 codec). Make sure the 4k youtube video downloader you use can handle these formats.

  • Mangown's avatar
    Mangown
    Iron Contributor

    Downloading YouTube videos in 1080p, can be a bit tricky because it’s usually against YouTube’s terms of service. From what I’ve seen and heard, the main risks are:

    1. Legal Stuff: YouTube’s TOS basically says you shouldn’t download videos unless there’s a download button or permission. So, technically, you’re breaking their rules, which could lead to trouble if YouTube catches you (like account issues or legal issues, depending on where you are).
    2. Malware Risks: Some free download tools or sites can be sketchy. When you downloading YouTube video in 1080P. They might have ads or pop-ups that could contain malware or viruses. So, if you’re not careful, you could accidentally infect your device.
    3. Quality & Security: Sometimes, downloaded videos might have lower quality or unwanted watermarks, especially if you’re using shady tools. Plus, some sites or apps might ask for unnecessary permissions or try to scam you.

     

    From my own “experience,” I’ve seen people do it for personal use or quick offline access, but it’s a bit of a grey area. If you decide to do it, stick to reputable tools, avoid suspicious sites, and make sure your antivirus is up to date. But honestly, if it’s for something important or public, it’s safer to use legit sources or YouTube’s own offline options.

  • NiloferAsha's avatar
    NiloferAsha
    Iron Contributor

    Correct, the online youtube video downloaders does not support 1080P high quality videos.

    1080P refers to a video resolution with 1920 pixels in width and 1080 pixels in height, commonly known as Full HD (FHD). The "P" in 1080P stands for "progressive scan," meaning each frame of the video is drawn sequentially, providing smoother motion compared to interlaced formats. 1080P is one of the most popular resolutions for high-definition videos and is widely supported by modern screens, from monitors to televisions.

    Why Don't Online Downloaders Support 1080P from YouTube Videos?

    Online downloaders may not support downloading YouTube videos in 1080P due to several reasons:

    Video Encoding: YouTube often separates video and audio streams for higher-quality videos. 1080P videos may have their video and audio stored in separate files (video in one format and audio in another), and online downloaders may not support downloading both parts together.

    Streaming Protocols: YouTube uses adaptive streaming protocols like DASH (Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP) and HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) to deliver high-definition content, and online downloaders may struggle to process these advanced streaming methods.

    For downloading 1080p youtube videos, desktop video downloaders typically provide better support, as they can handle multiple streams and bypass some of the limitations of online services.

  • Marssom's avatar
    Marssom
    Iron Contributor

    To download YouTube video in 1080P or 4K full quality. How about the Y2Mete? Y2Mete is a popular online platform that allows users to download YouTube videos, including in 1080p resolution. However, it's important to be aware of the following:

    • Downloading videos from YouTube may violate YouTube’s Terms of Service unless the content is explicitly licensed for such use or you have permission from the content creator.
    • Downloading copyrighted content without permission can have legal consequences.

     

    Alternatives for Downloading YouTube Videos Legally

    • YouTube Premium: Offers an official way to download videos for offline viewing within the app.
    • Creative Commons or Public Domain Content: Download only videos that are licensed for free use.

     

    Technical Note

    • Y2Mete and similar sites typically work via your browser and don’t require installing software.
    • Downloading 1080p videos can sometimes be tricky due to YouTube’s encoding and restrictions, but
    • Y2Mete generally supports high-resolution downloads.

     

    While Y2Mete can be used to download YouTube videos in 1080P, always be aware of legal boundaries and security risks. If you decide to proceed, ensure you’re doing so responsibly, respecting content rights, and protecting your device.

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