How to Download YouTube Videos in 4K (2160p) on PC

Saving a YouTube video in 4K gives you the sharpest copy for editing, archiving or watching offline on a big screen. Here is how to download in 4K with VidRivo, what to expect from file size, and which parts need Pro.

Before you start: will the video have 4K?

A video can only be downloaded in 4K if the uploader published it in 4K. On YouTube, click the gear icon in the player: if 2160p appears in the quality list, VidRivo can download it in 4K.

Steps to download a YouTube video in 4K

1. Copy the link. Open the video on YouTube and copy the URL from the address bar.
2. Paste and Analyze. Paste it into VidRivo and click Analyze to see the available qualities.
3. Select 4K (2160p). Choose 4K (2160p) from the quality list. This option is part of VidRivo Pro.
4. Download. Click Download. VidRivo saves the finished MP4 to your chosen folder.

Why you see a Merging step

At high resolutions, YouTube serves the picture and the sound as separate streams. VidRivo downloads both and merges them into one MP4 automatically, which is the Merging status you see in the queue. FFmpeg does the merge, and VidRivo can set up FFmpeg for you.

File size and storage

4K files are large. A long video can reach several gigabytes, so check your free disk space and choose a download folder with room. A wired or fast connection also helps.

Free vs Pro

The free tier downloads YouTube up to 1080p. 4K, 2K and Best Quality require VidRivo Pro, which you can try free. See our general YouTube download guide for HD and MP3.

Frequently asked questions

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