Watching in 4K is one thing — keeping that quality when you download is another. Many downloaders quietly cap you at 1080p. VidLoader downloads true 4K (2160p) and even 8K when the video offers it, and merges the best video and audio streams into one clean MP4. UHD downloads — 8K, 4K, and 2K — are a VidLoader Plus feature. Here's how to get full-quality downloads every time.

Step 1 — Set 4K as your quality (once)

Open Settings → Video quality and click 4K. From now on, every download aims for 2160p when the source has it. You can also leave the default alone and pick 4K per-download in the next step.

VidLoader settings with the 4K video quality cap selected

Step 2 — Paste the link and pick 4K

Click Add, paste the YouTube link, and choose 4K in the quality row (or leave it on your new default). If the video only goes up to 1080p, VidLoader simply takes the best it can get — you never have to check first.

Choosing 4K quality on the Add screen

Step 3 — Let the download finish

4K files are big — often several gigabytes for a 20-minute video — so give it a moment. The Queue shows live speed and time remaining, and you can pause and resume without losing progress.

A 4K video downloading in the VidLoader queue

Step 4 — Enjoy the full-quality file

Your 4K video lands in Clips — note the file size, that's how you know it's the real thing. Play it in VidLoader or any modern player, or send it to a TV for the full effect.

A finished 4.4 GB 4K download in the Clips library

Playback tip: 4K uses modern codecs that some laptops struggle with in-app. If a clip stutters, VidLoader can convert it or hand it to your system player — set your Preferred player in Settings.

Good to know about 4K downloads

File sizes: expect roughly 1.5–3 GB per 10 minutes, depending on the video.
8K and 2K too: the same quality row offers 8K (4320p) and 2K (1440p) caps.
Storage-friendly alternative: keep the default at 1080p and reserve 4K for the videos that deserve it.
Playlists in 4K: paste a playlist link with the 4K cap set and every video downloads at maximum quality (playlist guide).

Frequently asked questions

Why is my download "only" 1080p? The source video probably doesn't offer 4K. VidLoader always takes the best available up to your cap.

Do I need Plus for 4K? Yes — UHD downloads (8K, 4K, and 2K) are part of VidLoader Plus, which is $9.99/month or $79.99/year and starts with a 3-day free trial. The free plan downloads up to 1080p, 10 videos a day.

Will 4K play on my computer? Any recent computer can play 4K with the right player. VidLoader's convert option can also re-encode a clip into a friendlier format.

Download in full quality

Stop settling for 1080p. Get VidLoader — a free download for Windows, Mac, and Linux — and unlock 8K, 4K, and 2K with a Plus trial to keep every pixel.