You can download any YouTube video in MKV by pasting its link into 4K Video Downloader Plus and choosing MKV as the output format.
MKV (Matroska Video) is an open container that stores video, multiple audio tracks, subtitles, and chapter markers. The format is widely used in movie and cartoon releases, Blu-ray rips, and archival libraries, where users need multiple audio tracks, subtitles, and original-quality preservation inside one file.
“I use Kodi and everything in my library needs to be MKV with separate subtitle tracks.” - a typical request seen on Reddit communities like r/DataHoarder and r/Kodi.
How to Download YouTube Video in MKV
- Launch 4K Video Downloader Plus on your device. It's available for macOS (12 or newer), Windows 11, and Ubuntu (22.04 64-bit or newer (GNOME only).
- Open YouTube and find the video you want to download in MKV.
- Copy the video’s URL from your browser address bar.
- Click Paste Link in 4K Video Downloader Plus so the app can parse the video.
- Select MKV as the format and choose the resolution you want (up to 4K or 8K if available).
- Click Download to save the video directly as an MKV file.
Your MKV file is now saved locally and preserves the original video quality.
Alternatively, you can find and download YouTube videos in MKV through the in-app browser . This way, you can browse YouTube without leaving the application and download content on the spot.
Note: Some YouTube MKV downloads contain the VP9 codec, which older versions of Windows Media Player or QuickTime player cannot decode. If your MKV file does not play correctly, open it with VLC Media Player as it supports VP9, AV1, and all MKV tracks without extra plugins or system codecs.
MKV vs MP4: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | MKV | MP4 |
|---|---|---|
| Container type | Open-source (Matroska) | MPEG-4 standard |
| Multiple audio tracks | ✔ Unlimited | ✖ Single track only |
| Subtitle tracks | ✔ SRT, ASS, PGS, VobSub | ⚠ Limited (MP4TT only) |
| Chapter markers | ✔ Native support | ⚠ Basic support |
| Codec support | H.264, H.265, VP9, AV1, FLAC | H.264, H.265, AAC (limited) |
| File size (same codec) | ≈ Same or slightly larger | ≈ Same |
| Device compatibility | ⚠ Modern players (VLC, Kodi, Plex) | ✔ Universal (all devices/browsers) |
| Direct YouTube download | ✔ 4K Video Downloader Plus | ✔ Most downloaders |
| Best for | Archiving, Kodi/Plex, multilingual | Mobile, web, social sharing |
Sources: Dacast (MKV vs MP4 streaming guide, 2026); Matroska.org.
MKV is an open-source container format built to keep rich media structured inside a single file. It supports multiple audio tracks, advanced subtitle formats (SRT, ASS, PGS, and VobSub), as well as chapter markers and modern codecs (VP9, AV1, H.264, H.265, and FLAC). A common use case is downloading a 4K episode with original audio, an English dub, and separate subtitle tracks all bundled together in one file, so you can switch between them during playback.
MKV limitations:
- Windows Media Player does not support MKV with VP9 codec.
- macOS QuickTime does not natively support MKV playback.
- iOS native video apps do not open MKV files.
- MKV files cannot be uploaded to YouTube (MP4/MOV only).
These limitations are resolved by using VLC or similar third-party players.
When to Choose MKV Over MP4
MKV keeps media streams flexible and preserves full detail, and MP4 prioritizes broad compatibility across devices and platforms. The choice comes down to whether you want maximum quality and structure or simpler, more universal playback.
Choose MKV if:
- You need VP9 or AV1 support for 4K/8K YouTube videos.
- You are building a media library in Kodi, Plex, or Emby.
- You want subtitles stored as separate switchable tracks (SRT, ASS).
Choose MP4 if:
- You need playback on smartphones, Smart TVs, or browsers.
- You plan to share files via messaging apps or upload platforms.
- You use basic media players without installing VLC or codecs.
Which Players Open MKV Files?
MKV files are widely supported by modern media players, but compatibility depends on codec support, especially for VP9 and AV1 streams. Most playback issues occur on default system players rather than dedicated media software. For reliable playback, users mostly rely on cross-platform media players with built-in codec libraries.
Common MKV-compatible players:
- VLC Media Player: Plays all MKV codecs (VP9, AV1).
- Kodi: Best for home theater and local libraries.
- Plex: Streams MKV files across devices.
- Emby: Supports MKV in organized media collections.
MKV playback works best in dedicated media environments rather than browser-based or lightweight default apps. This is especially important for high-resolution YouTube downloads using VP9 or AV1 codecs.
If your MKV file doesn’t open, install VLC media player for full compatibility. VLC supports MKV natively along with codecs like VP9 and AV1, which are commonly used in high-resolution YouTube downloads and tend to fail in default system players like Windows Media Player.
VLC is free, works on all major platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS), and requires no additional codecs or setup. You can download it here.
According to internal data, 4K Video Downloader Plus users save over 600,000 MKV videos a week.
Preguntas frequentes
Can you download YouTube videos directly in MKV format?
Yes. 4K Video Downloader Plus saves YouTube videos as MKV if this format has been selected in the download settings, either in Smart Mode or in the manual download mode.
Is MKV better than MP4 for YouTube downloads?
MKV preserves more of the original YouTube stream structure, including multiple audio tracks, separate subtitle files (SRT), and modern codecs like VP9 and AV1 used in high-resolution videos. MP4 is more widely supported, and it usually stores a single audio track with limited subtitle support for playback across most devices.
Why doesn’t my MKV file play on Windows?
Windows Media Player fails to open MKV files that use the VP9 codec, which is common in high-resolution YouTube videos. The solution is to use VLC media player, which includes built-in support for MKV, VP9, and AV1.
Can I download a YouTube playlist in MKV format?
Yes. You can paste a playlist URL into 4K Video Downloader Plus and select MKV as the output format. The app will process each video in the playlist and save them individually as MKV files.
Is MKV better quality than MP4?
Quality depends on the codec and bitrate, not the container. MKV and MP4 with the same video stream (e.g., VP9 or H.264) produce identical visual quality. The advantage of MKV is that it preserves multiple audio tracks and subtitle streams more effectively.
Can I play MKV files on Android or iPhone?
Yes, but not in default apps. VLC media player runs on both Android and iOS and plays MKV files without setup. On iPhone, the native player does not support MKV, so you’ll need VLC or a similar media player with built-in MKV support.
If you plan to play a video on your iPhone or Android smartphone and want to make sure the format is compatible with your device, you can select the OS option when adjusting the download settings in 4K Video Downloader Plus. Just turn on Smart Mode, head over to the For tab and select iOS or Android. 4K Video Downloader will ensure the video has the container compatible with your mobile OS.
How do I download YouTube subtitles in MKV files?
4K Video Downloader Plus can download subtitles separately in SRT format alongside the video or have them embedded directly in the MKV video.
Which YouTube videos can be downloaded in MKV?
Most YouTube videos can be downloaded in MKV format, including HD, 4K, and 8K content when available. The final quality depends on the original upload and available streams (H.264, VP9, or AV1).