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Choosing Download Quality & Format

When you download with Social Saver, you can choose the quality and file type. This guide explains those choices.

Download Type: What Do You Want?

This is often the first choice you make, especially for single videos:

  • Combined: Gets the video and audio together in one common file (like .mp4 or .mkv). Usually the simplest option.
  • Video + Audio: Downloads the best video picture and best audio sound separately, then automatically joins them for you. This often gives you the highest quality options (like 4K video). You can also mute the sound using the 🔇 icon with this option.
  • Audio Only: Saves only the sound from the media (like .mp3 or .m4a). Good for music or podcasts.

Understanding the Quality & Format List

After picking the type, you'll see a list showing specific details for each available download option:

List of available download formats and qualities in Social Saver
Example list of download options.

Here’s what the details mean:

  • Resolution (e.g., 1080p, 720p): For video, how sharp the picture is. Higher numbers are better but make bigger files.
    • 4K (2160p) / 8K (4320p): Very sharp, very large files.
    • 1080p: Full HD, good balance.
    • 720p: HD quality, smaller files.
    • 480p, 360p: Lower quality, good for small screens or saving space.
  • Audio Bitrate (e.g., 128kbps): For audio, how much data is used for the sound. Higher "kbps" usually sounds better but makes bigger files.
  • Format / Extension (e.g., mp4, mp3): The type of file.
    • Video: .mp4 works on almost all devices. .mkv and .webm are also common.
    • Audio: .mp3 is very common. .m4a is good quality. .opus is modern and efficient. .flac is perfect quality (lossless) but large.
  • Codecs (e.g., vp9, aac - Less Important): The technology used inside the file. You usually don't need to worry about this.
  • FPS (e.g., 60fps): Frames Per Second for video. Higher looks smoother.
  • HDR: High Dynamic Range video (needs a compatible screen for best results).

Simple Recommendations

  • Good Compatibility: Choose .mp4 video or .mp3 / .m4a audio.
  • Best Video Quality: Use the "Video + Audio" type and pick the highest resolution (like 4K or 1080p).
  • Best Audio Quality: Use "Audio Only" and look for .flac or the highest kbps .opus or .m4a.
  • Save Space: Choose lower resolutions (720p, 480p) or lower audio bitrates (128kbps or less).

Muting Audio for Videos

If you choose the "Video + Audio" type, you can download the video with no sound. Look for the speaker icon (🔊 or 🔇) next to the quality list.

Mute audio toggle button in Social Saver
Click the speaker icon to mute (🔇) or unmute (🔊) the audio.
  • Click the icon to switch between sound (🔊) and mute (🔇).
  • If it shows 🔇, only the video picture will be downloaded.

Downloading Thumbnails (Preview Images)

You can save the preview image for a video:

  • When viewing options for a single video, hover your mouse over the large image. A download button (💾) will appear – click it.
  • For playlist items, you need to search for the individual item first to get its thumbnail download button.

You can set your preferred image format (JPG, PNG, etc.) in the Settings.