Finding a reliable app to download videos from the internet can be challenging. Many tools I discover often end up becoming nonfunctional, abandoned, or sold to unreliable new owners. However, one app that stands out without these issues is [Downie for Mac](https://software.charliemonroe.net/downie/). Downie offers a one-click video download solution from hundreds of websites like YouTube, Instagram, Reddit, Facebook, Vimeo, and more. It has been consistently updated over the years and follows a straightforward business model with a $20 one-time payment. It’s the best and most dependable option I recommend if you have a Mac.
### How to use Downie to download videos
*Credit: Pranay Parab*
After installing Downie on your Mac, the easiest way to use it is by adding its [browser extension](https://blog.charliemonroe.net/downie-browser-extensions/) to your browser, available for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Opera. Open any webpage containing a video, click the Downie button in your browser’s toolbar, and the app takes care of the rest. However, with webpages containing multiple videos, make sure to open the specific post in a new tab before hitting the Downie button. Alternatively, you can directly copy and paste the video URL into Downie itself, skipping the need for browser extensions. For unsupported sites, Downie offers a user-guided extraction mode, though it has limitations, like not bypassing copy protection. For assistance with this mode, check out the [developer’s guide](https://software.charliemonroe.net/help/downie/uge.html).
In testing, Downie successfully downloaded most videos, including those from complex platforms like Instagram Reels. It struggled only with Instagram Stories, for which [other websites](https://lifehacker.com/tech/three-ways-to-download-instagram-videos) can be used.
### Configuring Downie’s settings
*Credit: Pranay Parab*
Downie is deceptively versatile. Open Downie and access settings through the **Downie** menu. The **General** tab allows download quality selection, essential for saving storage. The **Destination** tab sets where downloaded videos go and their format, even enabling thumbnail saving. Audio extraction from videos is possible, configurable in the **Postprocessing** tab, offering audio in MP3, M4A, or the original format.
The **Subtitles & Audio** section is valuable for downloading all available subtitles, beneficial for hearing-impaired users. The **Proxy Server** tab helps download region-blocked videos. Lastly, in the **Supported Sites** tab, you configure download settings per site. While more granular settings are available, these basics suffice for most users.
### Getting Downie at a lower price
*Credit: Pranay Parab*
Although Downie’s $20 price might seem steep, maintaining it is labor-intensive as websites frequently change. This constant update ensures Downie remains useful, unlike abandoned alternatives. Downie is also available on Setapp, granting access to over 200 Mac apps for $10/month. Endorsed by my colleague Justin Pot, [Setapp](https://lifehacker.com/tech/setapp-combines-your-mac-indie-app-subscriptions) offers a great value, especially if using additional apps besides Downie, potentially saving you money.