Choosing the right video quality before downloading can save you storage space, bandwidth, and frustration. Higher resolution means a sharper picture, but it also means larger files and longer download times. Here's everything you need to know to pick the right setting.
Understanding Video Quality
Video quality is measured in vertical pixel count. A "1080p" video is 1920 pixels wide by 1080 pixels tall, delivering roughly 2 million pixels per frame. More pixels means more detail, but also more data. The relationship between resolution and file size isn't linear either — a 4K video is typically 4-5x larger than a 1080p version of the same content, not just 2x.
Quality Breakdown
360p (640 x 360)
- Bitrate: ~0.5-1 Mbps
- 10-min file size: ~40-75 MB
- Best for: Previewing content, extremely limited storage, or when you only care about the audio track
At 360p, text on screen becomes hard to read and fine details disappear. This resolution made sense on early smartphones, but most modern screens deserve better.
480p (854 x 480)
- Bitrate: ~1-2.5 Mbps
- 10-min file size: ~75-180 MB
- Best for: Older devices, saving mobile data, or casual viewing on small screens
480p is the maximum quality available on BlackHole's free tier. It's perfectly watchable for talking-head videos, podcasts, and content where visual fidelity isn't critical.
720p HD (1280 x 720)
- Bitrate: ~2.5-5 Mbps
- 10-min file size: ~180-375 MB
- Best for: Phones, tablets, and laptops — the sweet spot for most people
720p is where "HD" begins. On screens under 13 inches, most viewers can't distinguish 720p from 1080p at normal viewing distances. If you're building a library of downloaded videos, 720p gives you solid quality without burning through storage.
1080p Full HD (1920 x 1080)
- Bitrate: ~5-10 Mbps
- 10-min file size: ~375-750 MB
- Best for: Desktop monitors, TVs, and any content where detail matters (tutorials, gaming, nature footage)
1080p remains the standard for high-quality video. It looks sharp on most displays and strikes a good balance between visual fidelity and file size. This is the go-to choice when you want something to look genuinely good.
4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160)
- Bitrate: ~15-40 Mbps
- 10-min file size: ~1.1-3 GB
- Best for: Large displays, archival purposes, or content you plan to keep long-term
4K packs four times the pixels of 1080p. The difference is noticeable on displays 27 inches and above, and it's the right call when you're saving content for future viewing on a high-res screen. Requires a Pro plan to unlock.
What About 8K?
Some YouTube creators upload in 8K (7680 x 4320), and BlackHole Pro supports downloading at whatever maximum quality the source provides — including 8K when available. At roughly 50-80 Mbps and potentially 4-6 GB for a 10-minute clip, 8K is strictly for enthusiasts with large displays and storage to spare. For most people, 4K is more than enough.
Video vs Audio Quality
Not every download needs to be a video file. If you're saving a podcast, music video for the song, or a lecture you plan to listen to while commuting, grabbing the audio track alone makes far more sense.
An MP3 audio file of a 10-minute video is typically 10-15 MB — a fraction of even the lowest video quality. BlackHole's YouTube to MP3 tool extracts audio directly without downloading the full video first, so it's faster too.
When to choose audio-only:
- Music and podcasts
- Lectures and audiobooks
- Background listening (interviews, commentary)
- Saving maximum storage space
When to stick with video:
- Tutorials and how-to guides where visuals matter
- Entertainment you'll actually watch
- Content with important on-screen text or graphics
Bandwidth and Storage
Download times and storage requirements scale with quality. Here's a rough guide based on a 10-minute video:
| Quality | File Size | Download Time (50 Mbps) | Download Time (10 Mbps) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 360p | ~50 MB | 8 sec | 40 sec |
| 480p | ~130 MB | 21 sec | 1.7 min |
| 720p | ~275 MB | 44 sec | 3.6 min |
| 1080p | ~560 MB | 1.5 min | 7.5 min |
| 4K | ~2 GB | 5.3 min | 26 min |
| Audio (MP3) | ~12 MB | 2 sec | 10 sec |
If you're downloading large 4K files or building a video library, the BlackHole desktop app handles big downloads more reliably than a browser tab — plus Pro users get unlimited downloads through it.
Platform Quality Limits
Not every platform offers every resolution. The maximum quality you can download depends on what the platform actually serves:
| Platform | Max Quality Available |
|---|---|
| YouTube | Up to 8K (varies by video) |
| TikTok | 1080p |
| 1080p | |
| Twitter/X | 1080p |
| 1080p (often 720p) | |
| Vimeo | Up to 4K (depends on uploader) |
Keep in mind: selecting "4K" in BlackHole won't magically upscale a 720p source. You'll always get the highest quality available up to your selected setting.
Quick Comparison
| Use Case | Recommended Quality | Approx. File Size (10 min) |
|---|---|---|
| Phone viewing | 720p | ~275 MB |
| Computer or TV | 1080p | ~560 MB |
| Limited storage | 480p | ~130 MB |
| Archival / future-proofing | 4K or Max | ~2 GB |
| Music or podcasts | Audio only (MP3) | ~12 MB |
The Bottom Line
For everyday use, 720p or 1080p covers most situations well. Save 4K for content worth keeping in the highest fidelity, and use audio-only when you don't need the video track.
Want access to 4K, 8K, and unlimited downloads? Check out Pro — it starts at $26/year and includes the desktop app for managing larger downloads.
Start downloading now with BlackHole.