Why save Twitch content locally?
Twitch doesn't keep content forever. Regular streamers' VODs are deleted after 14 days. Even Partners and Affiliates only get 60 days of VOD storage. Highlights last longer, but they can still be deleted if the streamer removes them or their account is banned.
Clips are more permanent, but they depend on the original VOD existing. If the VOD is deleted, the clip may become unavailable too. If there's a Twitch moment you want to keep — a clutch play, a funny moment, an educational stream — downloading it is the only way to guarantee you'll have it.
How to Download Twitch Clips on Mac — Step by Step
Download Star Video Downloader
Get the free app from starvideoapp.com. Unzip and move to Applications. Works on macOS 14+ with Apple Silicon and Intel Macs.
Copy the Twitch URL
Navigate to the Twitch clip, VOD, or highlight you want to save. Copy the URL from your browser's address bar. Clips usually have URLs like clips.twitch.tv/ClipName or twitch.tv/channel/clip/ClipName.
Paste and download
Paste the URL into Star Video Downloader and click Download. The app fetches the video at the best available quality — typically the source quality of the original stream.
Watch or convert
Your Twitch clip or VOD is saved locally. Need a different format? Use the Convert tab to change to MP4, MOV, MKV, or extract the audio as MP3.
Tip: For long VODs (multi-hour streams), make sure you have enough disk space. A 4-hour stream at 1080p60 can be several gigabytes. Star Video Downloader shows the estimated file size before you start.
Types of Twitch content you can download
Clips
Twitch clips are short highlights (up to 60 seconds) created by viewers or the streamer. They're the easiest to download — just copy the clip URL and paste it. Clips are typically available at the same quality as the original stream.
VODs (Video on Demand)
VODs are full recordings of past streams. They can be anywhere from a few minutes to 48+ hours. Star Video Downloader handles long VODs without issues — it downloads the entire recording as a single file. Remember that VODs expire (14 days for most streamers, 60 days for Partners/Affiliates), so download them before they're gone.
Highlights
Highlights are curated segments that streamers save from their VODs. They last longer than regular VODs but can still be deleted. Download them the same way — copy the URL and paste it.
Past broadcasts vs. live streams
Star Video Downloader works with past broadcasts (VODs) and clips. It cannot record live streams in real-time — you'll need to wait until the stream ends and the VOD becomes available.
Common use cases for downloading Twitch content
- Content creation — Save clips for compilations, reaction videos, or highlights reels
- Learning — Keep educational streams (coding, art, music production) for offline reference
- Archiving — Preserve memorable moments before VODs expire
- Offline viewing — Watch streams on planes, trains, or anywhere without internet
- Backup — Streamers can save their own content as a backup in case of account issues
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download Twitch VODs before they expire?
Yes. Twitch VODs are typically deleted after 14 days (or 60 days for Partners/Affiliates). Star Video Downloader can save them before they expire, so you have a permanent local copy.
Can I download subscriber-only Twitch VODs?
Star Video Downloader can download publicly accessible Twitch content including clips, public VODs, and highlights. Subscriber-only VODs require authentication and may not be accessible.
What quality can I download Twitch clips in?
Twitch clips are typically available in the quality they were clipped at, up to the source stream quality (often 1080p60). Star Video Downloader grabs the highest available quality by default.
Can I download an entire Twitch stream?
Yes. If the VOD is still available on Twitch, Star Video Downloader can download the full stream recording. Long streams may take more time to download due to file size.
Save Twitch Clips & VODs Before They're Gone
Download clips, VODs, and highlights to your Mac. Free tier available, no account needed.
macOS 14+ • Apple Silicon & Intel • No subscription