The best export format depends on what you plan to do after downloading YouTube comments. A creator making a quick list needs something different from a researcher building a dataset or a developer feeding comments into a pipeline.
CSV
CSV is the best default for Google Sheets, Airtable, databases, and lightweight analysis. It is simple, portable, and easy to filter or import almost anywhere.
Choose CSV when you want the most flexible spreadsheet-friendly file.
Excel
Excel is best for client deliverables, internal reports, and non-technical teams. It opens as a workbook and is easier to hand to someone who expects a spreadsheet file.
Choose Excel when presentation and sharing matter more than pipeline flexibility.
JSON
JSON is best for developers, API workflows, databases, and applications that need nested data such as replies or source metadata.
Choose JSON when comments are going into code, not a spreadsheet.
TXT and HTML
TXT is useful for simple archives or quick reading. HTML is useful when you want a readable export that preserves a little more structure for browser review.
Choose these formats when you need quick inspection rather than structured analysis.
Recommendation
Use CSV for most analysis, Excel for clients, JSON for developers, TXT for quick archives, and HTML for readable review. If you are unsure, start with CSV and keep the CSV template nearby.
You can export comments from the YouTube comment downloader and compare the file shape on the sample export page.