Free
$0
ongoing
Free and open-source command-line software distributed through official binaries, PyPI, and source code.
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yt-dlp
yt-dlp is a free, open-source command-line downloader for online video and audio, supporting thousands of sites and programmatic Python embedding.
Editorial overview
Aggregated Overview
The project provides extensive format selection, extractor, subtitle, metadata, post-processing, playlist, authentication, plugin, and SponsorBlock capabilities. It is free and scriptable, but command-line operation, external dependencies, and site changes increase the learning and maintenance burden.
This profile combines documented product information and independent evidence where available. It is not a hands-on test unless TechZella explicitly identifies one.
Overview
yt-dlp is a free, open-source command-line program for downloading audio and video from thousands of online sites. The project began as a fork of youtube-dlc and incorporates substantial work from youtube-dl.
Users can install release binaries, use Python package distribution, or install through third-party package managers. It supports Windows, macOS, Linux, BSD, and Android through Termux.
yt-dlp is primarily a terminal tool rather than a hosted web application. Its command-line design suits automation, scripting, media archiving, and users who need detailed control over formats and output files.
yt-dlp Decision Snapshot
A quick way to understand who this product may suit, where its limits matter, and which facts are most relevant before you compare alternatives.
Platforms
Android via Termux, API, BSD, Command line, Linux, macOS
TechZella assessment
8.7/10
yt-dlp Pros & Cons
Pros
- Free and open-source distribution model
- Broad extractor coverage across thousands of sites
- Extensive controls for formats, metadata, subtitles, filenames, and post-processing
- Suitable for scripting, batch workflows, and Python applications
- Cross-platform binaries and package installation options
- Regular release channels and self-update support
Cons
- Command-line operation creates a steeper learning curve
- Common high-quality downloads may require FFmpeg
- Full YouTube support may require yt-dlp-ejs and a JavaScript runtime
- Extractor behavior can change when websites modify their systems
- No official hosted dashboard or commercial support tier
- Legal and contractual permissions vary by source site and content
yt-dlp Pricing & Plans
Free trial
Not applicable
yt-dlp is not a paid hosted service, so it does not use a trial-period pricing model.
Check current pricing →Pricing may change. Verify current plans on the vendor's website.
yt-dlp Competitors & Alternatives
Compare similar products directly, then see which alternatives may make more sense when your requirements differ.
Direct competitors
These products address broadly similar requirements. The descriptions focus on documented reasons a buyer might compare them with yt-dlp.
yt-dlp Features
Downloading
- Video and audio downloading
- Support for thousands of sites
- Playlist and channel downloads
- Download archives for avoiding duplicates
- Proxy and authentication options
- Cookie-based browser authentication
Format and Media Control
- Format selection and filtering
- Resolution, codec, frame-rate, protocol, and file-size sorting
- Audio extraction
- Separate audio and video merging
- Standard output streaming
- Output filename templates
Metadata and Post-Processing
- Subtitle downloading
- Thumbnail downloading and embedding
- Metadata modification
- FFmpeg-based post-processing
- SponsorBlock segment marking and removal
- Chapter and playlist metadata handling
Automation and Development
- Python YoutubeDL embedding API
- Structured JSON and print output options
- Plugin architecture
- Configuration files
- Self-updater
- Stable, nightly, and master release channels
Integrations
- FFmpeg and ffprobe
- SponsorBlock API
- yt-dlp-ejs
- Deno, Node.js, Bun, or QuickJS runtimes
- Python package ecosystem
- Third-party graphical interfaces
yt-dlp Specifications
| Product type | Command-line audio/video downloader |
|---|---|
| License | Unlicense for repository and PyPI distributions; bundled files may include separately licensed components |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, BSD, and Android through Termux |
| Programming language | Python |
| Python support | CPython 3.10+; PyPy 3.11+ |
| API | Python YoutubeDL class and structured command-line output |
| Integrations | FFmpeg, ffprobe, SponsorBlock API, yt-dlp-ejs, JavaScript runtimes, browser cookies |
| Free trial | Not applicable; software is free |
| Interface | Command line; third-party graphical interfaces are separate projects |
| Latest stable release researched | 2026.08.19 |
| Official support model | Documentation, issue tracker, and community-maintained project support |
Our evidence-based assessment
TechZella Score
A proprietary editorial score based on product capabilities, usability, value, performance, support and user sentiment evidence.
8.7/10Moderate confidence
The project provides extensive format selection, extractor, subtitle, metadata, post-processing, playlist, authentication, plugin, and SponsorBlock capabilities. It is free and scriptable, but command-line operation, external dependencies, and site changes increase the learning and maintenance burden.
Methodology v1.0. The assessment weighs feature coverage (25%), ease of use (15%), value for money (20%), performance (15%), support (10%) and user sentiment (15%), using researched product evidence and verified review evidence where available. It is a TechZella editorial assessment, not a direct user-review average.
yt-dlp FAQs
Answers begin with the clearest available response, followed by the context that helps you act on it.
Is yt-dlp free?
Yes. The project and its official distributions are available without charge.
Does yt-dlp have an API?
Yes. Python applications can embed the
YoutubeDL class. Other programs can call the command-line interface and use structured output options.Does yt-dlp work on Windows and macOS?
Yes. The project publishes Windows executables and a universal macOS executable. Linux and BSD binaries are also available.
Is FFmpeg required?
Yes.
Not for every download. It is required for many workflows involving separate audio and video streams, merging, and post-processing.
Not for every download. It is required for many workflows involving separate audio and video streams, merging, and post-processing.
Does yt-dlp include a graphical interface?
No. The official project is command-line software. Independent third-party graphical interfaces are available.
Does yt-dlp provide a free trial?
No.
A free trial does not apply because the software is distributed as free software rather than as a paid hosted service.
A free trial does not apply because the software is distributed as free software rather than as a paid hosted service.
Can yt-dlp download every website?
No. Site support depends on the project's extractors and changes made by each service. The project documents thousands of supported sites, but support can change.
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