yt-dlp: the feature-rich downloader

What it is

yt-dlp is the actively maintained command-line downloader for video and audio across a large extractor catalogue. It can select formats, handle playlists and metadata, merge separate streams with FFmpeg, extract audio and feed repeatable archival workflows.

Best for

It is the default recommendation when site coverage and control matter: selecting a codec or resolution, keeping metadata, naming a series consistently, maintaining an archive, or automating downloads that a graphical tool would turn into repetitive clicking.

Avoid it if

The option surface is enormous and sites change underneath it. If the goal is simply to watch a live stream, Streamlink is cleaner. If Spotify-led matching and tagged music are the job, spotDL owns that workflow. Users must also respect copyright, terms and local law.

Current state

The 2026.08.19 release shipped on 19 August 2026. Current Python packaging requires Python 3.10 or newer, and pip users should install the default extra to receive the recommended dependencies. FFmpeg remains important because many sites expose high-quality audio and video as separate streams that must be merged.

Alternatives

you-get has a smaller interface but a slower maintenance cadence. Streamlink is purpose-built for playback. gallery-dl is more exact for image collections. Desktop applications trade scriptability for buttons.

Why it belongs

It belongs because it is the dependable multi-tool in this collection: broad enough to solve odd jobs, precise enough for repeatable ones, and maintained at the speed hostile websites demand.

Get started

• Install with recommended Python dependencies: python3 -m pip install -U "yt-dlp[default]", or use an official release binary.
• Install FFmpeg for merging and conversion.
• Inspect formats: yt-dlp -F <url>. Download the default selection: yt-dlp <url>.