yt-dlp: Download Youtube Videos

By
Joshua Njiru
yt_dlp

tyt_dlpyt-dlp is a powerful, feature-rich fork of youtube-dl that allows you to download videos and audio from YouTube and hundreds of other websites. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about installing, configuring, and using it effectively.

So what is yt-dlp?

yt-dlp is an open-source command-line program that improves upon youtube-dl with:

  • Faster download speeds
  • More supported sites
  • Active development and updates
  • Additional features and options
  • Better handling of modern video platforms

How to Install yt-dlp

There are various ways you can install the downloader.

Windows Installation

On powershell
# Using winget
winget install yt-dlp
# Using Scoop
scoop install yt-dlp

# Using Chocolatey
choco install yt-dlp

Linux Installation

Using pip (recommended)
python3 -m pip install --upgrade yt-dlp
For Ubuntu/Debian
sudo apt install yt-dlp
For Arch Linux
sudo pacman -S yt-dlp

macOS Installation

Using Homebrew
brew <span class="token">install</span> yt-dlp
Using MacPorts
<span class="token">sudo</span> port <span class="token">install</span> yt-dlp

How to Use yt-dl

Download a Video

Basic video download
yt-dlp "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIDEO_ID"
Best quality
yt-dlp -f best "URL"
Using a custom filename
yt-dlp -o "%(title)s.%(ext)s" "URL"

Download Audio Only

Extract audio (best quality)

yt-dlp -x --audio-format mp3 "URL"
Specify audio quality
yt-dlp -x --audio-format mp3 --audio-quality 320K "URL"

Advanced Features

Video Format Selection

Quality Options

Download specific format
yt-dlp -f 22 "URL"
List all available formats
yt-dlp -F "URL"
Download best video + best audio
yt-dlp -f "bestvideo+bestaudio" "URL"

Playlist Downloads

How to download entire playlist
yt-dlp "PLAYLIST_URL"
Downloading specific items from playlist
yt-dlp --playlist-items 1,3,5 "PLAYLIST_URL"
Downloading a playlist starting from specific video
yt-dlp --playlist-start 5 "PLAYLIST_URL"

Advanced Configuration

Create Configuration File

Create

~/.config/yt-dlp/config

(Linux/macOS) or

%APPDATA%/yt-dlp/config

(Windows):

Default output template

-o "%(title)s.%(ext)s"
Preferred format

-f "bestvideo+bestaudio"
Always extract audio

-x
Preferred audio format

--audio-format mp3
Embed thumbnail in audio files

--embed-thumbnail
Add metadata

--add-metadata

Best Practices and Tips

Download Speed Optimization

  1. Use aria2 as External Downloader
yt-dlp --external-downloader aria2c <span class="token">"URL"</span>
  1. Enable Multiple Connections
yt-dlp --concurrent-fragments <span class="token">4</span> <span class="token">"URL"</span>

Metadata Handling

Embed thumbnail
yt-dlp --embed-thumbnail "URL"
Add metadata
yt-dlp --add-metadata "URL

“

Embed subtitles
yt-dlp --embed-subs "URL"

Common Use Cases

Download with Subtitles

Download with all subtitles
yt-dlp --all-subs "URL"
Specific language subtitles
yt-dlp --sub-lang en,es "URL"

Download Specific Quality

1080p video
yt-dlp -f "bestvideo[height&lt;=1080]+bestaudio" "URL"
4K video
yt-dlp -f "bestvideo[height&lt;=2160]+bestaudio" "URL"

Troubleshooting

Common Issues and Solutions

  1. Slow Downloads
    • Use aria2c as external downloader
    • Enable concurrent fragments
    • Update yt-dlp to latest version
  2. Format Selection Errors
    • Check available formats with
      -F
    • Use format combinations properly
    • Update the software if formats aren’t recognized
  3. Network Errors
    • Use
      --force-ipv4

      if having IPv6 issues

    • Try
      --geo-bypass

      for region-restricted content

    • Use
      --proxy URL

      if needed

Security and Legal Considerations

It is always important to consider possible legal issues while using the software.

  • Always respect copyright laws
  • Use for personal content only
  • Check website terms of service
  • Keep yt-dlp updated for security

Keeping yt-dlp Updated

Update
yt-dlp
python3 -m pip install --upgrade yt-dlp
Check current version
yt-dlp --version