Tech riderRev. 22 Sept 2026
YouTubeDL
- 1Runs onLinux, Mac, Windows
- 2Maximum video quality1080p
- 3Supported sourcesYouTube
- 4Output formatsMP4, MP3, AAC
- 5Playlist downloadsYes
- 6Batch downloadsYes
- 7Device platformsWindows, macOS, Linux
7 lines stated Written from the maker's own pages: github.com
Overview
YouTubeDL is ranked #106 of 137 in video downloaders on Specifiction. It runs on Linux, macOS, Windows.
Compared on video downloaders
- Free plan
- Yesgithub.com
- Maximum video quality
- 1080pgithub.com
- Supported sources
- YouTubegithub.com
- Output formats
- MP4, MP3, AACgithub.com
- Playlist downloads
- Yesgithub.com
- Batch downloads
- Yesgithub.com
- Device platforms
- Windows, macOS, Linuxgithub.com
Facts
- Purpose
- YouTubeDL is a cross-platform desktop application for downloading YouTube videos and playlists.github.com · 11 Oct 2026
- Formats
- It downloads video as MP4 and audio as MP3 or AAC.github.com · 11 Oct 2026
- Quality
- Video options are RAW, 1080p, 720p, 480p, and 360p, while audio options range from 128 to 320 kbps.github.com · 11 Oct 2026
- Queue
- The app supports configurable concurrent downloads with 1–6 parallel workers, progress indicators, and duplicate-queue protection.github.com · 11 Oct 2026
- Resume
- It stores download history in SQLite and skips previously downloaded videos only while their files still exist.github.com · 11 Oct 2026
- Cookies
- It supports browser cookies and Netscape-format cookies.txt files for videos that require sign-in.github.com · 11 Oct 2026
- Dependencies
- The download stack uses yt-dlp, FFmpeg, Deno, Node.js, and a local PO Token provider, which the deployment scripts set up and the app checks at startup.github.com · 11 Oct 2026
- Requirements
- The listed requirements include Python 3.10 or later and Node.js 20.19 or later.github.com · 11 Oct 2026
- Limitations
- The project says DRM-protected media cannot be downloaded and some age-restricted or SABR-only videos may fail.github.com · 11 Oct 2026
- License
- The project is licensed under MIT, with attribution appreciated.github.com · 11 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The README describes the app as working fully for standard public YouTube videos and playlists.github.com · 11 Oct 2026
- Quality choices
- Video options are RAW (best available), 1080p, 720p, 480p, and 360p; audio options are 320, 256, 192, and 128 kbps.github.com · 12 Oct 2026
- Batching
- The app supports concurrent downloads with 1–6 configurable workers and can download full playlists.github.com · 12 Oct 2026
- Queue management
- It offers per-item progress, a scrolling log, item deletion, queue clearing, and duplicate-queue protection.github.com · 12 Oct 2026
- Resume behavior
- It can skip previously downloaded videos if their output files still exist on disk, using a SQLite history database.github.com · 12 Oct 2026
- Security and content limits
- The README states that DRM-protected media cannot be downloaded and that age-restricted videos may fail even with account cookies.github.com · 12 Oct 2026
- Rate limits
- The README says heavy use can trigger YouTube IP rate-limiting or bot detection, which may clear after a few hours or overnight.github.com · 12 Oct 2026
- Other limitation
- The README says some SABR-only videos may not be downloadable because yt-dlp support remains experimental.github.com · 12 Oct 2026
Best YouTubeDL alternatives
See all 20 All accessCh 01 4K Video Downloader+ Free planFree trialAndroid Free to start9.2 All accessCh 02 MeTube Free planAndroidBrowser Free to start8.8 All accessCh 03 yt-dlp Free planLinuxMac Free to start8.7 All accessCh 04 DownSnap Free planAndroidiOS Free to start8.6 All accessCh 05 SSvid Free planAndroidLinux Free to start8.6 All accessCh 06 yt-dlp app Free planLinuxMac Free to start8.5
Where it ranks on Specifiction
- Best Video Downloaders in 2026#106 of 137
Is YouTubeDL yours?
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Sources
- github.com/mixbits/Youtubedl· checked 11 Oct 2026