MeTube vs yt-dlp app
MeTube
github.com
yt-dlp app
yt-dlp.appSide by side
| Figure | MeTube | yt-dlp app |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Video Downloaders | 9.1 (#4) | 8.7 (#15) |
| Batch downloads | Yes | Yes |
| Device platforms | web,Android,iOS,Chrome extension | Windows,macOS,Linux |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Integrations | The project documents browser extensions, bookmarklets, iOS and Android apps, and Raycast for sending links to MeTube. | The app is built on yt-dlp and uses FFmpeg for media processing; its architecture page also credits aria2 as a foundation. |
| Maximum video quality | 4k | 8k |
| Playlist downloads | Yes | Yes |
| Purpose | MeTube is a self-hosted web UI for yt-dlp that downloads videos from YouTube and hundreds of other sites to your server. | yt-dlp app provides a desktop graphical interface for yt-dlp video downloads, so users can paste a URL and download without using terminal commands. |
| Subtitle downloads | Yes | Yes |
| Support | The README directs users to the troubleshooting FAQ and GitHub Discussions for questions, and Issues for MeTube bugs. | The maker offers support by email and GitHub Issues and says formal inquiries are answered within 48 business hours. |
| Supported sources | YouTube; dozens of other sites supported through yt-dlp | YouTube,TikTok,Instagram,Facebook,Twitter/X,Twitch,Bilibili,Vimeo,Reddit,SoundCloud,and 1,500+ more |
Plans
In their own words
MeTube
MeTube is a free, self-hosted web interface for yt-dlp that downloads media from YouTube and hundreds of other sites to a user's server. It handles video, audio, subtitles, and thumbnails from individual videos, playlists, or entire channels, with video quality up to 4K. Each download can use a selected quality, format, and folder; server-wide yt-dlp options and presets are also available. Channel and playlist subscriptions can queue new uploads. Output options include MP4, M4A, MP3, Opus, WAV, FLAC, SRT, TXT, VTT, TTML, SBV, SCC, DFXP, and JPG. Docker and Docker Compose quick starts are provided, with images for amd64 and arm64. Integrations include browser extensions, bookmarklets, an iOS Shortcut, Android share-menu apps, and a Raycast extension. MeTube has no authentication by design and is intended for a trusted network or placement behind an authenticating reverse proxy. Private and internal addresses are blocked by default. The default concurrency setting allows three downloads at once; others wait. The project is AGPL-3.0, and its scope ends after a download is written, leaving tagging and library organization to other tools.
yt-dlp app
yt-dlp app is a desktop interface for yt-dlp that lets users download media by pasting a URL instead of entering terminal commands. It runs on Windows, macOS and Linux and supports more than 1,510 sites, including YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Twitch, Vimeo and Reddit. Downloads can reach 4K HDR or 8K when available. Users can preview playlists and channels, select items for bulk downloads, and download subtitles or batches. The app allows up to five concurrent downloads, with three as the default; the maker notes that aggressive simultaneous downloads can trigger temporary IP rate limits. Cookie import from several browsers can provide access to private, age-restricted or members-only content. HTTP and HTTPS proxies are configurable, and FFmpeg can merge streams or add subtitles, thumbnails, metadata and chapters. The maker says settings and history stay local, with no telemetry, cloud sync or account requirement. The app is free, but its download page says the official public release is launching soon while signed binaries are finalized.