Video Downloader by blackdown is a free, MIT-licensed, open-source downloader for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Its graphical interface detects supported platforms, supports download queues and batch files, and outputs MP4. Listed sources include YouTube, Vimeo, Kinescope, GetCourse, Skillshare, Patreon, Mux, and direct HLS streams. Detect Videos can open Chrome and inspect network requests for streams that may not appear in page source. Setup Profile lets users sign in through Chrome so downloads can use saved session cookies between sessions. The command-line interface supports batch files, browser-cookie selection, output and filename settings, format listings, and optional aria2c mode. Its fast option uses 32 concurrent fragments instead of 16. The Windows release is a standalone executable; its detection feature needs Playwright, which is not bundled. The macOS app bundle includes yt-dlp and ffmpeg, while other setups require separate installations. Queue downloads run one at a time.
Who it is for
This downloader suits users wanting an open-source desktop tool on Windows, macOS, or Linux with batch handling, browser scanning, and authenticated-site support. It also serves command-line users who need cookie, format, and output controls.
What is good
- Free and MIT-licensed
- Supports Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Batch files and download queue
- Browser network scanning
- Authenticated-site session cookies
What to know first
- Queue processes one download at a time
- Windows detection needs unbundled Playwright
- Other setups require yt-dlp and ffmpeg
- Output format listed as MP4
Verdict
Video Downloader by blackdown offers GUI and CLI workflows across three desktop platforms, with browser-assisted detection and saved sessions. Check the external dependency requirements and sequential queue behavior before using it.
Compared on video downloaders
- Supported sources
- YouTube, Vimeo, Kinescope, GetCourse, Skillshare, Patreon, Mux, direct HLS streams
- Output formats
- MP4
- Batch downloads
- Yes
- Device platforms
- Windows, macOS, Linux
