YouTubeDL is a free desktop application for downloading standard public YouTube videos and playlists on Linux, macOS, and Windows. It saves video as MP4 and audio as MP3 or AAC, with video choices from RAW through 1080p, 720p, 480p, and 360p. Audio options range from 128 to 320 kbps. Playlist and batch downloads are supported, with one to six configurable parallel workers. Each item shows progress, and queue controls include a scrolling log, deletion, clearing, and duplicate protection. Download history uses SQLite; previously downloaded items are skipped only while their output files still exist. Browser cookies and Netscape cookies.txt files can support sign-in-required videos. Listed requirements include Python 3.10 or later and Node.js 20.19 or later. The stack uses yt-dlp, FFmpeg, Deno, Node.js, and a local PO Token provider. DRM media cannot be downloaded; age-restricted or SABR-only videos may fail, and heavy use can trigger rate limits or bot detection.
Who it is for
YouTubeDL suits desktop users who download public YouTube videos or playlists in common video and audio formats. It is useful for batch queues and configurable parallel downloads.
What is good
- Free on Linux, macOS, and Windows
- Downloads playlists and batches
- Supports MP4, MP3, and AAC
- Offers one to six parallel workers
- Provides progress and duplicate protection
What to know first
- Only YouTube is listed as a source
- DRM-protected media cannot download
- Age-restricted videos may fail
- Heavy use may trigger rate limits
Verdict
YouTubeDL focuses on queued YouTube downloads with selectable quality and formats across three desktop systems. Its content restrictions, requirements, and possible rate limits matter for larger or restricted downloads.
Compared on video downloaders
- Free plan
- Yes
- Maximum video quality
- 1080p
- Supported sources
- YouTube
- Output formats
- MP4, MP3, AAC
- Playlist downloads
- Yes
- Batch downloads
- Yes
- Device platforms
- Windows, macOS, Linux
