Freedom251 › Video Downloaders
yt-dlg
What yt-dlg is
yt-dlg is a free desktop application for downloading video and audio from sites supported by its downloader backend. It provides a cross-platform wxPython interface for Windows, GNU/Linux, and macOS. yt-dlp is the default command-line backend, while youtube-dl can be selected in settings, so available sites and formats depend on the chosen backend extractors. Leaving the output format unchanged selects the highest-quality option. The Extra settings tab accepts downloader command-line options that are not exposed in the interface. Audio conversion and subtitle embedding may re-encode files, using additional processing time and CPU resources. Requirements include Python 3, wxPython 4 Phoenix, and PyPubSub; FFmpeg is optional for video post-processing. Downloads include Windows and GNU/Linux packages, source archives, and a PyPI package. Windows installation is also available through the Microsoft Store. Linux users can use the Snap Store, whose listing warns of an outdated channel and possible stability or security issues.
Who it suits
It suits people who want a graphical downloader for supported video and audio sites on Windows, GNU/Linux, or macOS. It also suits users who need extra downloader options beyond the interface.
What it does well
- Free desktop application
- Runs on Windows, GNU/Linux, and macOS
- Highest-quality output is selected by default
- Extra settings accept command-line options
- Supports audio and subtitle workflows
What to know first
- Cannot expose every youtube-dl format
- Conversion can re-encode files
- Not a dedicated subtitle downloader
- Linux Snap channel may be outdated
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| yt-dlg | Free desktop app; download videos and audio from supported sites | Free |
As github.com lists them, read 12 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
yt-dlg combines a graphical interface with configurable downloader backends and broad desktop platform support. Users should check backend coverage and account for re-encoding time or the Linux Snap warning.
Facts from yt-dlg's own pages
- Backend
- The project README says yt-dlp is the default command-line backend and that users can select youtube-dl in settings. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Dependencies
- The project lists Python 3, wxPython 4 Phoenix, and PyPubSub as requirements, with FFmpeg optional for post-processing video files. · yt-dlg.github.io, 12 Oct 2026
- Device platforms
- Windows,GNU/Linux,macOS · github.com, 20 Sept 2026
- Download quality
- Leaving the output format at its default selects the highest-quality option. · yt-dlg.github.io, 12 Oct 2026
- Downloads
- The project page lists Windows and GNU/Linux downloads, source archives, and a PyPI package. · yt-dlg.github.io, 12 Oct 2026
- Extra options
- Users can add downloader command-line options that are not available in the interface through the Extra settings tab. · yt-dlg.github.io, 12 Oct 2026
- Format conversion
- Converting to audio or embedding subtitles can cause files to be re-encoded, which takes time and CPU resources. · yt-dlg.github.io, 12 Oct 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · github.com, 20 Sept 2026
- Linux distribution
- The project page links to the Snap Store, and the Snap listing warns its channel has not been updated in a while and may have stability or security issues. · snapcraft.io, 12 Oct 2026
- Notable limits
- The FAQ says yt-dlg cannot expose every format reported by youtube-dl, though users can pass a custom format through extra commands. · yt-dlg.github.io, 12 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The privacy policy says the app currently does not ask for personal information, while noting that third-party services may collect identifying information. · yt-dlg.github.io, 12 Oct 2026
- Release schedule
- The FAQ says yt-dlg has no release schedule and a release will come when it is ready. · yt-dlg.github.io, 12 Oct 2026
- Subtitle use
- The FAQ says yt-dlg is not a dedicated subtitle downloader and describes options for downloading subtitles alongside or without video. · yt-dlg.github.io, 12 Oct 2026
- Support and contributions
- The project directs users to its issue tracker for bug reports and invites pull requests for language support. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Supported sites
- Supported sites depend on the extractors provided by the downloader backend; the FAQ directs requests for new site support to youtube-dl’s issue tracker. · yt-dlg.github.io, 12 Oct 2026
- Supported sources
- many sites supported by the youtube-dl backend · github.com, 20 Sept 2026
- What it does
- yt-dlg is a cross-platform wxPython GUI for downloading video and audio from sites supported by its downloader backend. · yt-dlg.github.io, 12 Oct 2026
- Windows distribution
- The README says the app is available free from the Microsoft Store and mentions background automatic updates there. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Where yt-dlg stands on Freedom251
- Video Downloaders#80 of 135