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 Linux users can use the Snap Store, whose listing warns of an outdated channel and possible stability or security issues.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 is for
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 is good
- 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- Linux Snap channel may be outdated
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.
yt-dlg plans and pricing
All plansCompared on video downloaders
- Free plan
- Yes
- Supported sources
- many sites supported by the youtube-dl backend
- Device platforms
- Windows, GNU/Linux, macOS
