yt-dlp
A feature-rich command-line audio/video downloader
Decision gist · record as of 2026-08-14
Yes. yt-dlp is actively maintained, has no install friction, carries a permissive license, and is widely used (top 5000 PyPI packages). It solves a clear problem with broad site support and low barrier to entry. Install it if you need to download video or audio from the web.AI-flagged interpretation of the facts on this page — verify before relying
Before you install
- Requires Python 3.10 or later.
- Some video sites may require additional system tools for post-processing.
- Low install friction with no runtime dependencies.
License · maintenance · safety
Unlicense (permissive) — Licensed under Unlicense (permissive public domain equivalent). Standalone executables bundle GPLv3+ code, so the combined work carries GPLv3+ licensing; the Python package itself remains permissive.
last release 2026-07-04 (41 days) · last repo commit 2026-08-04 · 184,467 stars
0 known vulnerabilities (OSV.dev, 2026-08-14) · 20,041,303 downloads/mo, #1,046 on PyPI
Alternatives
Verify before relying
pip install yt-dlp
yt-dlp 'https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=example'- Whether all thousands of supported sites remain functional or if some require authentication/workarounds
- Performance characteristics for large batch downloads or high-resolution formats
- Compatibility with specific video hosting platforms beyond YouTube
What it is and what it does
yt-dlp is a command-line tool that downloads video and audio content from a wide range of websites. It's a maintained fork of youtube-dl with active development and additional features. The tool runs as a standalone executable or Python package and requires no runtime dependencies, making it straightforward to install and use.
You use it by passing a URL on the command line, optionally specifying output format, quality, subtitles, and post-processing steps. It supports configuration files, batch operations, metadata modification, and integration with external tools like SponsorBlock for automatic segment removal. The project is actively maintained, supports current Python versions (3.10 through 3.14), and runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Use it for
- Download videos from YouTube or other platforms for offline viewing with custom quality and format selection
- Batch-download entire playlists or channels with filename templates and metadata preservation
- Extract audio from videos and convert to other formats using post-processing
- Automatically remove sponsorship segments using SponsorBlock integration
- Archive video content with subtitle downloads and metadata modification
Worth the install?
AI-flagged interpretation of the facts on this page. Verify before relying on it.
Yes.
yt-dlp is actively maintained, has no install friction, carries a permissive license, and is widely used (top 5000 PyPI packages). It solves a clear problem with broad site support and low barrier to entry. Install it if you need to download video or audio from the web.
Install
yt-dlp on PyPI
Before you install
Low install friction with no runtime dependencies. Active maintenance with recent releases; repository shows strong community engagement (184467 stars) and current development activity.
Requires Python 3.10 or later. Some video sites may require additional system tools for post-processing.
License in practice
Licensed under Unlicense (permissive public domain equivalent). Standalone executables bundle GPLv3+ code, so the combined work carries GPLv3+ licensing; the Python package itself remains permissive.
Quickstart
pip install yt-dlp
yt-dlp 'https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=example'Verify before relying
- Whether all thousands of supported sites remain functional or if some require authentication/workarounds
- Performance characteristics for large batch downloads or high-resolution formats
- Compatibility with specific video hosting platforms beyond YouTube
Package facts
| License | Unlicense permissive |
| Python support | Supports the current Python release >=3.10 |
| Install friction | Low. Pure-Python wheel |
| Runtime dependencies | None |
| Maintenance | Actively maintained 41 days since the last release |
| Last repo commit | |
| First released | |
| Downloads | 20,041,303 / month, #1,046 on PyPI 30-day window, as of 2026-08-14 |
| Known vulnerabilities | None known OSV.dev, checked 2026-08-14 |
| Classifiers | Development Status :: 5 - Production/StableEnvironment :: ConsoleOperating System :: OS IndependentProgramming Language :: PythonProgramming Language :: Python :: 3 :: OnlyProgramming Language :: Python :: 3.10Programming Language :: Python :: 3.11Programming Language :: Python :: 3.12Programming Language :: Python :: 3.13Programming Language :: Python :: 3.14Programming Language :: Python :: ImplementationProgramming Language :: Python :: Implementation :: CPythonProgramming Language :: Python :: Implementation :: PyPyTopic :: Multimedia :: Video |
Evidence: yt_dlp-2026.7.4-py3-none-any.whl
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See also bgutil-ytdlp-pot-provider · youtube_dl · yt-dlp-ejs · gallery-dl · spotdl · types-yt-dlp · pytubefix · DrissionGet · subliminal