video-dl
video-dl: A flexible open-source downloader for yt-dlp-compatible sites and media workflows. Ranked #44 of 135 in Video Downloaders by our editors (4.3/10); pricing: Open source; best for cross-platform users wanting yt-dlp controls.
At a glance
- Editor score4.3 / 10
- PricingOpen source
- Best forCross-platform users wanting yt-dlp controls
- Paid fromFree
- Facts checked22 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Supports playlists, queues, subtitles, clipping, cookies, and proxies
- Works with yt-dlp, FFmpeg, aria2c, and SponsorBlock
- Offers Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android releases
Where it doesn't
- Source coverage depends on websites supported by yt-dlp
- Advanced workflows may require FFmpeg, aria2c, or QuickJS
- It focuses on downloading rather than broader media management
Our verdict on video-dl
video-dl is an open-source graphical interface for yt-dlp, designed for people who want more control than a basic URL downloader provides. Users can paste links, choose media quality, save audio-only files with a selectable codec, process playlists, select individual playlist items, and download from websites supported by yt-dlp. Releases are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android, making it a fit for users who move between desktop and mobile platforms.
Its strongest differentiator is the range of controls around a download. video-dl can fall back to the closest lower quality, clip a chosen time range, use browser cookies for logged-in sources, retrieve subtitles, apply a proxy, and queue multiple links. The project also connects with FFmpeg for remuxing and hardware encoding, aria2c for download handling, and SponsorBlock. Together, these integrations make it suitable for batch-oriented or more selective workflows, including playlist downloads, audio extraction, subtitle retrieval, and targeted clips.
The main trade-off is that video-dl remains closely tied to the yt-dlp ecosystem: source availability depends on what yt-dlp supports, and some processing or download functions use additional components depending on the platform. It is a good choice for users comfortable with configurable download workflows and open-source software. Those seeking a narrowly simplified downloader, or a broader media library and management system, should look for a product built around those priorities instead.
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video-dl pricing
video-dl fact sheet
| Free plan | Not verified |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Maximum video quality | Not verified |
| Supported sources | Websites supported by yt-dlp |
| Output formats | Not verified |
| Playlist downloads | Yes |
| Subtitle downloads | Yes |
| Batch downloads | Yes |
| Device platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 4 integrations: yt-dlp, FFmpeg, aria2c, SponsorBlock |
| Pricing | Open source |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 22 Sep 2026 |
video-dl integrations
video-dl lists 4 integrations on its own site.
- yt-dlp
- FFmpeg
- aria2c
- SponsorBlock
Alternatives to video-dl
- yt-dlpMaximum control for users comfortable with command-line downloading and automation.9.4
- EaseUS Video DownloaderA broad Windows and macOS downloader with playlists, livestreams, subtitles, and 8K support.9.2
- 4K Video Downloader+A broad desktop downloader with a free starter plan and a $60 Pro option.9.0
See all video-dl alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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