yt-dlp
yt-dlp: Maximum control for users comfortable with command-line downloading and automation. Ranked #1 of 135 in Video Downloaders by our editors (9.4/10); pricing: Free plan; best for power users needing maximum downloader control.
At a glance
- Editor score9.4 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forPower users needing maximum downloader control
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Extracts audio and video from thousands of supported sites
- Supports playlists, subtitles, batch files, and metadata
- Offers extensive format selection and configurable post-processing
Where it doesn't
- Command-line design requires comfort with terminals or scripts
- Maximum quality depends on formats available from each source site
- Not designed as a hosted web service
Our verdict on yt-dlp
yt-dlp is an open-source command-line application for downloading audio and video from thousands of websites. It is intended for users who are comfortable with terminals, scripts, or command-line automation and want detailed control over downloads. Official binaries are available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, with installation also available from source or through Python package tooling. Supported sources include YouTube, Bilibili, Dailymotion, Facebook, Vimeo, TikTok, Twitch, and many other extractors.
Control over media selection is the product's central strength. yt-dlp can select and filter available video and audio formats, download playlists, channels, series, and collections, and process multiple URLs from a batch file. It also supports subtitles, including automatic subtitles when available, and can embed them in downloaded media. Output options span formats including MP4, MKV, WebM, MP3, FLAC, AAC, M4A, OGG, Opus, WAV, and others. Post-processing can merge, remux, or convert media according to configured preferences.
For larger or repeatable workflows, yt-dlp adds SponsorBlock actions, metadata and thumbnail writing, descriptions, information files, and support for multiple download protocols. The free, open-source model suits users who value breadth and scripting over a graphical interface. It is a strong choice for batch downloads, archival workflows, subtitle handling, and precise format control. Users seeking a hosted web service or a simpler point-and-click downloader should choose an alternative, while those who want maximum configuration across Windows, macOS, and Linux will find its command-line approach more appropriate.
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yt-dlp pricing
yt-dlp fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Maximum video quality | Not verified |
| Supported sources | YouTube, Bilibili, Dailymotion, Facebook, Vimeo, TikTok, Twitch, and many other extractors |
| Output formats | avi, flv, mkv, mov, mp4, webm, aac, aiff, alac, flac, m4a, mka, mp3, ogg, opus, vorbis, wav |
| Playlist downloads | Yes |
| Subtitle downloads | Yes |
| Batch downloads | Yes |
| Device platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to yt-dlp
- 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
- Freemake Video DownloaderA broad-coverage desktop downloader with 4K support, conversion, and batch playlists.8.8
yt-dlp vs the competition
- yt-dlp vs EaseUS Video Downloader
- yt-dlp vs 4K Video Downloader+
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- yt-dlp vs MediaHuman YouTube Downloader
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Also Ranked In
yt-dlp is ranked in 2 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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