yt-dlp is an open-source command line program written in Python. It allows users to download videos, audio streams, playlists, subtitles, thumbnails, and metadata from supported platforms.
Because it is actively maintained, yt-dlp often supports websites that older tools struggle with. It also includes improvements in format selection, authentication handling, and performance compared to older downloaders.
Download yt-dlp 2026.06.09 - Software Mirrors |
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Download yt-dlp 2026.06.09 for Windows 64bit Download yt-dlp 2026.06.09 for Windows 32bit Download yt-dlp 2026.06.09 for macOS (10.15+) Download yt-dlp 2026.06.09 for Linux (binary) yt-dlp 2026.06.09 Release Notes:     
v2.3.0; supported Node versions are v22 and up; Bun support has been deprecated and limited to versions 1.2.11 through 1.3.14.
%()s) with the --exec option is an all-too-common pitfall. To remedy this, --exec now only allows safe conversions in its command templates.
-- -- - Most users can simply replace %(...)s with %(...)q in their --exec argument(s). Numeric conversions are unaffected by this change. Using unsafe conversions with --exec poses a significant security risk. Read more
-- - [CVE-2026-50019] File Downloader cookie leak with curl
-- -- - Impact is limited to users of --downloader curl; cookies are now properly passed to curl so that it respects their scope
-- - [CVE-2026-50023] Dangerous file type creation via insufficient filename sanitization
-- -- - Writing files with the extensions .desktop, .url, or .webloc is now only allowed in the context of --write-link functionality
-- - [CVE-2026-50574] Arbitrary code execution via manifest downloads with aria2c
-- -- - Impact is limited to users of --downloader aria2c
-- -- - Support for downloading HLS and DASH formats with aria2c has been removed. Users affected by this change should migrate to use -N for concurrent fragment downloads via the native downloader
<details><summary><h3>Changelog</h3></summary>
Core changes
random_user_agent
-- -- - Bump version range 137-143 => 142-148 (#16588) by dlp-bot
-- -- - Bump version range 142-148 => 143-149 (#16906) by dlp-bot
Extractor changes
--extractor-retries for original formats (#16690) by HarmfulBreeze
rechat subtitles (#16660) by kasper93
-- - clips: Fix extractor (#16466) by Ventriduct
bun<1.2.11 and bun>1.3.14 (#16786) by bashonly
-- - Drop support for deno<2.3.0 (#16788) by bashonly
-- - Drop support for node<22 (#16787) by bashonly
-- - Fix PO token sanitization for Python 3.15 (#16884) by Grub4K
-- - Fix PO token sanitization for Python>=3.14.4 (#16453) by syphyr
-- - Fix outdated quickjs-ng warning (#16437) by bashonly
Downloader changes
aria2c: Remove support for m3u8/dash protocols by bashonly
-- - curl: Fix cookie leak on redirect by Grub4K
Postprocessor changes
Networking changes
reason to response (#16818) by antorlovsky
-- -- - Fix supported impersonate targets (#16440) by bashonly
-- -- - Support curl_cffi 0.15.x (#16429) by bashonly
Misc. changes
ejs updates for requirements files (#16374) by bashonly, Grub4K
-- - update_requirements: Add reporting functionality (#16454) by bashonly, Grub4K
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Key Features
Wide Platform Support
yt-dlp supports hundreds of video hosting platforms. It can download from major streaming sites as well as smaller media platforms.
Support is continuously updated by the open-source community.
Advanced Format Selection
Users can choose specific video and audio formats, resolutions, codecs, and bitrates. For example, you can:
Download best available quality
Extract audio only
Merge separate audio and video streams
Limit file size or resolution
The format selector syntax is powerful and highly customizable.
Playlist and Batch Downloads
yt-dlp can download entire playlists or channels with a single command. It supports automatic numbering, custom file naming templates, and metadata embedding.
This is useful for archiving educational content or media collections.
Subtitle and Metadata Support
The tool can download subtitles, auto-generated captions, thumbnails, and metadata. It can embed metadata directly into media files when using compatible formats.
Post Processing Integration
yt-dlp works seamlessly with FFmpeg for tasks like:
Converting formats
Extracting audio
Merging streams
Embedding thumbnails
This makes it suitable for advanced media workflows.
Authentication and Cookies
The tool supports cookie importing and authentication methods, allowing downloads from private or restricted content where permitted.
Performance and Usability
yt-dlp runs in the terminal and is available on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Performance is excellent, with fast download speeds depending on your network connection.
However, beginners may find the command line interface intimidating. There is no official graphical interface, although third-party GUIs exist.
For users comfortable with terminal commands, yt-dlp is extremely efficient and flexible.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Extremely powerful and flexible
Frequent updates
Wide website support
Advanced format control
Open source and free
Strong metadata and subtitle handling
Cons
Command line only
Learning curve for advanced options
Requires FFmpeg for full functionality
Who Should Use yt-dlp
yt-dlp is ideal for:
Developers
Power users
Archivists
Content managers
Linux users
Anyone comfortable with command line tools
If you want full control over video downloading and format selection, yt-dlp is one of the best options available.
Final Verdict
yt-dlp is a highly capable and actively maintained video downloading tool that excels in flexibility, performance, and site compatibility. While it is not beginner friendly, its power and reliability make it a top choice for advanced users.
yt-dlp is a powerful open-source command line tool used to download videos and audio from a wide range of websites. It is a community-driven fork of youtube-dl and is known for its frequent updates, extended site support, and advanced downloading options.
Read also: ytdlp-interface for Desktop GUI application.

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