youtube-downloader

Download YouTube videos with configurable quality and format via yt-dlp.

Updated Feb 5, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/syl2042/codex_skills --skill youtube-downloader-syl2042
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: youtube-downloader
Source: https://github.com/syl2042/codex_skills/tree/main/video-downloader
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/syl2042/codex_skills --skill youtube-downloader-syl2042

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill requires yt-dlp, and includes scripts (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

Download YouTube videos with customizable quality and format options, eliminating manual saving and re-encoding hassles.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Quality control: choose best, 1080p, 720p, 480p, or 360p.
  • Format flexibility: output as mp4, webm, or mkv; supports audio-only extractions.
  • Automation & safety: automatically installs yt-dlp if missing and skips playlists by default.

Quick Start

Run the downloader script with a YouTube URL to download the video in your chosen quality and format.

Frequently Asked Questions about youtube-downloader

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I download a YouTube video in a specific quality like 720p or 1080p?▼

To download a YouTube video in a specific quality, you can configure the output to 1080p, 720p, 480p, or 360p. The automation script handles format selection automatically to match your chosen resolution.

Can I extract audio only from a YouTube video?▼

Yes, you can extract audio only from a YouTube video by selecting the audio-only extraction option. This allows you to save just the audio track in your preferred format alongside standard video outputs.

What video formats can I save downloaded YouTube videos as?▼

You can save downloaded YouTube videos as mp4, webm, or mkv files. This format flexibility eliminates manual re-encoding hassles by letting you choose the output container during the download process.

Do I need to install yt-dlp manually before downloading YouTube videos?▼

No, you do not need to install yt-dlp manually. The downloader enforces automated yt-dlp installation, meaning it will automatically set up the dependency if it is missing from your environment.

Will downloading a YouTube video accidentally download the entire playlist?▼

No, downloading a YouTube video will not accidentally download the entire playlist. The tool skips playlists by default as a safety measure, ensuring only the single video URL you provided is processed.

What is the best way to automate saving YouTube videos for offline access?▼

The best way to automate saving YouTube videos for offline access is using a configurable downloader script. It allows you to specify quality, format, and output paths while automatically handling dependencies like yt-dlp.