yt-dlp

Download audio and video from YouTube and 1000+ supported platforms.

5|Updated Aug 8, 2016
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/gbencke/dotfiles --skill yt-dlp-gbencke
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: yt-dlp
Source: https://github.com/gbencke/dotfiles/tree/main/pi/skills/yt-dlp
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/gbencke/dotfiles --skill yt-dlp-gbencke

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

It solves the problem of reliably downloading and converting YouTube and other video-hosting content without manual, error-prone steps.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Robust multi-platform downloading: Pulls video or audio from YouTube, Vimeo, and 1000+ supported sites.
  • Audio extraction and conversion: Supports extracting audio-only and converting to formats like MP3 via standard yt-dlp flags.
  • Playlist/channel support and repeat-safe downloads: Handles playlists/channels and can use a download archive to skip previously downloaded items.
  • Metadata and thumbnails: Can embed metadata and thumbnails into the resulting media.
  • Agent-friendly reliability: Provides consistent behavior via a wrapper and clear exit codes for success and error classes.

Quick Start

Run yt-dlp -x --audio-format mp3 "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=example" to download and extract the audio as an MP3.

Frequently Asked Questions about yt-dlp

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I download audio from a YouTube video and convert it to MP3?▼

To download audio from a YouTube video and convert it to MP3, you can use yt-dlp with the audio extraction flags. Running the command with -x --audio-format mp3 and the video URL extracts the audio and converts it directly into an MP3 file.

Can I download complete YouTube playlists without repeating previous downloads?▼

Yes, you can download complete YouTube playlists safely. The wrapper supports playlist and channel downloading, and can use a download archive to skip previously downloaded items, ensuring repeat-safe automation without duplicating files.

Does video downloading work for platforms other than YouTube?▼

Yes, video downloading works for platforms other than YouTube. The tool supports pulling video and audio from YouTube, Vimeo, and over 1000 other supported sites, providing robust multi-platform downloading capabilities.

How do I embed metadata and thumbnails when extracting video audio?▼

You can embed metadata and thumbnails when extracting video audio by passing the standard yt-dlp flags. The wrapper preserves standard behavior, allowing you to embed this information directly into the resulting media files during the download process.

Do I need to install yt-dlp separately to use this wrapper?▼

Yes, you need to install yt-dlp separately. The wrapper requires a working yt-dlp binary accessible from your system's PATH, executing it directly with user-provided arguments while preserving standard behavior and exit codes.

Why use a wrapper for video downloading in automated workflows?▼

Using a wrapper for video downloading in automated workflows provides agent-friendly reliability. It ensures consistent output for audio extraction and conversion, and provides clear exit codes for success and error classes, which is critical for automation.