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yt-dlp

Agent-readyGit & GitHubProductivity

Video downloads, audio extraction, and archiving from the terminal.

Video downloads, audio extraction, and archiving from the terminal. Built by yt-dlp.

Task fit

video downloads, audio extraction, and archiving from the terminal.

Lane

Review PRs, triage issues, inspect workflows, and keep repo work agent-safe.

Operator brief

Use yt-dlp for video downloads, audio extraction, and archiving from the terminal.

Run `yt-dlp https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ` and see what comes back.

Repository family

yt-dlp

First trust check

yt-dlp responds locally and is ready for the first real command.

Safe first loop

Install, verify, then run one real command.

GitHub review loop

Install command

$ brew install yt-dlp

Operator pack

Copy or export the working notes for this CLI before handing it to an agent.

Verify

$ yt-dlp --version

yt-dlp responds locally and is ready for the first real command.

First real command

$ yt-dlp https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ

First steps

  1. 01Install yt-dlp.
  2. 02Run `yt-dlp --version` first.
  3. 03Start with `yt-dlp https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ`.
  4. 04Install the CLI and make sure it is on your PATH.

When to use / hold off when

Best for

video downloads, audio extraction, and archiving from the terminal.

Use this when

You need productivity workflows in both local dev and CI.

Hold off when

You don't work with productivity workflows.

Trust and constraints

trusted95/100
Install readyTrusted
JSON outputNo
Non-interactiveYes
CI-friendlyYes

Why operators pick it

  • yt-dlp fits git & github well, especially for video downloads, audio extraction, and archiving from the terminal.
  • 79,011 homebrew installs (30d).
  • Easy to automate.

Constraints

  • Needs network access.
  • Output is mostly plain text.

Repository context

Other CLIs in this family

This is the only CLI surfaced from this family right now.

Facts and links

Install withbrew
Homebrew installs (30d)79K
GitHub stars153.2K
LicenseUnlicense
UpdatedMar 21, 2026