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setup-youtube-auth

Configure YouTube cookies for yt-dlp downloads in Netscape format.

25|5|Updated Dec 24, 2025
Search Tags:#automation#authentication#troubleshooting#youtube#yt-dlp#setup#cookies
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/buda-ai/bunny-agent --skill setup-youtube-auth
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: setup-youtube-auth
Source: https://github.com/buda-ai/bunny-agent/tree/main/templates/shortsdrone-agent/.claude/skills/setup-youtube-auth
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/buda-ai/bunny-agent --skill setup-youtube-auth

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Configure YouTube authentication by setting up cookies for yt-dlp to enable downloads that may be blocked by bot-detection, ensuring smoother video retrieval.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Check Current Status: Verify if cookies are configured in ./config/cookies.txt and if YOUTUBE_COOKIES_FILE is set
  • Guide Setup: Walk through exporting cookies in Netscape format and placing them at ./config/cookies.txt
  • Validate & Troubleshoot: Test cookies against a sample video and provide troubleshooting steps

Quick Start

Run the setup-youtube-auth workflow to configure cookies for yt-dlp and enable YouTube downloads.

Frequently Asked Questions about setup-youtube-auth

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I set up YouTube cookies for yt-dlp to bypass bot detection?▼

Set up YouTube cookies for yt-dlp by exporting your browser cookies in Netscape format, placing them at ./config/cookies.txt, and setting the YOUTUBE_COOKIES_FILE environment variable to supply the path. This bypasses bot-detection blocks on video downloads.

Why does yt-dlp fail to download YouTube videos in my CI pipeline?▼

yt-dlp fails to download YouTube videos in CI pipelines when bot-detection blocks requests. Configure YouTube authentication by setting a valid Netscape cookies.txt file and pointing YOUTUBE_COOKIES_FILE to it to refresh and verify access.

What format do YouTube cookies need to be in for yt-dlp?▼

YouTube cookies need to be in Netscape cookies.txt format for yt-dlp. Export cookies from your browser, place the file at ./config/cookies.txt, and set the YOUTUBE_COOKIES_FILE environment variable to apply authentication.

Can I verify if my YouTube cookies are configured correctly for yt-dlp?▼

Verify YouTube cookies by checking if ./config/cookies.txt exists and YOUTUBE_COOKIES_FILE is set. Test cookies against a sample video and follow provided troubleshooting steps to ensure reliable yt-dlp downloads.

Do I need a specific directory structure for YouTube cookies setup?▼

You need a config directory at ./config to store your cookies.txt file for YouTube authentication setup. Place the Netscape format cookies file there and set the YOUTUBE_COOKIES_FILE environment variable to enable yt-dlp downloads.

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