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.