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.