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yt-dlp Command-line Syntax

yt-dlp is a powerful command-line tool with a wide range of options. This guide covers the basic syntax and structure of yt-dlp commands.

Basic Syntax​

The general syntax for yt-dlp commands is:

yt-dlp [OPTIONS] URL [URL...]

Where:

  • [OPTIONS] are optional flags and parameters that modify the behavior of yt-dlp.
  • URL is the address of the video or playlist you want to download.
  • Multiple URLs can be specified to download multiple videos in a single command.

Simple Usage Examples​

Download a Single Video​

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

Download a Playlist​

yt-dlp https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrEnWoR732-BHrPp_Pm8_VleD68f9s14-

Download Audio Only​

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

Common Options​

  • -F, --list-formats: List all available formats of requested videos.
  • -f FORMAT, --format FORMAT: Video format code, see "FORMAT SELECTION" for more details.
  • -o TEMPLATE, --output TEMPLATE: Output filename template, see "OUTPUT TEMPLATE" for details.
  • -x, --extract-audio: Convert video files to audio-only files.
  • --audio-format FORMAT: Specify audio format (e.g., mp3, m4a, wav).
  • -v, --verbose: Print various debugging information.
  • --playlist-start NUMBER: Playlist video to start at (default is 1).
  • --playlist-end NUMBER: Playlist video to end at (default is last).

Option Types​

Boolean Options​

  • Enable with --option-name or -short-option.
  • Disable with --no-option-name.

Options with Arguments​

  • Specified as --option value or --option=value.
  • For short options: -o value or -ovalue.

Cumulative Options​

  • Can be specified multiple times to add more items.
  • Example: --postprocessor-args ffmpeg:-option1 --postprocessor-args ffmpeg:-option2.

Using Configuration Files​

You can use configuration files to store frequently used options:

  1. Create a configuration file (e.g., yt-dlp.conf).
  2. Add options to the file, one per line.
  3. Use the configuration file with:
yt-dlp --config-location /path/to/yt-dlp.conf URL

Quoting and Escaping​

  • Use quotes around URLs or options containing special characters.
  • On Unix-like systems, use single quotes to prevent shell expansion.
  • On Windows, use double quotes for paths with spaces.

Example:

yt-dlp "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=some&special=characters"

Getting Help​

  • For a full list of options:
yt-dlp --help
  • For information on a specific option:
yt-dlp -h --option-name

Remember, yt-dlp is highly customizable, and these examples cover only basic usage. Refer to the full documentation for advanced features and detailed explanations of each option.