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Installing Plugins for yt-dlp

This guide will walk you through the process of installing plugins to extend yt-dlp's functionality.

Understanding yt-dlp Plugins​

Plugins are additional pieces of code that add new features or support for websites to yt-dlp without modifying the core software.

Types of Plugins​

  • Extractor Plugins: Add support for new websites.
  • PostProcessor Plugins: Add new post-download processing capabilities.

Finding Plugins​

  • Check the yt-dlp wiki for a list of known plugins.
  • Search GitHub for repositories with the yt-dlp-plugins topic.
  • Look for recommendations in yt-dlp community forums.

Installation Methods​

If the plugin is available as a Python package:

pip install yt-dlp-plugin-name

Replace yt-dlp-plugin-name with the actual name of the plugin package.

2. Manual Installation​

For plugins not packaged for pip:

  1. Download the plugin file (usually a .py file).
  2. Place it in one of these directories:
    • yt_dlp_plugins/extractor/ for extractor plugins
    • yt_dlp_plugins/postprocessor/ for post-processor plugins

These directories should be located in one of the following:

  • Your yt-dlp configuration directory (e.g., ~/.config/yt-dlp/)
  • The same directory as the yt-dlp executable
  • A directory in your Python path

Step-by-Step Installation Guide​

For pip Installation​

  1. Open a terminal or command prompt.
  2. Ensure yt-dlp is installed and up to date:
pip install -U yt-dlp
  1. Install the plugin:
pip install yt-dlp-plugin-name
  1. Verify the installation:
yt-dlp --version

Look for the plugin name in the output.

For Manual Installation​

  1. Download the plugin file from the source (e.g., GitHub repository).
  2. Identify the correct plugin directory:
yt-dlp --config-location

This will show you the configuration directory.

  1. Create the plugin directory if it doesn't exist:
mkdir -p ~/.config/yt-dlp/yt_dlp_plugins/extractor

(Replace extractor with postprocessor for post-processor plugins)

  1. Move the downloaded plugin file to this directory:
mv downloaded_plugin.py ~/.config/yt-dlp/yt_dlp_plugins/extractor/
  1. Verify the installation:
yt-dlp --verbose

Look for lines indicating the plugin was loaded.

Verifying Plugin Installation​

Run yt-dlp with the --verbose flag:

yt-dlp --verbose

Look for lines in the output that mention loading plugins.

Troubleshooting​

If the plugin doesn't appear to be working:

  • Ensure you're using the latest version of yt-dlp.
  • Check that the plugin is compatible with your yt-dlp version.
  • Verify the plugin file is in the correct directory.
  • Look for error messages in the verbose output.
  • Consult the plugin's documentation or issues tracker.

Using Installed Plugins​

  • Extractor plugins are automatically used when you try to download from a supported site.
  • PostProcessor plugins often require explicit activation:
yt-dlp --use-postprocessor PluginName URL

Updating Plugins​

For pip-installed plugins​

pip install -U yt-dlp-plugin-name

For manually installed plugins​

Replace the old file with the new version.

Removing Plugins​

For pip-installed plugins​

pip uninstall yt-dlp-plugin-name

For manually installed plugins​

Delete the plugin file from the plugin directory.

Security Considerations​

  • Only install plugins from trusted sources.
  • Be aware that plugins have the same system access as yt-dlp itself.
  • Review the plugin code if you have security concerns.

Managing Multiple Plugins​

  • Keep track of installed plugins and their sources.
  • Regularly check for updates to ensure compatibility and security.
  • Be mindful of potential conflicts between plugins.

By following this guide, you should be able to successfully install and manage plugins for yt-dlp, enhancing its functionality to meet your specific needs. Remember to always use plugins responsibly and in compliance with the terms of service of the websites you're interacting with.