yt-dlp is an open-source tool that allows users to download videos from video-sharing platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Ins, and TikTok. Most downloading software enable users to download videos from streaming services through using yt-dlp.
You may wonder whether and how to download this brilliant tool and how to save movies and shows from streaming platforms with this tool. This article is here to answer your questions and offers a review of yt-dlp. If you're also interested in other streaming services, read how to use yt-dlp to download U-NEXT videos and save Prime Video content with yt-dlp.
What is YT-DLP?
As mentioned above, yt-dlp is an open-source and free video downloader developed on the basis of YouTube-DL. With this tool, users can download videos from more than 1800 streaming platforms.
yt-dlp is a built on Python and is compatible with major websites. It allows users to download many videos in a channel at once and enables users to suspend and resume the downloading process. You can directly find all the details about this tool on GitHub: github.com/yt-dlp/yt-dlp
How to Install YT-DLP?
This section provides instructions on how to install yt-dlp on your computer. This guidance is detailed enough, even for users who try out this kind of tool for the first time.
Preparation
To begin with, please ensure that Python is installed on your system. If it's not, download it from the official Python website before proceeding with the yt-dlp installation.
Detailed Steps to Use YT-DLP
Now, after installing Python on your computer, let's follow these steps to install and launch yt-dlp:
Step1
Download yt-dlp on your computer
Visit the detail page on GitHub and navigate to the INSTALLATION part to get the right file for your device.
Navigate to yt-dlp and launch it.
Step2
Install yt-dlp
To install yt-dlp, you need to open a command prompt, and navigate to the directory where yt-dlp was downloaded. Enter the following command: pip install yt-dlp.[dev, muxer, qt, torrent, http, downloader, hls, dash, ffmpeg, postprocessor, metadata, hardsub].
Step3
Verify the installation
To verify yt-dlp installation, run yt-dlp --version to display version information.
With yt-dlp successfully installed, different operating systems may require varying installation methods. Refer to the official website for detailed instructions and specific installation guidance. Launch Command Prompt and enter:
Note: yt-dlp supports video downloading from numerous video-sharing platforms, including YouTube, Vimeo, Dailymotion, Niconico, Bilibili, SoundCloud, Bandcamp, Twitch, Twitter, and Facebook.
yt-dlp also supports protocols like HTTP, HTTPS, HLS, DASH and FTP, thus enabling users to download videos from various websites.
Step4
Download videos with yt-dlp
(1) Open a command prompt or terminal.
(2) Execute the yt-dlp command with the URL of the video you wish to download. For example, to download a YouTube video, execute the following command:
(3) The video file will be downloaded. By default, the video file will be saved in the current directory where it was executed.
With the above steps, you can easily download videos. However, it is important to follow the terms of use of YouTube and other video-sharing sites. Also, be careful not to violate copyright laws, personal information protection laws, or other laws.
To discover more functions, such as subtitle saving, playlist selecting, audio saving, etc, you can visit github.com/yt-dlp/yt-dlp and read the USAGE AND OPTIONS part to check all the general options, video selection, deo-restriction, and other usage.
Can yt-dlp Download Netflix Videos?
Although yt-dlp is a flexible tool that runs perfectly on many video-sharing websites, users have complained mainly about difficulty specifically trying to download DRM-protected content from Netflix directly.
Reports from many forums and user groups show that digital rights management restrictions usually cause attempts to download select Netflix videos to fail.
DRM technology is used by streaming firms to encrypt and control access to their content, so outside initiatives like yt-dlp make it difficult to download or copy the videos without suitable license, even if users have subscribed to it. Therefore, yt-dlp cannot work in this case.
Check all the limitations on downloading Netflix videos:
- Downloading is restricted to the use of the Netflix application.
- The viewing period of downloaded content is limited.
- Downloaded content may only be viewed on certain devices.
- There may be restrictions on downloadable content depending on the region of distribution.
Subscription video services such as Netflix provide videos protected by DRM. It means that they cannot be downloaded using yt-dlp, a normal download tool. However, you can download Netflix videos by using a tool called KeepStreams.
Different from yt-dlp, KeepStreams is a professional video downloader that devotes itself to saving content from 3,000+ streaming services, including OTTs and video-sharing sites.
KeepStreams is a leading expert in video downloaders, offering a wide variety of impressive features. It backs HD 1080p's high-density video downloads as well as ultra-high-density (UHD) 4K quality. It lets you choose sophisticated audio effects as EAC3 5.1, AAC 2.0, and Atmos audio, guaranteeing a cinematic sound experience. Regarding video codecs, the program provides great compatibility for H264, H265, HDR10, Dolby Vision, VP9, and AV1 with output possible in MP4 or MKV formats for most versatility.
Beyond media quality, KeepStreams offers handy tools including automatic ad removal, customizable subtitle languages with the option for separate subtitle downloading, and subscription download features—allowing you to create schedules to automatically download new episodes as soon as they're released. Furthermore, batch download features let users store several videos at once, facilitating the quick building of offline collections.
It empowers users to download videos from popular subscription-based services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Prime Video, etc., as long as you own an active account.
What else can KeepStreams do? Check these top features:
(1) Supports various video streaming sites: KeepStreams supports various video streaming sites, including Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, Disney+, and YouTube. It adheres to site-specific restrictions to ensure legal compliance.
(2) Fast and high-quality downloads: KeepStreams enables fast and high-quality downloads. It offers rapid download speeds while maintaining original video and audio quality.
(3) Try the free trial: KeepStreams offers a free trial version. This trial allows users to download 3 complete videos, enabling them to test the service before making a commitment.
(4) User-friendly interface: KeepStreams features an intuitive and simple user interface. Users can easily navigate the site, paste the URL of the desired video, and initiate the download process.
(5) Variety of supported file formats: KeepStreams supports multiple file formats for downloads, including MP4, MKV, FLV, MOV, AVI, WMV, and MP3.
KeepStreams also boasts a user-friendly UI and convenient built-in browser. Here's a guide on how to download Netflix videos using KeepStreams:
1. Visit the official KeepStreams website and download the software for free.
2. Launch the installed program and navigate to "VIP Services" > "Netflix" from the menu on the left.
3. Sign in to Netflix, find the video you want to download and begin playing it.
You can search for the video you wish to download by typing its title within KeepStreams or pasting its url into KeepStreams.
4. After selecting the video download settings (resolution, audio, subtitles), click "Download" to start the download process.
Conclusion
This article has guided you through understanding yt-dlp, its installation, the video sources it supports, and the method to download Netflix videos. Please note that downloading DRM-protected videos may violate copyright laws, so proceed with caution.
If you're interested in other powerful downloaders that can download Netflix videos, continue to read 7 Best Netflix DRM Downloaders.
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