YouTube-dl GUI

If you wish to have more control over downloading your favorite YouTube clips, yt-dlp is the solution to go for. It allows one to tailor the downloads to their needs, so if you need a specific quality and codec for a video, you'll more than likely be able to download it there.

The main caveat to yt-dlp is the command line workflow. It may look unapproachable to some, which is why GUI solutions that integrate its toolset can be a good entry point. YouTube-dl GUI offers users a practical interface, where they are free to configure the downloading of their videos however they want.

This tool gives an interface to yt-dlp, which serves to make this solution accessible to more users. Those who don't wish to dabble in command line-based workflows will thus find a lot to like here, as the process to downloading a video is much more beginner-friendly. Though yt-dlp's command line wasn't hard at all to navigate through, having an interface can appeal to more users.

Nevertheless, you can expect to find all the functions you need here. Insert the URL to your video, and select the options most appropriate for your use. For starters, you can select the most relevant video quality for you under the Basic tab, and start the download. It's as simple as that — provided you don't wish to configure a clip's presentation.

The best thing about all of this is that such a tool lends itself well to both casual and power users. Those who like to configure and tinker with different codecs and extensions can do so under the Advanced tab, where they'll have plenty of options to choose from — both for audio and video.

The more knowledgeable also have the Custom command section at their disposal. Consult the developer's guide, and see how you can integrate the commands into your workflow.

A converter option is available, and though it is rather limited in the number of extensions to convert into (MKV, MP3, and M4A), it's still a welcome addition.

Downloading playlists is possible, and you can specify a start and end point, so only the videos that interest you are downloaded.

YouTube-dl GUI delivers the best of yt-dlp under a functional interface, making it more welcoming to casual users.