youtube-dl

youtube-dl is a versatile command-line tool for downloading videos from various websites, primarily focusing on YouTube. It supports downloading videos in various formats and qualities, including HD and 4K, as well as extracting audio-only files.

This tool is written in Python and can run on Windows, macOS, and Linux systems. It is actively maintained and frequently updated to ensure compatibility with changes in the video hosting platforms it supports.

youtube-dl allows users to specify various options and parameters to customize their downloads, such as selecting specific video formats, limiting download speeds, and setting download quotas. It can also handle playlists, allowing users to download an entire playlist or just specific videos from it.

One of the key features of youtube-dl is its ability to download videos with subtitles, and it supports a wide range of subtitle formats. Additionally, it can automatically merge subtitles with video files for offline viewing.

The tool can also work with authentication and user accounts, allowing users to download videos that require a login or age-restricted content by providing their credentials.

youtube-dl has a wide community of active users, and its source code is open-source, meaning it can be modified and extended by anyone. Many developers have created GUIs and wrappers around youtube-dl to simplify its usage for less technically-inclined users.

Overall, youtube-dl is a powerful and flexible command-line tool that provides a seamless way to download videos from various websites with extensive customization options.