Python Youtube Downloader

A simple command-line application to download YouTube videos as MP3 (audio) or MP4 (video). Optionally saves to an external drive.

Prerequisites

• Python 3.x
• yt-dlp: Installed via pip install yt-dlp
• ffmpeg: Required for audio conversion.
  • macOS: brew install ffmpeg
  • Windows: Download from ffmpeg.org and add to PATH.
  • Linux: sudo apt install ffmpeg

Installation

Option A: pip (Python package)

Install with pip so the youtube-downloader command is available. This also installs yt-dlp for you.

pip install python-youtube-downloader
# or into your user directory (available in any terminal):
pip install --user python-youtube-downloader

Then run:

youtube-downloader

Where pip installs: With pip install, the package goes into your active Python environment (e.g. your conda env or site-packages). With pip install --user, it installs into your user directory so the command is available in any terminal. You still need ffmpeg installed on your system for MP3/MP4 conversion.

Option B: npm (global CLI)

Install globally and run from anywhere (uses Node to run the Python script):

npm install -g python-youtube-downloader

Then use:

youtube-downloader
# or
python-youtube-downloader

If you install with both pip and npm: Both register a youtube-downloader command. Whichever directory comes first in your PATH runs (no crash). Pick one install method if you want to avoid ambiguity.

Option C: From source

1. Clone or download this repository.
2. Install the required Python library:

   pip install yt-dlp
   

Prerequisites: Python 3, yt-dlp (installed automatically with pip option), and ffmpeg (for MP3/MP4 conversion).

Usage

Run the script and enter the YouTube URL when prompted. Choose MP3 (audio only) or MP4 (video). If an external drive named SWIM PRO is connected, files are saved there; otherwise they go to the current folder.

python downloader.py
# or, if installed via npm:
youtube-downloader

Or with link and format:

python downloader.py "https://youtu.be/VIDEO_ID" mp3
python downloader.py "https://youtu.be/VIDEO_ID" mp4
youtube-downloader "https://youtu.be/VIDEO_ID" mp4