yt-dlp -f "bestvideo[height<=720]+bestaudio" --merge-output-format mp4 \ -o "downloads/%(playlist_title)s/%(title)s.%(ext)s" "PLAYLIST_URL"
You can tailor the script to rename files, convert formats, or manage metadata automatically.
Writing your own script offers unmatched control and zero cost, but it requires maintenance and technical know-how that the average user may find tedious. youtube playlist free downloader python script
due to its robust support for entire playlists and superior performance. 1. Installation First, install the library using pip: pip install yt-dlp Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard 2. The Playlist Downloader Script
import yt_dlp def download_playlist(playlist_url): # Configuration options ydl_opts = 'format': 'bestvideo+bestaudio/best', # Download best quality 'outtmpl': '%(playlist_title)s/%(title)s.%(ext)s', # Save in a folder named after the playlist 'noplaylist': False, # Ensure it downloads the whole playlist try: with yt_dlp.YoutubeDL(ydl_opts) as ydl: print(f"Starting download: playlist_url") ydl.download([playlist_url]) print("\nDownload Complete!") except Exception as e: print(f"An error occurred: e") if __name__ == "__main__": url = input("Enter the YouTube Playlist URL: ") download_playlist(url) Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard 4. How the Script Works For high-quality 4K or 60fps
Here’s an interesting, slightly dramatic review written from the perspective of a “media archivist” who tried using a Python script to download YouTube playlists:
python playlist_downloader.py "https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=YOUR_PLAYLIST_ID" 1. Installation First
: pytube cannot merge separate video/audio streams, so the maximum quality is often 720p or 1080p only if a progressive stream exists. For high-quality 4K or 60fps, yt-dlp is mandatory.
Should we add a feature to (e.g., videos 5 to 10)? Do you need to resume interrupted downloads automatically? Let me know what functionality you want to build next! Share public link