5.0 out of 5
We archive client livestreams and Shorts. This is the only tool that keeps up with YouTube's encryption changes and still hands back perfect MP4 files.
Caleb Whitford
2025-02-19
About
YouTube Video Downloader plugs into watch pages, Shorts, and embedded players, decrypts YouTube’s adaptive streams, and delivers high-quality MP4 or WebM files you can use offline. It handles encrypted URLs, merges separate video/audio tracks automatically, and keeps a clean queue so creators and researchers can archive content reliably.
Key Features
Detects YouTube watch pages
Shorts, playlists, and embedded players automatically
Decrypts signature-ciphered and n-parameter-throttled stream URLs in real time
Parses DASH manifests and HLS playlists to surface every available quality tier
Merges separate video-only and audio-only adaptive streams into a single MP4 or WebM
Lists all available resolutions from 360p to 4K with file-size estimates before download
Remembers your preferred quality setting and applies it automatically on future downloads
Queues up to three simultaneous downloads with live progress, speed, and ETA tracking
Runs downloads in the background so you can browse other tabs without interruption
Supports playlist downloads with sequential queuing of individual videos
Generates ready-to-run yt-dlp commands for advanced CLI and batch workflows
Handles age-restricted and unlisted videos accessible through your authenticated session
Downloads livestream replays by converting the archived HLS stream into a single MP4
Stores license activation, preferences, and queue history locally with zero analytics
Screenshots
Links
Apps pagehttps://apps.serp.co/youtube-downloaderGitHubhttps://github.com/serpapps/youtube-downloaderGitHub Gisthttps://gist.github.com/devinschumacher/7d1d8d644a765f3b854e544de4bb2d0dGitHub Gisthttps://gist.github.com/devinschumacher/e860a11bdc8c8d500ad34e42a68a7a69Mediumhttps://medium.com/@howtodownloadvideos2/youtube-downloader-c4d04ed80488ExtensionHubhttps://www.extensionhub.io/extensions/Youtube-Downloader-884ExtensionHubhttps://www.extensionhub.io/extensions/Youtube-Downloader-888LibHunthttps://www.libhunt.com/r/serpapps/youtube-downloader
Compatibility
Supported Platforms
Web BrowserWindowsmacOSLinuxChromeFirefoxEdgeBraveOperaWhaleYandex
Supported Regions
Worldwide
Related Searches
Youtube DownloaderYoutube Video DownloaderDownload Youtube Videos Mp4Download Youtube Shorts Mp4Youtube Dash Stream MergerYoutube Playlist DownloaderOffline Youtube Archive ToolChrome Youtube Downloader ExtensionYoutube 4k Video DownloaderYt Dlp Alternative Gui
Permissions
Downloads
Writes the merged MP4 or WebM files directly to your downloads folder and tracks progress for simultaneous jobs.
Storage
Saves licence activation, preferred quality settings, and queue history locally so everything persists between browser sessions.
ActiveTab
Injects the downloader UI into the YouTube page you’re viewing, including Shorts feeds and embedded players.
Tabs
Monitors when you switch videos or open new players so the extension can refresh available quality options automatically.
Scripting
Reads player configuration data to decrypt stream URLs, fetch manifests, and merge DASH or HLS segments into a final MP4.
Notifications
Sends completion, error, and licence prompts without forcing you to keep the popup open during longer conversions.
ContextMenus
Adds a “Download with YouTube Downloader” option when you right-click embedded videos for quicker access.
Host Permissions
Limits privileged access to youtube.com, youtu.be, and YouTube CDN domains required to capture and decrypt the streams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it work with YouTube Shorts and embedded players?
Yes. The extension detects Shorts feeds, standard watch pages, and embedded players on third-party sites, then serves the same quality list in each case.
Can I download an entire playlist at once?
Yes. Open any YouTube playlist and the extension will detect all videos in the list, letting you queue them sequentially. Each video downloads with your preferred quality setting applied automatically.
Can I download a livestream while it is broadcasting?
The downloader supports livestream replays, but it needs the on-demand version to exist first. Once the replay is posted it converts the HLS stream into a single MP4.
Will it download movies or episodes I purchased on YouTube?
No. DRM-protected purchases remain off limits. The downloader only works on videos you can already view without digital rights management.
How does the DASH stream merging work?
YouTube serves high-quality video as separate video-only and audio-only streams via DASH. The extension fetches both streams in parallel, muxes them into a single MP4 container, and delivers one ready-to-play file.
How many downloads can run simultaneously?
Up to three downloads can be active at once. Each item shows progress, speed, and an interrupt button so you can prioritise what matters.
Do I need to keep the video tab open the whole time?
For long conversions we recommend keeping the original tab open. That ensures the stream segments stay available until the MP4 is finalised.
What is the yt-dlp command generator?
For power users, the extension can generate a ready-to-run yt-dlp command for the current video, including format selection and output template flags. Copy the command and run it in your terminal for advanced batch workflows.
Which browsers are supported?
Chrome and Chromium-based browsers like Edge, Brave, and Opera are supported. Make sure you're on an up-to-date build for Manifest V3 compatibility.
Reviews
4.9 out of 5
The quality list and file-size estimates mean no surprises, and the three-download queue lets me prep assets for edits in one sitting.
Natasha Yuen
2025-03-07
4.8 out of 5
Embedded videos on partner portals used to be a pain. This extension detects them instantly and finishes the background conversion while we keep browsing.
Simon Greaves
2025-01-31
Topics
Categories
Available On
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Tags
video-downloader