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youtube-downloader

Download YouTube videos with customizable quality and format options. Use this skill when the user asks to download, save, or grab YouTube videos. Supports various quality settings (best, 1080p, 720p, 480p, 360p), multiple formats (mp4, webm, mkv), and audio-only downloads as MP3.

60,084stars6,538forksUpdated 5/16/2026

Security Assessment

Safe(100/100)
Security Score100/100

About youtube-downloader

The youtube-downloader skill is designed to simplify the process of downloading YouTube videos with full control over both video quality and format. It addresses the common need for offline access to content, enabling users to save videos for later viewing without relying on an internet connection. By providing a straightforward interface and command-line options, the skill eliminates the complexity associated with manual video downloading, streamlining the experience for users who want a reliable solution to grab individual YouTube videos quickly and efficiently.

This skill offers a range of customizable options to meet different user preferences. Users can select from multiple video quality settings, including best available, 1080p, 720p, 480p, 360p, and worst quality, allowing flexibility based on bandwidth or storage constraints. It supports multiple video formats such as MP4, WebM, and MKV, as well as audio-only MP3 downloads. The downloader automatically handles the installation of its underlying tool, yt-dlp, fetches video information before downloading, merges video and audio streams when necessary, and saves files with filenames derived from video titles. Additionally, users can specify a custom output directory to organize downloads according to their preferences.

Ideal use cases include offline access for personal viewing, content archiving for research or educational purposes, and obtaining audio tracks from videos for podcasts or music collections. The skill is suitable for individual users, educators, content creators, or developers who require programmatic access to YouTube video downloads. Its combination of ease-of-use, format versatility, and quality control makes it an effective tool for anyone needing consistent and flexible YouTube video management.

FAQ

How do I download a YouTube video in a specific quality?

Use the `-q` or `--quality` option followed by the desired quality, such as `720p` or `1080p`. For example: `python scripts/download_video.py "URL" -q 720p`.

Can I download only the audio from a YouTube video?

Yes, use the `-a` or `--audio-only` option to download the audio as an MP3 file: `python scripts/download_video.py "URL" -a`.

Which video formats are supported for download?

The skill supports `mp4` (default), `webm`, and `mkv` formats for video downloads. The format can be specified using `-f` or `--format`.

Where are downloaded files saved by default?

By default, videos and audio files are saved to `/mnt/user-data/outputs/`. You can change this location with the `-o` or `--output` option.

Are playlists supported?

No, the skill only downloads single videos. Playlists are skipped by default.

All Files

2 files
scripts/download_video.py4.2 KB
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SKILL.md2.6 KB
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Install youtube-downloader

Download and extract the skill files to your .claude/skills/ directory.

Quick Setup:

  1. Copy the skill folder to .claude/skills/
  2. Claude will automatically detect and use the skill