feat(youtube-downloader): add WebM to MP4 conversion workflow
Add comprehensive WebM to MP4 conversion documentation to help users convert high-quality YouTube downloads to more widely compatible MP4 format. Changes: - Add "Convert WebM to MP4" section to Common Tasks with ffmpeg workflow - Include detailed parameter explanations (H.264, AAC, CRF, preset) - Add conversion use case to "When to Use This Skill" section - Document encoding speed expectations (~6x on modern hardware) - Maintain imperative form throughout new content The workflow guides users through: 1. Installing ffmpeg if needed 2. Converting WebM (VP9) to MP4 (H.264/AAC) with optimal settings 3. Understanding quality/speed tradeoffs This addresses the common need to convert high-quality YouTube downloads (which use WebM/VP9 by default) to MP4 format for better device compatibility. 🤖 Generated with [Claude Code](https://claude.com/claude-code) Co-Authored-By: Claude <noreply@anthropic.com>
This commit is contained in:
daymade
@@ -7,169 +7,226 @@ description: Download YouTube videos and audio using yt-dlp with robust error ha
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## Overview
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Enable reliable YouTube video and audio downloads using yt-dlp with built-in workarounds for common issues like nsig extraction failures and network problems. Particularly useful for users behind proxies or in regions with YouTube access restrictions.
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Enable reliable YouTube video and audio downloads using yt-dlp with built-in workarounds for common issues like nsig extraction failures and network problems. This skill provides workflows for obtaining high-quality downloads (up to 4K) using PO token providers or browser cookies.
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## When to Use This Skill
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This skill should be invoked when users:
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- Request downloading YouTube videos or playlists
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- Want to extract audio from YouTube videos
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- Experience yt-dlp download failures or nsig extraction errors
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- Experience yt-dlp download failures or limited format availability
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- Need help with format selection or quality options
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- Ask about downloading from YouTube with specific requirements (resolution, format, etc.)
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- Report only low-quality (360p) formats available
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- Ask about downloading YouTube content in specific quality (1080p, 4K, etc.)
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- Need to convert downloaded WebM videos to MP4 format for wider compatibility
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## Prerequisites
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Verify yt-dlp is installed before proceeding:
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### 1. Verify yt-dlp Installation
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```bash
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which yt-dlp
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yt-dlp --version
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```
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If not installed, install via:
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If not installed or outdated (< 2025.10.22):
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```bash
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brew install yt-dlp # macOS
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brew upgrade yt-dlp # macOS
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# or
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pip install yt-dlp # Cross-platform
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pip install --upgrade yt-dlp # Cross-platform
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```
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## Quick Start
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**Critical**: Outdated yt-dlp versions cause nsig extraction failures and missing formats.
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### Basic Video Download
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### 2. Check Current Quality Access
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For simple video downloads, use the bundled `scripts/download_video.py`:
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```bash
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scripts/download_video.py "https://youtu.be/VIDEO_ID"
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```
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This automatically applies the Android client workaround to avoid nsig extraction issues.
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### Audio-Only Download
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To extract audio as MP3:
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```bash
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scripts/download_video.py "https://youtu.be/VIDEO_ID" --audio-only
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```
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### Custom Output Directory
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Specify where to save downloads:
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```bash
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scripts/download_video.py "https://youtu.be/VIDEO_ID" -o ~/Downloads/YouTube
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```
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## Common Tasks
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### 1. List Available Formats
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Before downloading, check available video/audio formats:
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```bash
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scripts/download_video.py "https://youtu.be/VIDEO_ID" --list-formats
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```
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Or use yt-dlp directly:
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Before downloading, check available formats:
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```bash
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yt-dlp -F "https://youtu.be/VIDEO_ID"
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```
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### 2. Download Specific Format
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**If only format 18 (360p) appears**: PO token provider setup needed for high-quality access.
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After identifying format codes from the list:
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## High-Quality Download Workflow
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### Step 1: Install PO Token Provider (One-time Setup)
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For 1080p/1440p/4K access, install a PO token provider plugin into yt-dlp's Python environment:
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```bash
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scripts/download_video.py "https://youtu.be/VIDEO_ID" -f "bestvideo+bestaudio"
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# Find yt-dlp's Python path
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head -1 $(which yt-dlp)
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# Install plugin (adjust path to match yt-dlp version)
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/opt/homebrew/Cellar/yt-dlp/$(yt-dlp --version)/libexec/bin/python -m pip install bgutil-ytdlp-pot-provider
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```
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Common format specifications:
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- `bestvideo+bestaudio/best` - Best quality video and audio
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- `bestvideo[height<=1080]+bestaudio` - Max 1080p video
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- `bestaudio` - Audio only (best quality)
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- `18` - Format code 18 (typically 360p MP4)
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**Verification**: Run `yt-dlp -F "VIDEO_URL"` again. Look for formats 137 (1080p), 271 (1440p), or 313 (4K).
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### 3. Download Playlist
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See `references/po-token-setup.md` for detailed setup instructions and troubleshooting.
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Use yt-dlp directly for playlists:
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### Step 2: Download with Best Quality
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Once PO token provider is installed:
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```bash
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yt-dlp --extractor-args "youtube:player_client=android" "PLAYLIST_URL"
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# Download best quality up to 1080p
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yt-dlp -f "bestvideo[height<=1080]+bestaudio/best" "VIDEO_URL"
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# Download best available quality (4K if available)
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yt-dlp -f "bestvideo+bestaudio/best" "VIDEO_URL"
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```
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### 4. Download with Subtitles
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Include subtitles in the download:
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### Step 3: Verify Download Quality
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```bash
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yt-dlp --extractor-args "youtube:player_client=android" --write-subs --sub-lang en "VIDEO_URL"
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# Check video resolution
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ffprobe -v error -select_streams v:0 -show_entries stream=width,height,codec_name -of default=noprint_wrappers=1 video.mp4
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```
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## Troubleshooting
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Expected output for 1080p:
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```
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codec_name=vp9
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width=1920
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height=1080
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```
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## Alternative: Browser Cookies Method
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If PO token provider setup is problematic, use browser cookies:
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```bash
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# Firefox
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yt-dlp --cookies-from-browser firefox -f "bestvideo[height<=1080]+bestaudio/best" "VIDEO_URL"
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# Chrome
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yt-dlp --cookies-from-browser chrome -f "bestvideo[height<=1080]+bestaudio/best" "VIDEO_URL"
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```
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**Benefits**: Access to age-restricted and members-only content.
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**Requirement**: Must be logged into YouTube in the specified browser.
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## Common Tasks
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### Audio-Only Download
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Extract audio as MP3:
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```bash
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yt-dlp -x --audio-format mp3 "VIDEO_URL"
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```
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### Custom Output Directory
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```bash
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yt-dlp -P ~/Downloads/YouTube "VIDEO_URL"
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```
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### Download with Subtitles
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```bash
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yt-dlp --write-subs --sub-lang en "VIDEO_URL"
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```
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### Playlist Download
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```bash
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yt-dlp -f "bestvideo[height<=1080]+bestaudio/best" "PLAYLIST_URL"
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```
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### Convert WebM to MP4
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YouTube high-quality downloads often use WebM format (VP9 codec). Convert to MP4 for wider compatibility:
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```bash
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# Check if ffmpeg is installed
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which ffmpeg || brew install ffmpeg # macOS
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# Convert WebM to MP4 with good quality settings
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ffmpeg -i "video.webm" -c:v libx264 -preset medium -crf 23 -c:a aac -b:a 128k "video.mp4"
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```
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**Parameters explained:**
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- `-c:v libx264`: Use H.264 video codec (widely compatible)
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- `-preset medium`: Balance between encoding speed and file size
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- `-crf 23`: Constant Rate Factor for quality (18-28 range, lower = better quality)
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- `-c:a aac`: Use AAC audio codec
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- `-b:a 128k`: Audio bitrate 128 kbps
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**Tip**: Conversion maintains 1080p resolution and provides ~6x encoding speed on modern hardware.
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## Troubleshooting Quick Reference
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### Only 360p Available (Format 18)
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**Cause**: Missing PO token provider or outdated yt-dlp.
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**Solution**:
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1. Update yt-dlp: `brew upgrade yt-dlp`
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2. Install PO token provider (see Step 1 above)
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3. Or use browser cookies method
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### nsig Extraction Failed
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**Symptoms:**
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**Symptoms**:
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```
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WARNING: [youtube] nsig extraction failed: Some formats may be missing
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ERROR: Requested format is not available
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```
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**Solution:**
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Use the Android client workaround (automatically applied by `scripts/download_video.py`):
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**Solution**:
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1. Update yt-dlp to latest version
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2. Install PO token provider
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3. If still failing, use Android client: `yt-dlp --extractor-args "youtube:player_client=android" "VIDEO_URL"`
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```bash
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yt-dlp --extractor-args "youtube:player_client=android" "VIDEO_URL"
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```
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### Slow Downloads or Network Errors
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This is a YouTube-specific issue where the default web client fails to extract signature parameters. The Android client bypasses this restriction.
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For users in China or behind restrictive proxies:
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- Downloads may be slow due to network conditions
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- Allow sufficient time for completion
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- yt-dlp automatically retries on transient failures
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### GVS PO Token Warning
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### PO Token Warning (Harmless)
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**Symptoms:**
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```
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WARNING: android client https formats require a GVS PO Token
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```
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**Impact:**
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This warning can be ignored for most use cases. The download will still succeed using available formats. Only some high-quality formats may be skipped.
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**Action**: Ignore if download succeeds. This indicates Android client has limited format access without PO tokens.
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**Solution (if needed):**
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For advanced users requiring all formats, see: https://github.com/yt-dlp/yt-dlp/wiki/PO-Token-Guide
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### Network Issues in China or Behind Proxies
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Downloads may experience intermittent connectivity. The script handles this automatically by retrying, but slower speeds are expected due to network conditions. Allow sufficient time for completion.
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## Script Reference
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## Bundled Script Reference
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### scripts/download_video.py
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A Python wrapper around yt-dlp that applies best practices by default:
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- Uses Android client workaround automatically
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- Creates output directories if needed
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- Provides clear success/failure feedback
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- Supports common download scenarios
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A convenience wrapper that applies Android client workaround by default:
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**Basic usage:**
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```bash
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scripts/download_video.py "VIDEO_URL"
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```
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**Arguments:**
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- `url` - YouTube video URL (required)
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- `-o, --output-dir` - Output directory (default: current directory)
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- `-o, --output-dir` - Output directory
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- `-f, --format` - Format specification
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- `--no-android-client` - Disable Android client workaround
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- `-a, --audio-only` - Download audio only (as MP3)
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- `-a, --audio-only` - Extract audio as MP3
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- `-F, --list-formats` - List available formats
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- `--no-android-client` - Disable Android client workaround
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**Example usage:**
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```bash
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# Basic download
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scripts/download_video.py "https://youtu.be/VIDEO_ID"
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**Note**: This script uses Android client (360p only without PO tokens). For high quality, use yt-dlp directly with PO token provider.
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# Audio only to specific directory
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scripts/download_video.py "https://youtu.be/VIDEO_ID" -o ~/Music --audio-only
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## Quality Expectations
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# Custom format
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scripts/download_video.py "https://youtu.be/VIDEO_ID" -f "bestvideo[height<=720]+bestaudio"
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```
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| Setup | 360p | 720p | 1080p | 1440p | 4K |
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|-------|------|------|-------|-------|-----|
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| No setup (default) | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
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| Android client only | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
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| **PO token provider** | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
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| Browser cookies | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
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## Further Reading
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- **PO Token Setup**: See `references/po-token-setup.md` for detailed installation and troubleshooting
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- **yt-dlp Documentation**: https://github.com/yt-dlp/yt-dlp
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- **Format Selection Guide**: https://github.com/yt-dlp/yt-dlp#format-selection
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167
youtube-downloader/references/po-token-setup.md
Normal file
167
youtube-downloader/references/po-token-setup.md
Normal file
@@ -0,0 +1,167 @@
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# PO Token Setup Guide
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## What are PO Tokens?
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Proof of Origin (PO) Tokens are cryptographic attestations required by YouTube for certain clients and request types. Without them, requests for affected format URLs may return HTTP Error 403 or result in restricted format access.
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## Why PO Tokens Matter
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As of late 2024/early 2025, YouTube increasingly requires PO tokens for high-quality video formats (1080p, 1440p, 4K). Without PO token support:
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- **Android client**: Only 360p available (format 18)
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- **Web client**: nsig extraction failures, missing formats
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- **iOS client**: Similar restrictions
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With PO token provider: **Full access** to all quality levels including 4K.
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## Recommended Solution: PO Token Provider Plugin
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### Installation
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Install a PO token provider plugin to handle token generation automatically. The plugin must be installed into yt-dlp's own Python environment.
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**Step 1: Locate yt-dlp's Python**
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```bash
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head -1 $(which yt-dlp)
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# Output example: #!/opt/homebrew/Cellar/yt-dlp/2025.10.22/libexec/bin/python
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```
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**Step 2: Install Plugin**
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```bash
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# For Homebrew-installed yt-dlp (macOS)
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/opt/homebrew/Cellar/yt-dlp/$(yt-dlp --version)/libexec/bin/python -m pip install bgutil-ytdlp-pot-provider
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# For pip-installed yt-dlp
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python3 -m pip install bgutil-ytdlp-pot-provider --user
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```
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**Step 3: Verify Installation**
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```bash
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yt-dlp -F "https://youtu.be/VIDEO_ID"
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```
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Look for high-quality formats (137, 248, 271, 313) in the output. If present, the plugin is working.
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## Available PO Token Provider Plugins
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### 1. bgutil-ytdlp-pot-provider (Recommended)
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- **Installation**: `pip install bgutil-ytdlp-pot-provider`
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- **Requires**: yt-dlp 2025.05.22 or above
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- **Automatic**: Works transparently once installed
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- **Best for**: General use, most reliable
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### 2. yt-dlp-get-pot
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- **Installation**: `pip install yt-dlp-get-pot`
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- **Requires**: yt-dlp 2025.01.15 or above
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- **Method**: Launches browser to mint tokens
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- **Best for**: Users comfortable with browser automation
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### 3. yt-dlp-get-pot-rustypipe
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- **Installation**: `pip install yt-dlp-get-pot-rustypipe`
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- **Method**: Uses rustypipe-botguard
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- **Supports**: All web-based YouTube clients
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- **Best for**: Advanced users, specific client requirements
|
||||
|
||||
## Verification Workflow
|
||||
|
||||
### Check Available Formats
|
||||
|
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```bash
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yt-dlp -F "https://youtu.be/VIDEO_ID"
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```
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||||
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||||
**Without PO token provider:**
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```
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ID EXT RESOLUTION
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18 mp4 640x360 # Only low quality
|
||||
```
|
||||
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||||
**With PO token provider:**
|
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```
|
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ID EXT RESOLUTION
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137 mp4 1920x1080 # 1080p available
|
||||
248 webm 1920x1080
|
||||
271 webm 2560x1440 # 1440p available
|
||||
313 webm 3840x2160 # 4K available
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
### Download Best Quality
|
||||
|
||||
```bash
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# 1080p max
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||||
yt-dlp -f "bestvideo[height<=1080]+bestaudio/best" "VIDEO_URL"
|
||||
|
||||
# Best available (4K if available)
|
||||
yt-dlp -f "bestvideo+bestaudio/best" "VIDEO_URL"
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
### Verify Downloaded Quality
|
||||
|
||||
```bash
|
||||
# Check resolution
|
||||
ffprobe -v error -select_streams v:0 -show_entries stream=width,height -of default=noprint_wrappers=1 video.mp4
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
## Troubleshooting
|
||||
|
||||
### Plugin Not Working
|
||||
|
||||
**Symptom**: Still only seeing format 18 after plugin installation
|
||||
|
||||
**Solution**:
|
||||
1. Verify yt-dlp version: `yt-dlp --version` (need 2025.05.22+)
|
||||
2. Check plugin installation: `pip list | grep bgutil`
|
||||
3. Ensure plugin installed in correct Python environment
|
||||
4. Try reinstalling: `pip uninstall bgutil-ytdlp-pot-provider && pip install bgutil-ytdlp-pot-provider`
|
||||
|
||||
### Warning Messages
|
||||
|
||||
```
|
||||
WARNING: [youtube] [pot:bgutil:http] Error reaching GET http://127.0.0.1:4416/ping
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**Impact**: This warning is usually harmless if formats are available. The plugin uses HTTP as fallback.
|
||||
|
||||
**Action**: No action needed if download succeeds with high-quality formats.
|
||||
|
||||
## Alternative: Browser Cookies Method
|
||||
|
||||
If PO token providers don't work, use browser cookies for authentication:
|
||||
|
||||
```bash
|
||||
# Firefox
|
||||
yt-dlp --cookies-from-browser firefox "VIDEO_URL"
|
||||
|
||||
# Chrome
|
||||
yt-dlp --cookies-from-browser chrome "VIDEO_URL"
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**Benefits**:
|
||||
- Access age-restricted content
|
||||
- Access members-only content
|
||||
- Better quality selection
|
||||
|
||||
**Requirements**:
|
||||
- Must be logged into YouTube in the browser
|
||||
- Browser and yt-dlp must use same IP address
|
||||
|
||||
## Quality Comparison
|
||||
|
||||
| Method | 360p | 720p | 1080p | 1440p | 4K |
|
||||
|--------|------|------|-------|-------|-----|
|
||||
| Default (no workaround) | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
|
||||
| Android client only | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
|
||||
| PO token provider | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
|
||||
| Browser cookies | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
|
||||
|
||||
## References
|
||||
|
||||
- [yt-dlp PO Token Guide](https://github.com/yt-dlp/yt-dlp/wiki/PO-Token-Guide)
|
||||
- [bgutil-ytdlp-pot-provider](https://github.com/Brainicism/bgutil-ytdlp-pot-provider)
|
||||
- [yt-dlp GitHub](https://github.com/yt-dlp/yt-dlp)
|
||||
@@ -7,11 +7,17 @@ especially useful for users behind proxies or in regions with YouTube access iss
|
||||
|
||||
Requirements:
|
||||
- yt-dlp: Install via `brew install yt-dlp` (macOS) or `pip install yt-dlp` (cross-platform)
|
||||
- For high-quality downloads (1080p+): Install PO token provider
|
||||
See ../references/po-token-setup.md for setup instructions
|
||||
|
||||
Usage:
|
||||
scripts/download_video.py "https://youtu.be/VIDEO_ID"
|
||||
scripts/download_video.py "https://youtu.be/VIDEO_ID" --audio-only
|
||||
scripts/download_video.py "https://youtu.be/VIDEO_ID" -o ~/Downloads
|
||||
|
||||
Note:
|
||||
This script uses Android client workaround, which provides 360p quality only.
|
||||
For 1080p/4K quality, use yt-dlp directly with PO token provider installed.
|
||||
"""
|
||||
|
||||
import argparse
|
||||
@@ -62,6 +68,13 @@ def download_video(
|
||||
if list_formats:
|
||||
cmd.extend(["-F", url])
|
||||
result = subprocess.run(cmd)
|
||||
|
||||
# Check if PO token provider might be needed
|
||||
if result.returncode == 0 and use_android_client:
|
||||
print("\n💡 Tip: Using Android client (360p only).")
|
||||
print(" For 1080p/4K, install PO token provider:")
|
||||
print(" See ../references/po-token-setup.md for instructions")
|
||||
|
||||
return result.returncode
|
||||
|
||||
# Set output directory
|
||||
|
||||
Reference in New Issue
Block a user