725e37b8f1
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>
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PO Token Setup Guide
What are PO Tokens?
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.
Why PO Tokens Matter
As of late 2024/early 2025, YouTube increasingly requires PO tokens for high-quality video formats (1080p, 1440p, 4K). Without PO token support:
- Android client: Only 360p available (format 18)
- Web client: nsig extraction failures, missing formats
- iOS client: Similar restrictions
With PO token provider: Full access to all quality levels including 4K.
Recommended Solution: PO Token Provider Plugin
Installation
Install a PO token provider plugin to handle token generation automatically. The plugin must be installed into yt-dlp's own Python environment.
Step 1: Locate yt-dlp's Python
head -1 $(which yt-dlp)
# Output example: #!/opt/homebrew/Cellar/yt-dlp/2025.10.22/libexec/bin/python
Step 2: Install Plugin
# For Homebrew-installed yt-dlp (macOS)
/opt/homebrew/Cellar/yt-dlp/$(yt-dlp --version)/libexec/bin/python -m pip install bgutil-ytdlp-pot-provider
# For pip-installed yt-dlp
python3 -m pip install bgutil-ytdlp-pot-provider --user
Step 3: Verify Installation
yt-dlp -F "https://youtu.be/VIDEO_ID"
Look for high-quality formats (137, 248, 271, 313) in the output. If present, the plugin is working.
Available PO Token Provider Plugins
1. bgutil-ytdlp-pot-provider (Recommended)
- Installation:
pip install bgutil-ytdlp-pot-provider - Requires: yt-dlp 2025.05.22 or above
- Automatic: Works transparently once installed
- Best for: General use, most reliable
2. yt-dlp-get-pot
- Installation:
pip install yt-dlp-get-pot - Requires: yt-dlp 2025.01.15 or above
- Method: Launches browser to mint tokens
- Best for: Users comfortable with browser automation
3. yt-dlp-get-pot-rustypipe
- Installation:
pip install yt-dlp-get-pot-rustypipe - Method: Uses rustypipe-botguard
- Supports: All web-based YouTube clients
- Best for: Advanced users, specific client requirements
Verification Workflow
Check Available Formats
yt-dlp -F "https://youtu.be/VIDEO_ID"
Without PO token provider:
ID EXT RESOLUTION
18 mp4 640x360 # Only low quality
With PO token provider:
ID EXT RESOLUTION
137 mp4 1920x1080 # 1080p available
248 webm 1920x1080
271 webm 2560x1440 # 1440p available
313 webm 3840x2160 # 4K available
Download Best Quality
# 1080p max
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
# 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:
- Verify yt-dlp version:
yt-dlp --version(need 2025.05.22+) - Check plugin installation:
pip list | grep bgutil - Ensure plugin installed in correct Python environment
- 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:
# 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 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |