YoutubeDL-Server

Self-Hosted

Web-based interface for yt-dlp to download media privately

Overview

YoutubeDL-Server is a self-hosted web application wrapping the powerful yt-dlp tool, enabling easy media downloading from YouTube and 1000+ other sites. It features an intuitive browser UI for pasting URLs, selecting video/audio formats, and managing download queues. Deployable via Docker (quick setup) or manual Python installation, it lets you store downloads locally (ideal for integration with Plex/Jellyfin). Lightweight and open-source, it eliminates reliance on ad-supported online tools while giving full control over your media and privacy.

Self-Hosting Resources

Find Official Image on Docker Hub View Source & Docs

Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml. ⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.

docker-compose.template.yml TEMPLATE


version: '3'
services:
  youtube_dl_server:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: youtube-dl-server
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Intuitive web interface for URL input and format selection
Supports 1000+ media sites (YouTube, Vimeo, Twitch, etc.)
Download queue management and progress tracking
Docker-ready for hassle-free self-hosted deployment

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is YoutubeDL-Server hard to install?

No—Docker is the easiest way: run the official image with a volume mapped for downloads (e.g., `docker run -p 8080:8080 -v ./downloads:/downloads nbr23/youtube-dl-server`). Manual setup needs Python and dependencies, but Docker is recommended for most users.

? Is it a good alternative to SaveFrom.net?

Yes—unlike SaveFrom.net (which has ads and tracks usage), YoutubeDL-Server is private, ad-free, and supports more sites. It also lets you choose exact download formats and store files locally instead of relying on cloud storage.

? Is it completely free?

Absolutely—YoutubeDL-Server is open-source under the MIT License. There are no hidden fees, paid tiers, or subscriptions; you only need to host it on your own hardware or a VPS.

Top Alternatives

SaveFrom.net (proprietary online tool) Search Google

4K Video Downloader (proprietary desktop app) Search Google

Any Video Converter (proprietary software) Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Open Source

Category Media Management

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Privacy-focused (no third-party tracking or ads)
⊕ Completely free and open-source (MIT License)
⊕ Simplifies yt-dlp usage without command-line knowledge
⊕ Full control over download storage and format options

Cons

⊖ Requires a self-hosted server or Docker environment
⊖ Depends on yt-dlp updates to maintain compatibility with sites
⊖ No built-in media organization (focuses solely on downloading)