There are a couple of ways to use youtube-dl on Linux. A straightforward way is to use the youtube-dl script from the command line. If you prefer a graphical option, there’s a front end for youtube-dl that provides a wide set of controls and options.
Install YouTube-dl
Whether you want to download YouTube videos with a graphical application or the command line, you’ll need youtube-dl. Youtube-dl is a Python script that grabs a YouTube video from the web and converts it into various formats, including audio-only formats. For Linux users, getting youtube-dl is usually straightforward. The script is open-source, and you can find it in most distribution repositories. Follow the instructions for your Linux distribution. You’ll also need FFMPEG to allow youtube-dl to convert the downloaded videos between formats and to control video and audio quality. You can install FFMPEG along with youtube-dl.
Ubuntu and Linux Mint
For Ubuntu and Linux Mint, youtube-dl tends to fall behind in the Ubuntu ecosystem. Usually, that wouldn’t be a huge deal, but youtube-dl must stay current to stay ahead of YouTube updates that prevent it from functioning. So, if you use Ubuntu or Mint, install the Python Pip package manager to get the latest releases.
Debian
The Debian multimedia repository contains a library of up-to-date packages for various multimedia apps, youtube-dl included. You’ll need to add the repository if you haven’t already. Then, install youtube-dl normally with Apt.
Fedora
Fedora keeps updated versions of youtube-dl in their repositories, but you won’t find FFMPEG there. For that, you’ll need the RPM Fusion repository. If you use Fedora on the desktop, RPM Fusion is invaluable. If you don’t have it, add it to your system and install both packages.
Arch Linux and Manjaro
Arch Linux, and by extension Manjaro, has updated versions of youtube-dl and FFMPEG in its default repositories. Install it with Pacman:
Install the Front End
This next step is optional. If you prefer to work in the command line, go to that part. Otherwise, follow the steps to install the graphical front end for youtube-dl. The path to install it is slightly different for every distribution. Follow the instructions for yours.
Ubuntu, Mint, and Debian
The developers of the graphical front end, Tartube, made their own packages for Ubuntu and Debian-based distributions. You can get the packages from their Sourceforge page.
Fedora
Like with Ubuntu and Debian, the Tartube developers packaged their software for Fedora and made it available on their Sourceforge page.
Arch Linux and Manjaro
Tartube is available in the AUR, so there are plenty of ways to get it. Choose the AUR install method you’re comfortable with. If you’re not familiar with the AUR, the following is the default method for installing AUR packages.
Download a Video With the Front End
Now that Tartube is installed, you’re ready to download videos from YouTube.
Download and Convert a Video From the Command Line
If you’re a fan of the command line, prefer a direct approach, or don’t want to be bothered with another piece of software, use youtube-dl by opening a terminal and passing it a YouTube URL.
