If you’re using Linux and wondering how to download YouTube videos safely and easily, you’re not alone. Many Linux users including me often need to save a video for offline learning, tutorials, or presentations.
The good news is that Linux gives you flexible and free ways to download YouTube videos both using command-line tools and GUI (graphical) apps.
In this guide, I’ll explain all the best methods to download YouTube videos on Linux, with step-by-step instructions and practical tips that actually work.
Is It Legal to Download YouTube Videos?
Before we start, let’s clear this up downloading videos directly from YouTube violates their Terms of Service unless the video is marked for offline use or you own the content.
So, use these tools responsibly mainly for personal or educational use, not for reposting or commercial purposes.
Best Tools to Download YouTube Videos on Linux
Let’s go through the top tools and commands that make YouTube downloading easy on Linux.
1. youtube-dl (Classic and Reliable)
youtube-dl is one of the most popular and powerful tools to download videos from YouTube (and hundreds of other sites). It’s a command-line utility — but once you use it, you’ll love how simple and effective it is.
Installation
You can install it easily using the terminal:
For Ubuntu/Debian-based systems:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install youtube-dl
For Fedora:
sudo dnf install youtube-dl
Or, you can install it using Python’s package manager:
sudo pip install youtube-dl
How to Use youtube-dl
Once installed, open your terminal and type:
youtube-dl <video_url>
Example:
youtube-dl https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abcd1234
This will automatically download the video in the best available quality and save it in your current directory.
Download Specific Quality or Format
If you want to download only audio or specific video formats:
- Best quality video + audio:
youtube-dl -f bestvideo+bestaudio https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abcd1234 - Audio only (MP3 format):
youtube-dl -x --audio-format mp3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abcd1234
2. yt-dlp (Modern and Faster Alternative)
yt-dlp is a modern fork of youtube-dl with better speed, bug fixes, and support for more sites. If youtube-dl ever gives you an error, yt-dlp usually works flawlessly.
Installation
For Ubuntu/Debian:
sudo apt install yt-dlp
Or, use Python:
pip install -U yt-dlp
Usage Example
yt-dlp https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abcd1234
It works just like youtube-dl — but faster and with more features.
Download Playlist
yt-dlp -o "%(playlist)s/%(title)s.%(ext)s" https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL12345
This command saves the entire playlist in a neatly organized folder.
Why I Recommend yt-dlp
- Faster downloads
- Handles new YouTube encryption updates better
- Supports subtitles, thumbnails, and metadata
- Works with many more websites
If you’re new, I’d honestly say: start with yt-dlp. It’s more modern and regularly updated.
3. ClipGrab (GUI Option)
Not everyone loves the terminal — and that’s totally fine. If you prefer a graphical interface, try ClipGrab.
Installation
For Ubuntu/Debian:
sudo apt install clipgrab
Or you can download the AppImage from the official website.
How to Use ClipGrab
- Open ClipGrab.
- Paste your YouTube video URL into the box.
- Choose your format (MP4, MP3, etc.) and quality.
- Click “Grab this clip!”
It’s simple, clean, and great for users who don’t want to touch the terminal.
4. 4K Video Downloader (Cross-Platform GUI)
If you want a more polished interface, 4K Video Downloader works on Linux too. It’s not open-source, but it’s very user-friendly.
Installation
Download the .deb package from the official 4K Video Downloader website, then install it using:
sudo dpkg -i 4kvideodownloader.deb
How to Use
- Open the app.
- Copy any YouTube video link.
- Click “Paste Link.”
- Choose quality (1080p, 4K, etc.).
- Click “Download.”
It also supports playlists and subtitles — perfect for binge-saving tutorials or documentaries.
Bonus: Download Only Audio from YouTube
If you just want to save the audio track (like for podcasts or music), here’s the quick command:
Using yt-dlp:
yt-dlp -x --audio-format mp3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abcd1234
This will extract and save only the audio in MP3 format — no video.
Best Formats to Download
When downloading, you’ll often get options like mp4, mkv, webm, or mp3.
Here’s a quick reference:
| Format | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| MP4 | Video | Most devices, balance of quality & size |
| MKV | Video | High-quality videos |
| WEBM | Video | Browser playback |
| MP3 | Audio | Music and podcasts |
| M4A | Audio | iOS or iTunes playback |
Common Errors and Fixes
If your download fails or you see an error like “ExtractorError” or “Video unavailable”, try these tips:
- Update your tool:
sudo yt-dlp -U - Check if the video is age-restricted or private.
- Use a VPN if the video is region-locked.
- Switch to another format using
-f.
Best Method for Most Users
If you want a one-line solution that works in 2025 — this is it:
sudo apt install yt-dlp
yt-dlp https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yourlink
That’s all. It’s lightweight, fast, and works across almost every major Linux distro.
Conclusion
Downloading YouTube videos on Linux is easier than ever — whether you prefer the terminal or a graphical interface.
If you want speed and flexibility, go for yt-dlp.
If you want something simple and visual, try ClipGrab or 4K Video Downloader.
No matter which tool you choose, remember to use it responsibly respect copyright laws and only download videos for personal or offline educational use.
So the next time your internet’s patchy or you want to save a tutorial for later, now you know exactly how to do it on Linux quickly, safely, and efficiently.
