Self-host ydl_api_ng
REST API server for yt-dlp video and audio downloads
- Stars
- 240
- Port
- 80 (HTTP API)
- Requires
- Ffmpeg, Python 3, Yt-dlp
totonyus/ydl_api_ng
What is ydl_api_ng?
ydl_api_ng is a self-hosted web server that exposes a REST API for yt-dlp, the popular command-line video downloader. It supports downloading from any site yt-dlp supports, with features like multiple download queues, scheduled recordings (programmation), customizable hooks for post-processing, and a userscript for one-click downloads from the browser. It runs via Docker Compose (recommended) or as a systemd service on bare metal, and uses Redis for queue management and scheduling. The API accepts GET and POST requests with presets for common formats (audio, HD, SD, etc.) and allows full yt-dlp parameter customization.
Should you self-host ydl_api_ng?
ydl_api_ng scores 46/100 on selfhost.directory (how scoring works) and ranks #33 of 45 in Download Management. It has 240 GitHub stars.
There was no stable release in the past 12 months, so check the repository's recent activity before you rely on it.
Setup is moderate: expect some configuration beyond a single command. An official Docker image is available. It is GPL-3.0-licensed and written mostly in Python.
Its closest alternative on selfhost.directory is cobalt (83/100, 45 584 stars). It scores higher overall, so compare the two before you pick. See ydl_api_ng vs cobalt side by side.
Features
- Batch Downloads
- Browser userscript
- Cookie Management
- Custom Hooks
- iOS shortcut
- Preset system
- Queue Management
- REST API
- Scheduled downloads (programmation)Requires Redis
- Token-based authenticationDisabled by default in Docker config
ydl_api_ng README
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