how to set resolution in yt-dlp

Guri Bee

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20-10-2024

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Mastering Video Resolutions with yt-dlp: A Comprehensive Guide

YouTube-dlp, the powerful command-line tool for downloading YouTube videos, offers granular control over video resolution. This allows you to tailor your downloads to your needs, whether you're saving space on your device or aiming for the best possible visual quality.

Let's explore the different ways to set resolution with yt-dlp, along with practical examples and insights to optimize your downloads.

Understanding Video Resolutions

Before we dive into the specifics, let's define what we mean by resolution. It essentially refers to the number of pixels that make up the image or video. Higher resolution means more pixels, resulting in a sharper and more detailed image.

Here's a quick breakdown of common video resolutions:

• Low Resolution: 480p (640x480 pixels) - Suitable for smaller screens and low-bandwidth connections.
• Standard Resolution: 720p (1280x720 pixels) - A common choice for most devices and viewing situations.
• High Resolution: 1080p (1920x1080 pixels) - Offers excellent detail and clarity for high-definition screens.
• Ultra High Resolution: 1440p (2560x1440 pixels) and 4K (3840x2160 pixels) - Delivering stunning visuals, best suited for large screens and specific content.

Setting Resolution with yt-dlp: The Ultimate Guide

Now, let's explore the methods to control resolution using yt-dlp:

1. Using the --format Option:

This is the most flexible and comprehensive approach. You can specify the desired resolution directly using the --format option, along with other video parameters.

Example:

yt-dlp -f 137  "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ"

This command downloads the video in 1080p (1920x1080 pixels). To find the correct format code for your desired resolution, you can use yt-dlp -F "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ". This will list all available formats with their corresponding codes.

2. Utilizing the --recode-video Option:

If you need to transcode the video to a specific format (like MP4) and resolution, --recode-video comes in handy.

Example:

yt-dlp -f bestvideo --recode-video mp4 --recode-video-resolution 1920x1080 "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ"

This command downloads the best available video quality and transcodes it to MP4 with 1080p resolution.

3. Targeting Specific Resolutions:

For straightforward resolution selection, yt-dlp offers shorthand options:

• --format bestvideo - Downloads the highest available video resolution.
• --format worstvideo - Downloads the lowest available video resolution.
• --format 137+140 - Downloads the video in 1080p resolution (format code 137) and optionally with audio in the best quality (format code 140).

4. Downloading Specific Audio and Video Streams:

yt-dlp allows you to download individual audio and video streams, which can be combined later.

Example:

yt-dlp -f 137  -f 140 "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ" 

This command downloads the 1080p video (format code 137) and the highest quality audio (format code 140). You can then combine these streams using a video editing software.

Conclusion

yt-dlp provides incredible flexibility and power for managing video resolutions. By understanding the various options and using the appropriate commands, you can ensure optimal download quality tailored to your needs.

Remember to explore the vast resources available, such as the official yt-dlp documentation (https://github.com/yt-dlp/yt-dlp) and online communities, to further expand your knowledge and discover advanced techniques. Happy downloading!