Launch YTDM
Run YTDM.bat. The main menu provides direct access to video, audio, playlist, Shorts, Links File, history, status, settings, and updates.
Choose a media mode
VideoDownloads video with the selected quality.
AudioExtracts or converts audio to the selected format.
PlaylistProcesses multiple items from a playlist URL.
ShortsDownloads YouTube Shorts through the dedicated workflow.
Paste a supported URL
Copy a media URL, paste it into YTDM, and follow the prompts for quality, format, or browser-cookie use when applicable.
Follow progress
The Download Center shows the current operation, media information, progress, speed, elapsed time, and the final result.
Open the result
Completed files are saved to the configured download location. Use Download History to review recent activity or play the latest media with ffplay.