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Download a Video as MP4 with yt-dlp

Save any supported site's video to your Videos folder with a controlled filename using yt-dlp.

WindowsmediaLow risk
Run `yt-dlp -f "bv*+ba/b" --merge-output-format mp4 -o "C:\Users\me\Videos\\%(title)s.%(ext)s" "<video-url>"` to download the video as MP4.

01Command

Command
$ yt-dlp -f "bv*+ba/b" --merge-output-format mp4 -o "C:\Users\me\Videos\%(title)s.%(ext)s" "<video-url>"

02What it does

yt-dlp is the maintained command-line downloader for hundreds of video sites. The -f "bv*+ba/b" selector grabs the best video and audio streams (falling back to a combined stream), --merge-output-format mp4 repacks them into a widely compatible MP4, and the -o template names the file after the video title automatically. Updating it regularly matters, since sites change constantly.

03Risk

RiskLow risk
RequirementsRequires yt-dlp installed and on PATH; ffmpeg needed for merging separate streams. Respect site terms and copyright.
!Warning: Only download content you have the right to keep — sites' terms of service and copyright law still apply.

04Undo

✓No undo needed — this command does not change persistent state.

05Sources

  • yt-dlp README (raw)
    yt-dlp project · vendor-doc · 2026-09-17
    Evidence: Documents --merge-output-format, -f "bv*+ba/b" bestvideo+bestaudio selection and the -o output template options.
  • yt-dlp README
    yt-dlp project · vendor-doc · 2026-09-17
    Evidence: The README documents yt-dlp [OPTIONS] URL usage, -f FORMAT video selection and -o output templates such as %(title)s.%(ext)s.

Last verified: 2026-09-19 · Category: Media

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