How to download YouTube videos and playlists
Download a YouTube video
- 1
Paste a YouTube video URL
Open PulseDL Home and paste any standard YouTube link (watch, Shorts, or share URL). PulseDL analyzes available video and audio streams directly in your browser.
- 2
Choose format and quality
Select MP4 or WebM for video, or extract audio as MP3, AAC, or WAV. Choose your preferred resolution (360p up to 1080p for guests, up to 4K for registered accounts when the source provides a compatible stream).
- 3
Start the download and save the file
Click Download. PulseDL processes the download and keeps you updated on its progress. When it finishes, save the file to your device.
Download a YouTube playlist
- 1
Open Playlist Analyzer
Navigate to Playlist Analyzer and paste any public or unlisted YouTube playlist URL to load the full item listing.
- 2
Select videos and formats
Review episode titles, durations, and size estimates. Check the specific videos you wish to download and pick your output format.
- 3
Start the download and recover from History
Initiate bulk download. Server background jobs run independently of page refreshes, allowing you to recover completed files from History at any time.
Supported features and limits
At a glance
Guest and registered limits for formats, quality, and recovery. Compare Guest and Registered.
- Install required
- No — runs in the browser
- Guest quality limit
- Up to 1080p (no account needed)
- Registered quality limit
- Up to 2160p (4K)
- Playlist features
- Playlist analyzer, video selection, and bulk download
- Supported formats
- Video: MP4 and WebM · Audio: MP3, AAC, and WAV
- If you refresh
- Downloads continue on the server; recover completed files from History
- Account required
- Not required for guest downloads up to 1080p
- Responsible use
- Only download content you are authorized to download — see Terms
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Install required | No — runs in the browser |
| Guest quality limit | Up to 1080p (no account needed) |
| Registered quality limit | Up to 2160p (4K) |
| Playlist features | Playlist analyzer, video selection, and bulk download |
| Supported formats | Video: MP4 and WebM · Audio: MP3, AAC, and WAV |
| If you refresh | Downloads continue on the server; recover completed files from History |
| Account required | Not required for guest downloads up to 1080p |
| Responsible use | Only download content you are authorized to download — see Terms |
Frequently asked questions
Responsible use
Whether a download is permitted depends on the content, your rights to use it, the platform’s terms, and applicable law. Only download content you are authorized to download — for example your own uploads, material you have permission to save, Creative Commons content, or other uses allowed where you live. This is not legal advice. See Terms of Service and our Copyright page.