Free script video · audio · local-first

Download YouTube videos straight to your desktop.

Paste a URL, pick a quality, and the file lands in your Downloads folder. Up to 1080p video, audio-only mode, and smart fallback if your requested quality isn't available. No browser extension, no upload to a third-party site.

Get the script Download Cereal (free)
Runs on your machine Free script Up to 1080p
[ how it works ]

Three steps to your file.

01 · install

Download Cereal

Free desktop app for macOS, Windows, and Linux. Under 120 MB. Auto-updates.

02 · configure

Paste the URL

Enter the YouTube URL or video ID and select your desired quality or audio-only mode.

03 · done

File saved to Downloads

The script downloads the video (and merges streams for 1080p) and saves it automatically.

[ features ]

Everything you need to save video offline.

Up to 1080p

Choose from 360p, 480p, 720p, 1080p, or BEST. The script picks the best available if your choice isn't supported.

Audio-only mode

Extract just the audio track. Useful for music, podcasts, lectures, or anything you want to listen to offline.

Smart fallback

If the requested resolution isn't available for a video, the script automatically falls back to the next highest quality.

Automatic muxing

For 1080p and BEST, separate video and audio streams are downloaded and merged seamlessly via FFmpeg.

Auto-saves to Downloads

No path configuration needed. Files are saved directly to your system Downloads folder.

Cross-platform

Works on macOS (Apple Silicon and Intel), Windows 10/11, and Linux out of the box.

[ faq ]

Questions.
Answered.

Still stuck? Ask in the Discord.

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Q/01 What quality options are available?
You can choose from 360p, 480p, 720p, 1080p, BEST (highest available), or AUDIO_ONLY. The script automatically falls back to the next highest quality if your requested resolution is not available for a specific video.
Q/02 Where are downloaded files saved?
Files are automatically saved to your Downloads folder. No configuration needed.
Q/03 Does 1080p require anything extra?
Yes. 1080p and BEST quality require FFmpeg to be installed on your system, as the script downloads separate video and audio streams and merges them. Standard resolutions (720p, 480p, 360p) and AUDIO_ONLY do not require FFmpeg.
Q/04 Can I download audio only?
Yes. Select AUDIO_ONLY mode to extract just the audio track — useful for music, podcasts, or lectures.
Q/05 Is this script free?
Yes. The YouTube Video Downloader is free. The Cereal desktop app is also free — always.

Start saving videos to your desktop.

Download Cereal free, install the YouTube Downloader, and keep any video offline in seconds.

Get the YouTube Downloader Download Cereal free