Pinchflat

Pinchflat is a self-hosted web app for managing and automating downloads of YouTube content. It uses yt-dlp under the hood, runs as a lightweight single-container service, and saves media to disk for use with external players or media servers.

Key Features

• Rule-based downloading from YouTube channels and playlists with periodic checks for new content
• Flexible naming and directory templates to organize files to your preferences
• Web UI with presets for quick setup and day-to-day management
• Supports audio-only downloads and handling rules for Shorts and livestreams
• Integration options for media centers such as Plex, Jellyfin, and Kodi via local files
• Optional RSS feed endpoints for podcast apps
• Notifications via Apprise
• SponsorBlock integration
• Advanced options for custom yt-dlp arguments and lifecycle scripts
• Optional retention controls such as scheduled re-downloads and automatic deletion of old media

Use Cases

• Build and maintain an offline archive of channels or playlists
• Keep a media server library updated with newly published YouTube content
• Generate audio feeds for podcast-style consumption in a podcast app

Limitations and Considerations

• Not intended for watching content in-app; it focuses on downloading and organizing files on disk
• SQLite performance and reliability can be impacted if the config directory is placed on certain network shares

Pinchflat is a good fit when you want hands-off, rules-driven YouTube downloading with predictable file organization. It prioritizes a simple deployment model and interoperability with existing media workflows.