ydl_api_ng

ydl_api_ng is a Python-based HTTP API that exposes yt-dlp functionality for automated downloading and processing of online media. It provides preset-driven configurations, a queue system, optional Redis-backed scheduling, and browser integration via a userscript.

Key Features

• REST API to enqueue and manage downloads with preset parameter files
• Full compatibility with yt-dlp options through a flexible parameter system
• Presets and parameter metadata files generated for easy customization
• Queue management with optional Redis backend for worker coordination
• Programmation (scheduling) system for recurring or timed recordings (requires Redis)
• Hooks for progress and postprocessing to run custom Python scripts during downloads
• Docker and docker-compose support plus a systemd service file for non-container deployments
• Browser userscript to trigger downloads from visited pages and integrate presets
• Configurable UID/GID for filesystem permissions and volume mappings for downloads, params and logs

Use Cases

• Archive channels, playlists, or livestreams on a schedule for media preservation
• Provide an internal API for on-demand media downloads and format extraction for other services
• Integrate browser-based download buttons for team members via the provided userscript

Limitations and Considerations

• Scheduling/programmation features require Redis to be enabled; without Redis scheduling is not available
• Precise start times for scheduled jobs have a small known timing drift (about -1 minute tolerance)
• Many postprocessing features depend on external tools (for example, ffmpeg) and a compatible yt-dlp installation
• User management is disabled by default; enabling token-based access requires additional configuration

ydl_api_ng is suited for self-hosted environments where automated, configurable media acquisition is required. It emphasizes scriptable presets, extensibility via hooks, and production-ready deployment options via Docker or systemd.