Authentication#

Some content requires authentication to access. ytdlp-nodejs supports multiple authentication methods.

Using Browser Cookies#

The easiest way to authenticate is to use cookies from a browser where you're already logged in:

1await ytdlp.downloadAsync(url, {
2  cookiesFromBrowser: 'chrome', // or 'firefox', 'edge', 'safari', 'opera', 'brave'
3});

Browser Profiles#

For browsers with multiple profiles:

1await ytdlp.downloadAsync(url, {
2  cookiesFromBrowser: 'chrome:Profile 1',
3});

Using Cookie Files#

You can export cookies to a Netscape-format file and use it:

1await ytdlp.downloadAsync(url, {
2  cookies: '/path/to/cookies.txt',
3});

Exporting Cookies#

Use a browser extension like "Get cookies.txt" to export your cookies.

Username & Password#

For sites that support direct authentication:

1await ytdlp.downloadAsync(url, {
2  username: 'your_username',
3  password: 'your_password',
4});

Two-Factor Authentication#

1await ytdlp.downloadAsync(url, {
2  username: 'your_username',
3  password: 'your_password',
4  twofactor: '123456', // 2FA code
5});

Video Password#

For password-protected videos (like Vimeo):

1await ytdlp.downloadAsync(url, {
2  videoPassword: 'video_password',
3});

API Keys#

Some extractors require API keys:

1await ytdlp.downloadAsync(url, {
2  rawArgs: ['--extractor-args', 'youtube:api_key=YOUR_API_KEY'],
3});

Age-Restricted Content#

For age-restricted YouTube videos, use browser cookies from a logged-in account:

1await ytdlp.downloadAsync(url, {
2  cookiesFromBrowser: 'chrome',
3  // Alternatively, add age gate bypass
4  rawArgs: ['--extractor-args', 'youtube:skip=dash'],
5});

Troubleshooting Authentication#

"Sign in to confirm you're not a bot"#

This YouTube error requires valid cookies:

1await ytdlp.downloadAsync(url, {
2  cookiesFromBrowser: 'chrome',
3  // Force fresh cookies
4  noCacheDir: true,
5});

Cookie Permission Errors#

On some systems, you may need elevated permissions to access browser cookies. Run your script with appropriate permissions or use a cookie file instead.