Documentation

Quick Start Guide

Open UniversalDL and paste a URL into the download bar.
Select your preferred quality and format.
Click Download and save the file to your device.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ
https://www.tiktok.com/@user/video/1234567890
https://www.instagram.com/reel/XXXXXXXX/

No-Account Download

You can download without registering. Paste a URL on the download page and UniversalDL will analyze the content instantly. The free plan supports up to 1080p quality and small batch limits.

Create an Account

Create a free account to unlock download history, batch queues, and account settings. Pro users receive higher quality limits and API access.

Install Browser Extension

The extension adds a download button directly on supported pages. Click it to open UniversalDL with the URL pre-filled.

Mobile PWA Setup

Install the PWA from your browser menu. It works offline for queued downloads and integrates with the share sheet.

Single URL Download

Single downloads analyze the URL and show available qualities. Choose a format and click Download.

Batch Downloads

Batch mode accepts pasted URLs or a text file. The queue processes items in parallel and tracks each job separately.

Quality Selection

Quality choices depend on the source platform. Pro users can select 4K and 8K when available.

Format Selection

Choose MP4, MKV, WebM, MP3, FLAC, M4A, or WAV. Server side conversion uses FFmpeg for consistent results.

Subtitle Downloads

Select subtitle languages and choose soft embed or hard burn-in. UniversalDL supports srt, vtt, and ass.

Metadata and Chapters

Embed titles, artwork, and chapters into your media files so they stay organized in media libraries.

What Are Subscriptions

Subscriptions monitor channels for new content and download items automatically.

Adding a Channel

Paste the channel URL, choose a frequency, and save. UniversalDL will track new items.

Frequency Settings

Choose hourly, daily, or weekly checks based on how often the channel updates.

Managing Subscriptions

Pause, delete, or update subscriptions from your dashboard. Duplicate content is skipped automatically.

Authentication

API access requires a Pro plan. Generate a key in Settings → API Keys.

Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY_HERE

POST /api/v1/analyze

Analyze a URL and return available formats and qualities.

curl -X POST https://universaldl.onrender.com/api/v1/analyze \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"url": "https://youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ"}'

{
  "platform": "youtube",
  "title": "Example",
  "qualities": ["4K", "1080p", "720p"],
  "formats": ["mp4", "mkv", "mp3"]
}

POST /api/v1/download

Start a download job.

curl -X POST https://universaldl.onrender.com/api/v1/download \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "url": "https://youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ",
    "quality": "best",
    "format": "mp4",
    "subtitle_language": "en",
    "subtitle_embed": false
  }'

GET /api/v1/jobs/<job_id>

Poll the status of a download job. Status values include queued, analyzing, downloading, converting, complete, failed, and cancelled.

POST /api/v1/batch

Submit multiple URLs in one request. Use GET /api/v1/queue/<batch_id> to monitor status.

GET /api/v1/history

Query params: page, per_page, platform, status.

/api/v1/subscriptions

Use GET, POST, and DELETE to manage subscription monitors.

GET /api/v1/formats

Returns all supported formats for downloads.

GET /api/v1/platforms

Returns all supported platforms with status labels.

Error Responses

Standard error format includes error and message. Common codes: missing_api_key, invalid_api_key, limit_exceeded, quality_limit, batch_limit, pro_required, validation_error.

Rate Limits

Endpoint	Limit
/api/v1/analyze	60 per minute per API key
/api/v1/download	200 per hour per API key
/api/v1/batch	20 per hour per API key
All others	300 per minute per API key

Installing on Chrome

Open the Chrome Web Store link, click Add to Chrome, and pin the extension for easy access.

Installing on Firefox

Install from the Firefox Add-ons store and allow the minimal permissions.

Using the Extension

The extension detects supported pages and opens UniversalDL with the URL already filled in.

FAQ

Check the Platforms page for status. If it shows Degraded or Down, we are already working on a fix.

Large jobs can take time to analyze. Wait a minute, then retry. If it persists, the platform might have changed its delivery.

Large files are streamed to your device. Make sure your connection is stable and avoid closing the page during download.

No. DRM protected content is intentionally blocked to respect content protection systems.

Only qualities exposed by the source platform appear. If the platform limits quality, UniversalDL cannot exceed it.

Open Batch Download, paste multiple URLs or upload a text file, and submit to the queue.

No. Files are delivered directly to your device and removed from temporary storage quickly.

UniversalDL does not log in to platforms. Private or members only content is not supported.

Yes. Use the API to analyze, download, and monitor jobs. Webhooks can notify your system on completion.

Use the Contact page and select Bug Report. Include the URL and error message if possible.

Privacy and Security

UniversalDL uses encrypted sessions, CSRF protection, and bcrypt hashing. We never store media files or sell user data.

Billing Questions

Payments are processed by Razorpay in INR. Your Pro access lasts for the full paid period.