The .netrc file is typically placed in the user's home directory. It contains information in the following format:
Windows historically uses _netrc (underscore prefix). yt-dlp attempts to check both .netrc and _netrc . Ensure your HOME environment variable is set correctly, or the application might not find the file.
machine hostname login username password secret yt-dlp --netrc
machine youtube login myemail@gmail.com password MySecretPassword123
yt-dlp looks for the file in specific locations. If you want to use a custom location, you can generally use the --netrc-location argument (though standard usage places it in the home directory). Ensure your HOME environment variable is set correctly,
Allows for hands-free downloading of premium or protected content in scripts.
The yt-dlp --netrc flag is a powerful command-line tool for managing authentication credentials across multiple websites without exposing sensitive passwords in your terminal history. By leveraging the standard UNIX .netrc format, you can automate logins for age-restricted or member-only content safely and efficiently. What is .netrc and How Does It Work with yt-dlp? Allows for hands-free downloading of premium or protected
machine <hostname> login <username> password <password>
C:\Users\ \.netrc (Note: You may need to set the %HOME% environment variable manually if it's not recognized). Standard Configuration Format