Pytube is an excellent Python library for downloading YouTube videos, but have you ever encountered an issue where it only downloads videos in 360p resolution? If yes, then you’re in the right place! In this article, we’ll dive into the reasons behind this limitation and provide you with step-by-step instructions to resolve the issue and download videos in higher resolutions.
Why is Pytube Downloading Only 360p Resolution?
Before we dive into the solution, let’s understand why Pytube might be downloading only 360p resolution videos. There are a few reasons for this:
- Limited Availability of Higher Resolutions: Not all YouTube videos have higher resolutions available for download. Some videos might only have 360p or lower resolutions, which Pytube will download by default.
- YouTube’s Download Restrictions: YouTube has strict policies against downloading videos, and it might block or limit downloads of higher resolutions to prevent copyright infringement.
- Pytube’s default settings are configured to download the lowest available resolution to conserve bandwidth and storage space.
How to Force Pytube to Download Higher Resolutions
To download higher resolutions using Pytube, you’ll need to modify the library’s default settings and specify the desired resolution. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Install Pytube and Import Necessary Modules
pip install pytube
Import the necessary modules:
from pytube import YouTube
Step 2: Create a YouTube Object and Specify the Video URL
yt = YouTube('https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ')
Replace the video URL with the one you want to download.
Step 3: Get the Available Stream Resolutions
streams = yt.streams.filter(progressive=True)
for stream in streams:
print(stream.resolution, stream.itag)
This code will print a list of available stream resolutions and their corresponding itags. Note down the itag of the desired resolution.
Step 4: Specify the Desired Resolution and Download the Video
stream = yt.streams.get_by_itag(137) # Replace 137 with the desired itag
stream.download()
Replace the itag with the one corresponding to the desired resolution. Pytube will now download the video in the specified resolution.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you’re still facing issues, here are some common troubleshooting steps:
Issue 1: Pytube Fails to Download Higher Resolutions
Solution:
yt.streams.filter(progressive=True, resolution='1080p')
This code will filter the available streams to only show 1080p resolution. If the desired resolution is not available, Pytube will raise an error.
Issue 2: Pytube Downloads Wrong Resolution
Solution:
stream = yt.streams.get_by_resolution('1080p')
This code will directly specify the desired resolution, ensuring that Pytube downloads the correct resolution.
Conclusion
Pytube downloading only 360p resolution can be a frustrating issue, but with the right approach, you can easily resolve it. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can force Pytube to download higher resolutions and enjoy high-quality videos. Remember to always respect YouTube’s terms of service and copyright laws when downloading videos.
| Resolution | iTag |
|---|---|
| 144p | 17 |
| 240p | 36 |
| 360p | 137 |
| 480p | 248 |
| 720p | 136 |
| 1080p | 248 |
| 1440p | 271 |
| 2160p | 136 |
This table lists some common resolutions and their corresponding itags. You can use this table to specify the desired resolution when downloading videos using Pytube.
Additional Tips and Tricks
Here are some additional tips and tricks to get the most out of Pytube:
- Use the Latest Version of Pytube: Ensure you’re using the latest version of Pytube, as it often includes bug fixes and new features.
- Check YouTube’s Download Restrictions: Be aware of YouTube’s download restrictions and terms of service to avoid getting your IP blocked.
- Use a VPN: Consider using a VPN to download videos, especially if you’re downloading copyrighted content.
- Monitor Your Internet Connection: Ensure a stable internet connection to avoid download interruptions.
By following these tips and tricks, you can maximize Pytube’s potential and download high-quality videos with ease.
Final Thoughts
Pytube downloading only 360p resolution is a common issue, but with the right approach, you can overcome it. By understanding the reasons behind the limitation and following the step-by-step guide, you can force Pytube to download higher resolutions and enjoy high-quality videos. Remember to always respect YouTube’s terms of service and copyright laws when downloading videos.
Happy downloading!
Frequently Asked Question
Having trouble with Pytube downloading only 360p resolution? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Check out these frequently asked questions to troubleshoot the issue.
Why is Pytube only downloading 360p resolution videos?
Pytube might be defaulting to the lowest available resolution due to the video’s streaming quality or your internet connection. Try checking the video’s streaming quality and your internet speed to ensure they’re stable and fast enough to support higher resolutions.
How can I specify the video resolution in Pytube?
You can specify the video resolution by using the `filter` function in Pytube. For example, `yt.streams.filter(res=”1080p”).first()` will download the video in 1080p resolution. Make sure to check the available resolutions for the video using `yt.streams` before specifying the resolution.
What if the video doesn’t have the desired resolution available?
If the video doesn’t have the desired resolution available, Pytube will default to the highest available resolution. You can check the available resolutions using `yt.streams` and choose the best available option.
Can I download videos in 4K resolution using Pytube?
Yes, you can download videos in 4K resolution using Pytube, but make sure the video has 4K resolution available and your internet connection is fast enough to support the download. Also, be aware that 4K resolution videos can be very large, so ensure you have enough storage space available.
Is it possible to increase the download speed of Pytube?
Yes, you can increase the download speed of Pytube by optimizing your internet connection, closing other resource-intensive applications, and using a faster download method, such as the `stream.on_progress` method. You can also consider using a faster download library, such as `pytube.dl`, which is designed for faster downloads.
