Reference
Where Does yt-dlp Download To?
yt-dlp downloads to your current working directory by default. Here's how to find exactly where your files went and how to change the destination.
Updated 2026-06-13
Short answer: yt-dlp saves to the current working directory — the folder your terminal is in when you run the command. It does not use your system Downloads folder by default.
How to see your current folder
# Windows
cd
# macOS / Linux
pwdWhatever path that prints is where your last download landed (unless you set -P or -o).
Print where a file was saved
Add --print after_move:filepath to have yt-dlp tell you the exact final path:
yt-dlp --print after_move:filepath "<URL>"Change the destination
yt-dlp -P "~/Videos" "<URL>"For full filename control and subfolders, use an output template — see yt-dlp download location and default download location.
Make a folder the permanent default
Put a -P line in your config file so every download goes there without typing it.
Frequently asked questions
Does yt-dlp use the Downloads folder?+
No. It uses the current working directory unless you specify -P or -o. You can set your Downloads folder as a permanent default via the config file.
I can't find my downloaded file — where is it?+
Run pwd (macOS/Linux) or cd (Windows) in the same terminal to see the folder, or re-run with --print after_move:filepath.
Can yt-dlp put videos into per-channel subfolders?+
Yes, with an output template like -o "%(uploader)s/%(title)s.%(ext)s".