The landscape of video consumption has shifted dramatically in recent years, with local storage of videos becoming increasingly obsolete. The rise of online streaming platforms such as YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, and Hulu has transformed how audiences engage with video content. This transition can be largely attributed to the proliferation of high-speed internet, affordable subscription models, and the sheer convenience these services offer. Nevertheless, there remain instances where individuals may prefer to retain a local copy of certain videos for personal use.
Videos that serve practical purposes—such as DIY guides, cooking tutorials, installation walkthroughs, and educational courses—are often the ones users wish to store for offline access, especially when they have the creator’s consent. Additionally, some users may want to download their own YouTube videos for archiving. However, platforms like YouTube often complicate this process by providing subpar quality downloads for free, while reserving higher resolution downloads for paying subscribers. For those who only wish to download videos without needing additional features, the cost of a subscription can feel unjustified.
Seal: Download YouTube Videos On The Go
Enter Seal, an innovative Android application designed specifically for downloading YouTube videos. Built on the robust yt-dlp framework, Seal is a Kotlin-based app that operates under the GPL 3.0 license and boasts the support of over 200 contributors dedicated to maintaining its functionality. The app’s logo—a seal that seems to be judging your choices—adds a playful touch to its interface.
Using Seal is a straightforward process. Users simply paste a YouTube video link into the designated text box and click the download icon. From there, they can customize their download settings, adjusting video quality, selecting audio options, and even opting to download entire playlists, subtitles, or thumbnails. Once the initial settings are configured, a new download page appears, offering enhanced control over video and audio files, including the ability to merge different tracks into a single video. Users can also rename their videos before downloading and view or download the associated thumbnail.
In a recent test, I discovered that Seal successfully downloaded both auto-generated and uploaded subtitles for a video, allowing me to switch to the uploaded version, which was far more accurate. The app also provides a clear view of download progress, either on the main page or through the notifications panel, provided the necessary permissions are granted.
While Seal does have a limitation—it can only run one download at a time—this minor drawback is easily overlooked. The Downloads page is a useful feature for tracking your videos, and the app offers a variety of theming options, allowing users to customize the look and feel to their liking, including a dark mode for those who prefer a more subdued interface.
The settings menu includes a dedicated section for yt-dlp, where users can select auto-update frequency and update channels. Additional options, such as enabling incognito mode for download history and integrating SponsorBlock, enhance the app’s functionality.
Install Seal
The latest version of Seal can be downloaded from F-Droid, and its APK or source code is available on GitHub. For those who find value in the app, contributing to the project is a great way to support its continued development.
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