this post was submitted on 24 Sep 2025
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Google just broke all third-party YT clients, including yt-dlp; a full JS implementation is now required. (github.com)
submitted 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) by DFX4509B_2@lemmy.org to c/technology@lemmy.world
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cross-posted from: https://lemmy.org/post/1872634

So, starting now, Google started mandating full JS for YT, effectively breaking all third-party clients and locking the site to their official client.

This reeks of DRM.

UPDATE: Installing Deno and installing yt-dlp through PyPi fixes yt-dlp but the very idea that Google is mandating JS to lock down YT in an attempt at pseudo-DRM is still crappy.

UPDATE #2: inv.nadeko.net is working again for now.

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[–] LiamMayfair@lemmy.sdf.org 0 points 21 hours ago (1 children)

I mean sure, OP's title is somewhat clickbaity but it's kind of true though. YouTube have broken compatibility with all existing unofficial clients. It's good that yt-dlp are managing to work around it. I expect many other clients will follow suit but some of them may be unable to install additional dependencies and remain broken.

Ultimately, what is the last straw that will break the camel's back? Every client/consumer will have their breaking point.

[–] carrylex@lemmy.world 33 points 21 hours ago* (last edited 21 hours ago) (1 children)

I mean sure, OP's title is somewhat clickbaity but it's kind of true though.

Somewhat? Did you read the issue? Here's a recap: yt-dlp will introduce a proper JS runtime in the future to better cope with YT's JS. That's it... that's the issue.

YouTube have broken compatibility with all existing unofficial clients.

[–] sugar_in_your_tea@sh.itjust.works 10 points 19 hours ago (1 children)

Yup, Grayjay still worked for me as of this morning, and that's on a build that's a month old. So either I'm not impacted by the A/B test, or it's actually not a big deal.

[–] dzsimbo@lemmy.dbzer0.com 6 points 17 hours ago

Just to give a second point of confirmation: newpipe is working.