Frequently Asked Questions

What is Yout Desktop?

Yout Desktop is a format shifting application for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It lets you convert media from over 1,000 websites into formats like MP3, MP4, WAV, FLAC, and more, directly on your computer.

How does it work?

Paste a URL or search for content, choose your desired output format and quality, then click go. The format shifting happens directly on your computer — the file is saved to your chosen folder.

Is Yout Desktop free?

Yes, Yout Desktop is free to download and use. Free users can format shift at standard quality (128kbps audio, 360p video). Pro and Ultra subscriptions unlock higher quality output, playlist support, and more formats.

Do I need a Yout.com account?

Yes, you will need to create a free account at yout.com or sign up directly in the app. Your account syncs your subscription status across web and desktop.

How is this different from the Yout.com website?

The website processes media on our servers. Yout Desktop processes everything locally on your computer, giving you more format options, faster processing for large files, and support for over 1,000 sites instead of just a handful.

What sites are supported?

Over 1,000 sites including YouTube, SoundCloud, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter/X, Facebook, Vimeo, Twitch, Bandcamp, Dailymotion, Reddit, and many more. See the full list.

What audio formats are supported?

MP3, WAV, FLAC, AAC, OGG, M4A, WMA, OPUS, and AIFF.

What video formats are supported?

MP4, WebM, MKV, AVI, MOV, FLV, and 3GP.

What quality levels are available?

Free: 128kbps audio, 360p video. Pro: 320kbps audio, up to 8K video, best-available option. Ultra: same as Pro with batch playlist processing.

Can I format shift entire playlists?

Yes. Pro users can format shift playlist items one by one. Ultra users can batch format shift an entire playlist with one click.

What operating systems are supported?

Windows 10+, macOS 11 (Big Sur)+, and Linux (Ubuntu 20.04+, Fedora 34+, Arch, and other modern distributions). All require 64-bit.

How much disk space does it need?

The application itself requires about 200 MB. Format shifted files are saved to your chosen folder and their size depends on the content and format selected.

How do I update the app?

Yout Desktop checks for updates automatically when you open it. If an update is available, it will prompt you to download the latest version. You can also re-download from this page at any time.

What is clipboard monitoring?

When enabled, Yout Desktop watches your clipboard. If you copy a URL from a supported site in any application, the app detects it and automatically starts the format shifting process with your default settings.

How many format shifts can run at once?

Up to 3 concurrent format shifts by default. You can adjust this in settings based on your system's capabilities.

Does it work offline?

An internet connection is required to access the source media. The format shifting process itself happens locally on your computer.

Do I need a separate subscription for the desktop app?

No. Your existing Yout.com Pro or Ultra subscription works with the desktop app. Just log in with the same account.

How many devices can I use?

You can use Yout Desktop on up to 5 devices with the same account.

Can I cancel anytime?

Yes. You can cancel your subscription at any time from your account page. You'll retain Pro/Ultra access until the end of your billing period.

A site isn't working. What do I do?

First, make sure the app is up to date (check Settings > Updates). If the issue persists, the site may have changed its format. Updates are released regularly to fix compatibility.

Format shifting is slow. What can I do?

Speed depends on your internet connection and the source site's servers. Try reducing the number of concurrent shifts in settings. For video, lower quality selections will be faster.

I get an error when format shifting. Why?

Common causes: the URL is private or requires login, the content has been removed, or the site has changed its format. Make sure the content is publicly accessible and try updating the app.