How to use the command "ytfzf" (with examples)

Introduction

In this article, we will explore the various use cases of the ytfzf command, a POSIX script that enables users to find and download videos and music. With its versatility and ease of use, ytfzf provides a seamless experience for searching, selecting, and downloading media content from YouTube and PeerTube platforms. By examining each use case, we will gain a deep understanding of how to leverage ytfzf’s features effectively.

Use Case 1: Search for videos on YouTube with thumbnail previews

Code:

ytfzf --show-thumbnails search_pattern

Motivation:

ytfzf’s --show-thumbnails option allows users to search for videos on YouTube and preview their respective thumbnails. This feature helps users quickly identify and choose the video they want to watch or download.

Explanation:

• --show-thumbnails: This flag enables the thumbnail preview feature while searching for videos on YouTube.
• search_pattern: This is the query string used to search for videos on YouTube.

Example Output:

[1/20] ➤ Download -> Discovering questions - by Alain de Botton (1/3)
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╖
│ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-dj4EkjBz0                                     ║
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╜

[2/20] ➤ Download -> Discovering questions - by Alain de Botton (2/3)
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╖
│ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-bj4E2jBz0                                     ║
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╜

...

Use Case 2: Play only the audio of the first item in a loop

Code:

ytfzf --audio-only --auto-select --loop search_pattern

Motivation:

With ytfzf’s --audio-only option, users can extract and loop the audio of a video without playing its video content. This feature is particularly useful when users wish to listen to music or podcasts continuously.

Explanation:

• --audio-only: This flag instructs ytfzf to only play the audio of the selected video.
• --auto-select: This option automatically selects the first video in the search results.
• --loop: This flag tells ytfzf to repeat playing the audio in a loop.
• search_pattern: This is the query string used to search for videos on YouTube.

Example Output:

Playing audio of: Discovering questions - by Alain de Botton (1/3)
[YouTube] 3-dj4EkjBz0: Downloading webpage

Use Case 3: Download a video from the history

Code:

ytfzf --download --choose-from-history

Motivation:

With ytfzf, users can easily retrieve videos previously searched for and quickly download them. The --choose-from-history option provides a convenient mechanism for selecting videos from the search history.

Explanation:

• --download: This flag initiates the downloading process of the chosen video.
• --choose-from-history: This option displays the search history, allowing users to choose a video for download.

Example Output:

HISTORY:
[1/3] ➤ Discovering questions - by Alain de Botton
[2/3] ➤ React Conf 2019 - Day 1
[3/3] ➤ Documenting Decentralization
Choose from history: 1
Downloading video: Discovering questions - by Alain de Botton
[YouTube] 3-dj4EkjBz0: Downloading webpage

Use Case 4: Play all the music found in a search

Code:

ytfzf --audio-only --select-all search_pattern

Motivation:

With ytfzf’s --audio-only option, users can listen to all the music found in a search without having to manually select each video. This feature provides a streamlined listening experience, especially when searching for an artist or playlist.

Explanation:

• --audio-only: This flag instructs ytfzf to play only the audio of the selected videos.
• --select-all: This option selects all the videos found in the search results.
• search_pattern: This is the query string used to search for videos on YouTube.

Example Output:

Playing audio of: Discovering questions - by Alain de Botton (1/3)
[YouTube] 3-dj4EkjBz0: Downloading webpage

Playing audio of: React Conf 2019 - Day 1 (2/3)
[YouTube] s_KoBIvwj7E: Downloading webpage

Playing audio of: Documenting Decentralization (3/3)
[YouTube] xKP3dBRDook: Downloading webpage

Use Case 5: See the trending videos in an external menu

Code:

ytfzf --trending --ext-menu search_pattern

Motivation:

With the --trending option in ytfzf, users can explore the currently trending videos on YouTube. The --ext-menu flag activates an external menu that showcases the trending videos, allowing users to select and watch any video.

Explanation:

• --trending: This flag informs ytfzf to search for trending videos on YouTube.
• --ext-menu: This option activates an external menu that showcases the trending videos retrieved by ytfzf.
• search_pattern: This is the query string used to search for videos on YouTube.

Example Output:

(Request returned 2019-10-31 12:00:01)
1. Discovering questions - by Alain de Botton
2. React Conf 2019 - Day 1
3. Documenting Decentralization

Choose video (1-3)[q for quit]: 2
[YouTube] s_KoBIvwj7E: Downloading webpage

Use Case 6: Search on PeerTube instead of YouTube

Code:

ytfzf --peertube search_pattern

Motivation:

ytfzf supports alternative media platforms like PeerTube, making it flexible for users who prefer searching and downloading content from platforms other than YouTube. By utilizing the --peertube option, users can expand their search to PeerTube videos.

Explanation:

• --peertube: This flag instructs ytfzf to search for videos on the PeerTube platform.
• search_pattern: This is the query string used to search for videos on PeerTube.

Example Output:

[1/3] ➤ Video: Discovering questions - by Alain de Botton
[2/3] ➤ Video: React Conf 2019 - Day 1
[3/3] ➤ Video: Documenting Decentralization

Conclusion

In this article, we explored the various use cases of the ytfzf command, a versatile tool for finding and downloading videos and music. With its comprehensive set of options, ytfzf enables users to search for videos with thumbnail previews, extract audio-only for continuous playback, download videos from the search history, play all music found in a search, explore trending videos, and search on alternative platforms like PeerTube. By mastering the various functionalities of ytfzf, users can effortlessly enhance their video and music consumption experience.