A Windows GUI for yt-dlp and FFmpeg with cloud sync, queue processing, and advanced preprocessing.
Medio is a graphical frontend for yt-dlp and FFmpeg that wraps these open-source command-line tools in an accessible Windows interface. It handles video downloads, audio extraction, playlist processing, and provides cloud-synced settings, a batch queue, and an audio processing pipeline on top of the core tools.
- Video Downloads: Download videos in MP4, MKV, AVI, WEBM, WMV, MOV, FLV at resolutions from 144p to 4320p
- Audio Extraction: Extract audio as MP3, FLAC, OGG, OPUS, WAV, M4A, AAC, WMA at bitrates from 32k to 320k
- 1000+ Supported Platforms: Download from all yt-dlp supported platforms
- Playlist Processing (Premium): Batch-download playlists and mixes from supported platforms
- Queue System: Sequential automated downloads with configurable concurrency
- Hardware Acceleration: GPU encoding via NVIDIA NVENC, AMD AMF, or Intel QuickSync
- Guest Mode: Use Medio without signing in with local storage for settings, history, and stats
- Audio Processing (Premium): Pitch/speed adjustment, studio-quality enhancement, remastered audio processing, reverb, echo, bass boost, 8D audio, vaporwave
- SponsorBlock (Premium): Skip or mark sponsored segments in YouTube videos
- Taskbar Integration: Real-time progress in the Windows taskbar
- Cloud Sync: Settings, statistics, and history sync across devices when signed in through Arctisoft Hub
- Privacy Control: Optionally disable download history tracking
A wide range of video and audio formats are supported:
- Video Formats:
MP4,MKV,AVI,WEBM,WMV,MOV,FLV - Audio Formats:
MP3,FLAC,OGG,OPUS,WAV,M4A,AAC,WMA
Medio lets you choose from various video and audio quality options:
- Video Quality Options:
4320p,2160p,1440p,1080p,720p,480p,360p,240p,144p - Audio Quality Options:
320k,256k,160k,128k,96k,64k,48k,32k
Medio uses ffmpeg to recode audio, ensuring the final file matches your selected quality down to 32 kbps if needed. When your selected quality isn't available on the source platform, Medio automatically selects the highest available quality for the unavailable option.
Note on URL Validation: YouTube URLs are validated quickly, while other platforms require a dual-layer validation process combining standard verification with additional media detection, which may take a few extra seconds.
- System Requirements
- Third-Party Libraries
- License Options and Benefits
- Privacy and Data Storage
- Authentication and Account Setup
- Getting Started Guide
- Advanced Settings
- Download Status Guide
- Hardware Acceleration
- Responsible Use
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Screenshots
- Operating System: Windows 10 (64-bit) version 1809 or later
- Processor: Intel Core i3-8100 or AMD Ryzen 3 2200G with 4 cores at 3.0 GHz
- RAM: 8 GB
- Graphics: DirectX 11 compatible graphics card with integrated graphics acceptable
- Storage: 800 MB of free disk space plus additional space for downloads
- Software: .NET 10.0 Runtime (Download) - Not required as application is self-contained
- Internet: Stable broadband connection (5 Mbps or faster)
- Operating System: Windows 10/11 (64-bit) version 21H2 or later
- Processor: Intel Core i5-10400 or AMD Ryzen 5 3600 with 6 cores, 3.6 GHz or higher
- RAM: 16 GB or higher
- Graphics: Dedicated GPU with hardware acceleration support
- NVIDIA: GTX 1060 or RTX 2060 or newer with NVENC support
- AMD: RX 580 or RX 6600 or newer with AMF support
- Intel: Arc A380 or newer with QuickSync support, integrated Iris Xe graphics acceptable
- Storage: 1 GB of free disk space on SSD plus additional space for downloads
- Software: .NET 10.0 Runtime (Download) - Not required as application is self-contained
- Internet: High-speed broadband connection (25 Mbps or faster)
Note: Medio is designed exclusively for Windows. While the software may function on Linux through compatibility tools like Bottles, full compatibility is not guaranteed. Visual differences may occur due to missing Windows fonts (e.g., Verdana). The .NET 10.0 Runtime is bundled directly in the installer, allowing Medio to start immediately without requiring separate installation.
Medio uses two main third-party libraries to handle media processing and downloads: FFmpeg and yt-dlp.
FFmpeg is a multimedia framework that handles video, audio, and other media files. It takes care of format conversion and media encoding/decoding. Medio automatically checks for and installs the latest FFmpeg version to ensure everything works smoothly.
- Website: FFmpeg Official Website
- License: FFmpeg is licensed under the LGPL or GPL, depending on the configuration and features used.
yt-dlp is an open-source command-line tool for downloading videos from various platforms. Medio interfaces with yt-dlp as an external dependency to handle content extraction and downloads from a wide range of sources. Medio does not modify, redistribute, or replace yt-dlp - it simply invokes the tool as a separate process. This library is automatically updated to stay compatible with the latest website changes.
- Website: yt-dlp GitHub Repository
- License: yt-dlp is licensed under the Unlicense, allowing free use, distribution, and modification.
For more details about FFmpeg and yt-dlp, including their capabilities and licensing, check their official documentation:
- FFmpeg Documentation: FFmpeg Documentation
- yt-dlp Documentation: yt-dlp Documentation
If you have questions or issues related to these libraries, please open an issue on GitHub.
Medio offers two license tiers:
- Basic (Free): All 1000+ supported platforms, single downloads only (no playlists), 1440p max resolution, unlimited download speed
- Premium (€7.99 one-time): Everything in Basic plus playlist downloads, 4K/8K, audio processing, advanced codecs, and extended history
Premium is activated through Arctisoft Studio Hub. Each Arctisoft Studio application uses its own independent license key - purchase a Premium license for Medio to unlock all Premium features.
| Feature | Basic | Premium |
|---|---|---|
| SUPPORTED PLATFORMS | ||
| All 1000+ yt-dlp supported platforms | ✔ | ✔ |
| Playlist downloads | – | ✔ |
| VIDEO & AUDIO QUALITY | ||
| Video quality up to 1440p (QHD) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Video quality up to 4K and 8K (4320p) | – | ✔ |
| All audio bitrates (32kbps - 320kbps) | ✔ | ✔ |
| All video formats (MP4, MKV, AVI, WEBM, WMV, MOV, FLV) | ✔ | ✔ |
| All audio formats (MP3, FLAC, OGG, OPUS, WAV, M4A, AAC, WMA) | ✔ | ✔ |
| DOWNLOAD PERFORMANCE | ||
| Download speed | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Simultaneous downloads in queue | Up to 3 | Up to 20 |
| Hardware-accelerated conversion (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) | ✔ | ✔ |
| ENCODING OPTIONS | ||
| Automatic metadata embedding (title, artist, album art) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Audio normalization (5 modes) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Video codec selection (H.264 only / All codecs) | H.264 only | H.264, H.265, VP8, VP9, AV1, MPEG-4 |
| Two-pass encoding for improved quality | – | ✔ |
| AUDIO PROCESSING | ||
| Audio pitch adjustment (0.25x - 2.0x) | – | ✔ |
| Audio speed adjustment (0.25x - 2.0x) | – | ✔ |
| Audio enhancement (studio quality processing) | – | ✔ |
| Remastered audio processing | – | ✔ |
| Creative FX (Reverb, Echo, Bass Boost, 8D Audio, Vaporwave) | – | ✔ |
| ADVANCED FEATURES | ||
| SponsorBlock ad-skipper for YouTube | – | ✔ |
| Subtitle extraction | ✔ | ✔ |
| Geo-bypass for region-locked content | ✔ | ✔ |
| CLOUD & PROFILE SYNC | ||
| Cloud-synced settings | ✔ | ✔ |
| Cross-device profile synchronization | ✔ | ✔ |
| Download history | 60 entries (2 pages) | 300 entries (10 pages) |
| Device limit | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| PRICE | Free | €7.99 (one-time) |
Each Arctisoft Studio application uses its own independent license key. Purchase a Premium license for Medio through the Hub to unlock all Premium features.
Multiple payment methods are accepted including Card, Klarna, EPS, Bancontact and iDEAL. Since licenses are digital products, refunds are generally not available once the key has been delivered. However, if you encounter any issues during the activation process, please don't hesitate to reach out for assistance.
Medio uses a hybrid architecture that supports both cloud sync and local-only operation. When signed in through Arctisoft Hub, data syncs to the cloud. In guest mode, all data is stored locally on your device.
How It Works:
- Guest Mode: Launch Medio without signing in. Settings, history, and stats are stored locally on your device.
- Signed In (Basic): Sign in through Arctisoft Hub. Your data syncs to the cloud and is accessible from any device.
- Signed In (Premium): Everything in Basic plus playlist downloads, advanced encoding, audio processing, and extended history.
Why Cloud Storage?
Since internet connectivity is required for downloads anyway, cloud storage adds valuable benefits without additional overhead:
- Data Persistence: Your settings, statistics, and progress are safely stored even if you reinstall Windows
- Zero Configuration: No manual backups or exports needed - everything is automatic
- Cross-Device Sync: Signed-in users can seamlessly switch between devices without reconfiguring
- Gamification: Track your level, experience points, and ranks persistently
Medio stores the following data in your cloud profile:
Always Stored (regardless of privacy settings):
- Statistics: Total downloads (video count, audio count), total megabytes processed
- Progress System: Experience points (XP), current level, ranks
- Last Download Title: Title of your most recent download (for dashboard display)
- License Status: Current license type (Basic or Premium)
- Avatar: Profile picture if you've uploaded one
- General Settings: Buffer size, video/audio format preference, video/audio quality preference
- Advanced Settings: Hardware acceleration, download speed limit, download history tracking, audio normalization level, metadata embedding, video codec, video audio codec, two-pass encoding, deinterlace, audio pitch, audio speed, audio enhancement, creative FX, SponsorBlock, geo-bypass, subtitle mode, FFmpeg preset/CRF/threads, concurrent fragments, retries, timeout
Conditionally Stored (controlled by privacy setting):
- Download History: Complete list of URLs, titles, and dates - only stored when "Track and Save Downloads in History" is enabled
What is NOT Stored:
- Personal identifying information (name, address, phone number)
- Payment details (handled externally, not stored by Medio)
- Downloaded file content (only metadata is tracked)
- Browsing activity outside of Medio
- Device location beyond country-level (used for license management only)
Note: Your email address is used as your account login identifier and is stored for authentication purposes.
You have control over whether Medio tracks detailed download history:
History Tracking Disabled:
- New downloads do NOT create history entries
- No URLs or video titles are stored beyond the "last download" field
- The History tab will not populate with new entries
- Statistics (total counts, megabytes) continue to update
History Tracking Enabled (Default):
- Each download creates a detailed history entry with URL, title, and timestamp
- View your complete download history in the History tab
- Search and filter past downloads
- Right-click to delete individual entries
To Disable History Tracking: Settings → Advanced → "Track and Save Downloads in History" → Set to Disabled
Note: Even with history tracking disabled, basic statistics (total downloads, megabytes, XP) are still tracked for the progress system. History tracking specifically controls whether individual download URLs and titles are stored.
Deleting Your Data:
- Individual History Entries: Right-click any entry in the History tab → Delete
- Complete Account Deletion: Navigate to Settings → scroll to "Delete Account" button → confirm twice
What Happens When Deleted:
- All cloud data is permanently removed
- You can sign in again to create a fresh profile
- Downloaded files on your local device are NOT affected
Medio supports two modes of operation: Guest Mode for immediate local use and Hub Sign-In for cloud sync and Premium features.
Launch Medio without signing in to use it immediately. In guest mode:
- All settings, history, and statistics are stored locally on your device
- All 1000+ supported platforms are available for single downloads
- No account or internet connection is required beyond the download itself
To unlock cloud sync and Premium features, sign in through Arctisoft Hub:
- Install Arctisoft Hub and sign in or create an account
- Open Medio - it detects your Hub session automatically
- Your cloud profile loads, syncing settings, statistics, and history
On Additional Devices:
- Install Arctisoft Hub and sign in with the same account
- Open Medio - your profile syncs automatically from the cloud
- All settings, history, and statistics are available on the new device
Important Notes:
- Basic License: Cloud profile syncs across all your devices. Settings, history, and statistics are always accessible when signed in.
- Premium License: Everything in Basic plus playlist downloads, advanced encoding, audio processing, and extended history.
- Profile Persistence: All profiles are retained until the user manually deletes their account.
What Gets Synchronized:
- All settings and preferences
- Download statistics (total videos, audios, megabytes)
- Experience points, level, and ranks
- Download history (if tracking is enabled)
- Avatar and customizations
Follow these steps to start downloading content:
-
Open the Settings Menu
- Launch Medio and go to the
Settingstab.
- Launch Medio and go to the
-
Configure Privacy (Optional)
- Go to the
Advancedtab in Settings - Disable History Tracking: Set "Track and Save Downloads in History" to Disabled if you don't want URLs/titles stored
- Note: Statistics (total downloads, MB) are always tracked for the experience system
- Go to the
-
Set Your Other Preferences
- Format: Choose your preferred video or audio format for downloads.
- Buffer Size: Adjust buffer settings for optimal performance.
- Advanced Settings: Configure GPU selection, download speed limits, audio normalization, metadata embedding, and codec preferences.
-
Access the Downloader
- Go to the Downloader tab in the sidebar.
-
Select Download Type
- Choose whether to download the video or extract only the audio from your URL.
-
Enter the URL
- Paste the video link into the input field at the top of the Downloader page.
- Note: YouTube URLs validate quickly, while other platforms may take a few extra seconds.
-
Configure Download Options
-
Save Location:
- Click the folder icon (📁) next to the directory path field to select where files are saved.
- By default, a folder named
Mediois created and used for downloads, but you can choose any location you prefer. - For playlists, consider creating a dedicated folder to keep files organized.
-
File Name:
- Enter a custom name in the
Title your Videofield. - For playlists, original video titles are used automatically.
- Enter a custom name in the
-
Select Quality:
- Choose your preferred resolution from the available options. Lower quality means smaller file sizes.
-
-
Initiate the Download
- Click the
Start Downloadbutton to begin. - Monitor Progress: Check the progress in the upper-right corner. The process includes:
- Loading Tools – Medio is initializing required components
- Building Command – Assembling command arguments for yt-dlp and FFmpeg based on your settings
- Downloading – Displays live download progress, including speed and segment information
- Converting – Shows conversion progress, including conversion speed and video duration
- Click the
Note: If you enter an unsupported URL, the software will show an Unsupported Link or Content Blocked status. Files with the same name and format in the specified download path will be automatically skipped. If the status shows Network Error, the download was interrupted due to a lost internet connection. For successful downloads, especially complete playlists, ensure your internet connection is stable.
The Advanced Settings panel provides granular control over download and conversion parameters:
Download Configuration:
- Quality selection (144p–4320p video, 32k–320k audio)
- Download speed limit (1 MB/s to unlimited)
- Hardware acceleration (NVIDIA NVENC, AMD AMF, Intel QuickSync, CPU-only)
- Network tuning: concurrent fragments (1–16), retries (5–Infinite), timeout (15–300s)
- Buffer size (1024–32768 KB)
- Geo-bypass for region-locked content
- Subtitle extraction (Disabled, English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Chinese, All Languages)
- Download history tracking toggle
Encoding Options:
- Video codec: H.264 (Basic) / H.264, H.265, VP8, VP9, AV1, MPEG-4 (Premium)
- Video audio codec: Auto, AAC, MP3, Opus, Copy
- FFmpeg presets (Ultrafast–Veryslow), CRF quality (18–35 or Auto), thread count
- Two-pass encoding (Premium)
- Deinterlace (Disabled, Auto, Force)
- Metadata embedding (thumbnails, title, artist)
- Audio normalization (5 intensity levels)
Audio Processing (Premium):
- Pitch adjustment (0.25x–2.0x)
- Speed adjustment (0.25x–2.0x)
- Audio enhancement (studio quality processing)
- Remastered audio processing
- Creative FX (Reverb, Echo, Bass Boost, 8D Audio, Vaporwave)
Additional:
- SponsorBlock ad-skipper for YouTube (Premium)
All settings sync automatically across devices for signed-in users. Guest mode stores settings locally.
Medio displays real-time status information during downloads and conversions.
| Status | Description |
|---|---|
Scanning |
Validating and analyzing the provided URL |
Loading Tools |
Initializing download components and preparing resources |
Building Command |
Assembling command arguments for yt-dlp and FFmpeg |
Preparing Next |
Processing the next video in a playlist/queue after successful download |
Downloading: XX% |
Live download progress with percentage and speed information |
Converting: XX% |
Video conversion progress with speed and duration information |
Merging Files |
Combining audio and video streams into final output |
Extract Audio |
Extracting and converting audio from video content |
Extracting Subtitles |
Downloading and saving subtitle tracks if available |
Remuxing Video |
Repackaging video container without re-encoding |
Getting Thumbnail |
Downloading the video's thumbnail image for embedding |
Converting Format |
Transforming media to selected output format |
Adding Metadata |
Embedding title, artist, and other information into file |
Processing Segments |
Handling individual parts of fragmented or sponsored content |
Cancelling |
Aborting the download process and cleaning up resources |
Download Cancelled |
Download was cancelled before completion |
Process Stopped |
Download manually stopped by the user |
Completed |
Download and processing successfully finished |
| Status | Description | Solution |
|---|---|---|
Empty Link |
URL field is empty | Enter a valid video URL |
Invalid Link |
URL does not have a recognized format | Check the URL and try again |
Unsupported Link |
URL is not supported by yt-dlp | Try a different source or check yt-dlp support |
Network Error |
Connection lost or insufficient bandwidth | Check internet connection and retry |
Content Blocked |
Platform-side restrictions prevent download | Content may be geo-locked or age-restricted |
Copyright Error |
Platform reports content restrictions | Content is not available for download |
File Exists |
File already exists in the download directory | File is skipped automatically |
Playlist Error |
Playlist information could not be gathered | Verify the playlist URL is accessible |
Tools Missing |
yt-dlp or FFmpeg not found | Restart Medio to trigger auto-install |
Premium Required |
Feature requires Premium license | Upgrade to Premium through Arctisoft Hub |
If you encounter an Unknown Error, this indicates an unexpected issue that hasn't been accounted for. If this error persists, please report it in the GitHub issue section with details about what you were trying to download and your settings.
Medio supports hardware acceleration to optimize video processing performance. This feature uses your system's GPU resources for better media handling, resulting in significant improvements to conversion speeds. Users can manually select their preferred GPU acceleration method (NVIDIA NVENC, AMD AMF, Intel QuickSync) or disable it entirely for CPU-only processing, with improved detection ensuring compatibility with legacy or unsupported hardware.
-
CPU Only Processing
- Basic processing capability
- Best for lower resolution content
- Uses standard system resources
-
GPU Accelerated Processing
- Optimal for high-resolution videos (1440p-4320p)
- Uses graphics card for better performance
- Significantly reduces CPU load
-
Automatic Processing
- Detects the best available GPU automatically
- Falls back to CPU when no supported GPU is found
- Recommended for most users
Hardware acceleration provides several advantages for media processing:
- Processing Speed: GPU acceleration reduces CPU load by up to 75%, enabling faster video encoding and decoding
- Quality Management: Maintains high-quality output while significantly reducing processing time
- Resource Optimization: Intelligent distribution of workload between CPU and GPU resources
- Power Efficiency: Reduced system resource utilization during intensive operations
Note: While hardware acceleration is available on most modern systems, performance benefits may vary based on your specific hardware configuration and the complexity of the media being processed.
Medio is a technical tool designed to provide convenient access to media downloading capabilities. Users must understand and accept their responsibilities when using this software:
User Responsibilities:
- Respect Copyright: Only download content you have the legal right to access
- Follow Platform Terms: Comply with the terms of service of all platforms you download from
- Age Restrictions: Verify you meet age requirements for any content you access
- Local Laws: Ensure your use of Medio complies with your local jurisdiction's laws
What Medio Provides:
- A convenient interface for media downloading tools (yt-dlp, FFmpeg)
- No content filtering or access restrictions (you control what you download)
- Technical functionality without content judgment or monitoring
What Medio Does NOT Provide:
- Legal advice or authorization to download copyrighted content
- Circumvention of copyright protection or DRM systems
- Endorsement of any specific platform or content type
- Guarantee of functionality with all platforms (platform changes may affect compatibility)
Important: The responsibility for legal compliance rests entirely with you, the user. Medio cannot and does not monitor your download activities or determine what content you are authorized to access. Use this tool responsibly and within the bounds of applicable laws.
If you're unsure whether downloading specific content is legal in your jurisdiction, please consult with a legal professional before proceeding.
Q: Why pay for Medio when yt-dlp and FFmpeg are free?
A: Medio provides a GUI, cloud sync, queue management, and audio processing on top of yt-dlp/FFmpeg. The Premium tier funds cloud infrastructure and unlocks playlist processing, the audio processing suite, advanced codec options, and extended history. Cloud sync is available to all signed-in users. The underlying tools remain free and open-source.
Q: What data does Medio collect?
A: Settings, statistics (download counts, MB, XP/level), and license status. If history tracking is enabled (default), download URLs and titles are also stored. No personal identifying information is collected.
Q: Why cloud storage instead of local?
A: Cloud storage provides automatic settings backup, persistent progress across reinstalls, and cross-device sync for all signed-in users. If you prefer local-only storage, use guest mode. You can disable history tracking to minimize stored data.
Q: Can I use Medio offline?
A: Yes. Guest mode stores all data locally and does not require an account or cloud connectivity. You only need an internet connection for the downloads themselves.
Q: Is it legal to download videos from YouTube?
A: YouTube's Terms of Service may restrict downloading. Medio is a technical tool - legal responsibility rests with you.
Q: What happens if I disable history tracking after using it?
A: New downloads will no longer create history entries. Your existing cloud-stored history remains accessible in the app until you delete individual entries or your account.
Q: Can I transfer my license?
A: No. Licenses are non-transferable and tied to your Arctisoft account.
Q: How do I completely delete all my data?
A: Delete individual history entries via right-click in the History tab. For complete account deletion:
- Navigate to Settings → scroll to "Delete Account" button → confirm twice
- You can also contact support via the GitHub issue tracker
Your license remains valid after account deletion and you can create a fresh profile by signing in again through Arctisoft Hub.
Q: What happens to my data if my account is deleted?
A: Only cloud data (settings, history) is removed. Downloaded files on your device are never affected. Your license remains valid and you can sign in again through Arctisoft Hub.
Q: What if I reinstall Windows or switch computers?
A: If you are signed in through Arctisoft Hub, your cloud profile (settings, statistics, history) is automatically restored when you sign in on a new device or after a reinstall. This applies to both Basic and Premium users. Guest mode stores data locally only, so it does not survive a reinstall or device change.
Q: Can I use my license on multiple devices?
A: Yes. Sign in through Arctisoft Hub on a new device to sync your settings, statistics, and history.
Q: Does my Premium key work across all Arctisoft-Studio applications?
A: Each Arctisoft Studio application uses its own independent license key. Purchase a Premium license for Medio through the Hub to unlock all Premium features. Sign in through Arctisoft Hub on any device to restore your Premium access.
If you'd like a preview of Medio before downloading, the screenshots below show the application's features. Note that future updates may introduce additional functionality.
| Medio - Dashboard | Medio - Downloader |
|---|---|
 |
 |
| Medio - History | Medio - Licenses |
 |
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| Medio - Advanced Settings | Medio - Settings |
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