How to Download Videos from Investigation Discovery Using yt-dlp (Step-by-Step)

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yt-dlp.app Staff
March 7, 2026 • 5 min read

Investigation Discovery offers gripping true crime documentaries, but what if you want to download them for offline viewing? With yt-dlp, you can extract videos with precision, ensuring high-quality playback and enriched metadata. Let’s walk through the step-by-step process to make this seamless and efficient! 🚀

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Step-by-Step Guide

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Step 1: Install yt-dlp

First, ensure yt-dlp is installed on your system. You can download it from the official site or use pip with the command `pip install yt-dlp`. Make sure Python is installed and updated to avoid compatibility issues.

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Step 2: Locate the Video URL

Navigate to the Investigation Discovery website and find the video you wish to download. Copy its URL from the address bar—this will be used by yt-dlp for extraction.

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Step 3: Verify Site Compatibility

Run the command `yt-dlp --list-formats <URL>` to verify that the video is downloadable and to view available formats. This ensures you can select the best resolution and codec for your needs.

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Step 4: Download the Video

Use the command `yt-dlp -f <format-code> <URL>` to download the video. Replace `<format-code>` with your preferred format from the previous step. Optionally, add `--write-info-json` to save metadata for future reference.

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Step 5: Optimize Settings for Metadata and Subtitles

For a more complete experience, use options like `--write-subs` for subtitles and `--embed-metadata` to integrate metadata directly into the file. This creates a polished, ready-to-watch offline video!

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Frequently Asked Questions 🙌

Can I download full episodes from Investigation Discovery?

Yes! yt-dlp supports full episode downloads, provided the content is not DRM-protected. Use the correct URL and verify formats.

How do I ensure I get the best video quality?

Use the `--list-formats` command to check available qualities and select the highest resolution format code for downloading.

What if subtitles are not downloading?

Ensure you add the `--write-subs` option. If subtitles are still missing, check if the video supports subtitles by running `--list-subs`.

You’re now ready to download and enjoy Investigation Discovery videos offline with yt-dlp! 🎉 Whether it’s a captivating documentary or a series episode, yt-dlp makes it effortless to save high-quality videos with full metadata and subtitles. Experiment with the various options to fine-tune your downloads and elevate your viewing experience. Happy downloading! 🙌

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