Format ID 609 is a YouTube-specific stream identifier. Its technical specs usually look like this: 1280x720 (720p) Container: MP4 Codec: vp09 (VP9) Type: Video-only
Because it is a DASH (Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP) stream, it contains no audio. If you download it by itself, you will have a silent video. How to Download 609 with Audio
If you download only Format 609, your player might show a black screen or play without sound. Always remember to use the + syntax to add an audio ID.
Understanding Format 609: How to Download 720p MP4s with yt-dlp
If you’ve ever run yt-dlp -F on a YouTube video, you might have noticed a specific entry labeled . While it looks like a standard video file, there are a few technical quirks you need to know to use it properly. What is Format 609?
Older hardware or software (like older versions of QuickTime) may struggle to play VP9 video, even inside an MP4 container.
You must have FFmpeg installed and in your system's PATH for the merging process to work automatically. Why Choose 609? Users often look for Format 609 because:
VP9 encoding often provides better quality at a lower bitrate (smaller file size) compared to older H.264 formats.
