Check your Linux system first.
The current Linux download is a Debian package for x86-64 computers. Use Ubuntu 22.04 or later, or Debian 12 or later, with a graphical desktop and an internet connection.
| Requirement | Current package |
|---|---|
| Distribution | Ubuntu 22.04+ or Debian 12+ |
| Processor | 64-bit Intel / AMD (x86-64) |
| Package format | DEB |
| Connection | Online streaming through YouTube |
You can run uname -m in a terminal to check the architecture. This installer is for x86_64, not aarch64 or 32-bit systems. We do not currently offer an ARM Linux, RPM, Flatpak, or Snap download on this site.
Install on Ubuntu or Debian.
- Get the Linux package. Open the download page, continue through the available options, and select Linux (Debian/Ubuntu).
- Open a terminal in your download folder. The supplied file is named
linux-amd64.deb. Use your actual folder or filename if you changed either. - Install the local package. Run the command below and review the package manager’s proposed changes before confirming.
- Launch YT Desktop. Find the app in your desktop’s application launcher. YouTube loads inside the app window.
sudo apt install ./linux-amd64.debThe ./ tells the package manager to install the file in your current folder. Your system may download required dependencies, so total installed space and network usage will be larger than the installer itself.
YouTube, with desktop controls.
Watch public videos signed out, or sign in through YouTube’s own page. YT Desktop uses the YouTube website inside a system webview; it does not replace YouTube’s service or provide an alternative video catalogue.
Use the native menus for playback, search, window positioning, and zoom. Try Ctrl + K to search, or Ctrl + Shift + T for Always on Top. See the shortcut reference for more controls.
A note on video windows: picture-in-picture and always-on-top behavior can vary with the Linux desktop, window manager, and webview. If a shortcut is intercepted by your desktop, try the corresponding app menu.
If installation doesn’t go as expected.
“Unsupported file” or “file not found”
Check that the DEB finished downloading. Open the terminal in the folder containing it and use the exact filename. A browser may append a number when you download the same file twice.
Dependencies cannot be installed
Confirm your distribution version and architecture against the compatibility table. Use your distribution’s normal software update tools, then retry. Do not force installation on an unsupported distribution.
Using Fedora, Arch, or an ARM device?
The current package is not intended for these systems. Use YouTube in your browser, or follow the browser web app steps. We do not claim support through package conversion.
The app opens but video playback fails
Check whether the same video plays at youtube.com in your browser and whether your internet connection works. If the problem is specific to YT Desktop, send us the error, your distribution version, and desktop environment.