Fix: Can't Download VK Videos With Yt-dlp - Troubleshooting

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Can't Download VK Videos? Troubleshooting with yt-dlp

Hey guys! Having trouble downloading VK videos using yt-dlp? You're not alone! A lot of users have reported similar issues. Let's dive into what might be causing this problem and how we can fix it. We'll break down the error messages, check your setup, and explore potential solutions to get those VK videos downloading smoothly again.

Understanding the Issue

So, you're trying to download a video from VK (vk.com) using yt-dlp, and it's just not working. You've probably run the command, crossed your fingers, and then BAM! An error message pops up. The error message, TypeError: list indices must be integers or slices, not str, indicates that the script is trying to access a list using a string as an index, which is a big no-no in Python. This usually points to an issue within the yt-dlp script itself, specifically in how it's handling the data it receives from VK.

Decoding the Verbose Output

To really get to the bottom of this, you've probably used the -vU flag to get a detailed output. This output is super helpful because it shows us exactly what yt-dlp is doing behind the scenes.

Here’s a snippet of what that output looks like:

[debug] Command-line config: ['-vU', 'https://vk.com/wall-197642398_40']
[debug] Encodings: locale cp1252, fs utf-8, pref cp1252, out utf-8, error utf-8, screen utf-8
[debug] yt-dlp version master@2025.11.08.104132 from yt-dlp/yt-dlp-master-builds [a86eeaadf] (win_exe)
[debug] Python 3.10.11 (CPython AMD64 64bit) - Windows-10-10.0.19044-SP0 (OpenSSL 1.1.1t  7 Feb 2023)
...
[vk:wallpost] Extracting URL: https://vk.com/wall-197642398_40
[vk:wallpost] -197642398_40: Downloading JSON metadata
ERROR: list indices must be integers or slices, not str
Traceback (most recent call last):
  File "yt_dlp\YoutubeDL.py", line 1696, in wrapper
  File "yt_dlp\YoutubeDL.py", line 1831, in __extract_info
  File "yt_dlp\extractor\common.py", line 762, in extract
  File "yt_dlp\extractor\vk.py", line 763, in _real_extract
TypeError: list indices must be integers or slices, not str

This output tells us that yt-dlp is trying to extract the video from the VK wall post, but it fails when it tries to download the JSON metadata. The TypeError is the key here, indicating a problem with how the data is being accessed within the script.

Potential Causes and Solutions

Now that we understand the error, let's look at the possible causes and how to fix them.

1. Outdated yt-dlp Version

One of the most common reasons for this kind of issue is using an outdated version of yt-dlp. Websites like VK frequently change their code, and yt-dlp needs to be updated to keep up. Think of it like trying to use an old key on a new lock – it just won't work!

Solution:

Make sure you're using the latest version. Update yt-dlp by running:

 yt-dlp -U

This command forces yt-dlp to check for updates and install the newest version. After updating, try downloading the video again.

2. Website Changes

Even if you're using the latest version, VK might have made changes to its website that yt-dlp hasn't adapted to yet. This is a common cat-and-mouse game between downloaders and streaming sites.

Solution:

Keep an eye on the yt-dlp GitHub repository. The developers are usually quick to address these issues. Check the issue tracker to see if anyone else has reported the same problem and if a fix is in the works. You can also try using the --force-generic-extractor option to see if the generic extractor can handle the download, although this might result in lower quality or missing metadata.

 yt-dlp --force-generic-extractor https://vk.com/wall-197642398_40

3. Regional Restrictions or VPN Issues

Sometimes, videos are only available in certain regions. If you're not in the correct region, yt-dlp might not be able to access the video metadata.

Solution:

Try using a VPN to connect to a server in a region where the video is available. Once connected, try downloading the video again with yt-dlp.

4. Corrupted Installation

In rare cases, the yt-dlp installation itself might be corrupted. This can happen due to various reasons, such as incomplete updates or file system errors.

Solution:

Try reinstalling yt-dlp. First, uninstall it using pip:

 pip uninstall yt-dlp

Then, reinstall it:

 pip install yt-dlp

This ensures you have a clean and fresh installation.

5. Dependencies Issues

yt-dlp relies on other Python packages to work correctly. If these dependencies are outdated or missing, it can cause issues.

Solution:

Make sure you have all the required dependencies installed and up to date. You can do this by running:

 pip install --upgrade yt-dlp

This command updates yt-dlp and its dependencies to the latest versions.

6. Account Issues

Some VK videos might require you to be logged in to view them. If yt-dlp isn't properly authenticated, it won't be able to download the video.

Solution:

Provide yt-dlp with your VK credentials using the --username and --password options:

 yt-dlp --username YOUR_USERNAME --password YOUR_PASSWORD https://vk.com/wall-197642398_40

Replace YOUR_USERNAME and YOUR_PASSWORD with your actual VK login details. Be careful when using this option, as it involves providing your credentials directly in the command line. Ensure your environment is secure.

7. Specific Video Issues

It's possible that the issue is specific to the particular video you're trying to download. The video might be corrupted, private, or subject to some other restriction.

Solution:

Try downloading other VK videos to see if the problem persists. If other videos download without issues, the problem is likely with the specific video you were initially trying to download.

Advanced Troubleshooting

If none of the above solutions work, it's time to dig a little deeper.

Checking the yt-dlp Code

For those comfortable with Python, you can examine the yt-dlp code to see if you can identify the issue. The traceback in the verbose output points to the vk.py extractor file. You can find this file in the yt-dlp installation directory.

Solution:

  1. Locate the vk.py file in your yt-dlp installation directory.
  2. Open the file in a text editor.
  3. Examine the _real_extract method to see how it's handling the JSON metadata.
  4. Look for any potential issues, such as incorrect indexing or missing data.

Note: This requires a good understanding of Python and the yt-dlp codebase. If you're not comfortable with this, it's best to seek help from the yt-dlp community.

Reporting the Issue

If you've tried all the above solutions and you're still having trouble, it's time to report the issue to the yt-dlp developers. Make sure to include the verbose output, the URL you're trying to download, and any other relevant information.

Solution:

  1. Go to the yt-dlp GitHub repository.
  2. Click on the "Issues" tab.
  3. Click on the "New issue" button.
  4. Fill out the issue form with as much detail as possible.

Conclusion

Downloading videos from VK can sometimes be a bit tricky, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can usually get things working again. Remember to keep yt-dlp updated, check for website changes, and consider regional restrictions. And if all else fails, don't hesitate to reach out to the yt-dlp community for help. Happy downloading, folks!