Built a video downloader because yt-dlp scared my non-tech friends
My friend asked how to save a TikTok video.
I said "install yt-dlp, add it to PATH, run the command..."
She walked away.
That was the moment I started building Avenor Downloader.
What it is:
Paste URL → choose quality → download.
Supports YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter/X and 1000+ sites.
Two tiers:
- Free web app: 5 downloads/day, up to 1080p, no install
- PRO desktop ($29/year): unlimited, up to 8K, Windows + macOS
The technical part:
Built on yt-dlp engine (most reliable extractor that exists).
Desktop app uses Tauri — no 200MB Electron bundle.
The insight:
The gap between "powerful CLI tool" and "tool normal people use"
is where indie developers live.
Try it free: https://avenordownload.app
The product makes sense because the pain is real: yt-dlp is powerful, but normal people do not want to touch PATH, commands, or terminal errors.
The main thing I’d pressure-test is who the paid user actually is.
For casual users, 5 free downloads/day may be enough. The stronger PRO buyer is probably someone who repeatedly needs downloads for work: creators, editors, social media managers, meme/page admins, or small agencies saving reference clips and assets.
So I’d avoid positioning it only as “yt-dlp made simple.”
The sharper paid angle might be closer to:
“Save videos from anywhere without fighting broken download sites, sketchy ads, or command-line tools.”
That speaks to convenience and trust, not just simplicity.
Happy to put a tighter version in writing if useful. I’d map the paid-user segment, homepage message, PRO conversion angle, and a simple 7-day distribution test for Avenor.