gallery-dl

Is gallery-dl safe?

gallery-dl is safe to use. It is open-source software that only reads the public media a URL already exposes. It does not log in to accounts, guess passwords, or reach any content that is not already visible to anyone with the link.

Because the code is open and auditable on GitHub, anyone can verify exactly what it does. The bigger question is usually not safety but legality, and that depends on each site’s terms and the copyright of the files you download.

What gallery-dl does and does not do

The tool is deliberately narrow. It fetches media that a public page or API already serves, and nothing more.

  • Reads only the public media a URL exposes
  • Never logs in or stores your passwords
  • Does not attack accounts or bypass private settings
  • Open source, so the code can be inspected by anyone
  • No hidden bundled software and no ads

Is it legal to use?

Downloading public media is a normal thing browsers do every time you view a page. What matters is what you do next. Each site has its own terms of service, and the files themselves are usually protected by copyright.

Use gallery-dl only for content you are allowed to download and keep: your own uploads, media you have permission to save, or files under a license that permits it. Respect each platform’s rules and the rights of the people who created the work.

Is the online version safe?

The hosted version adds no risk on your side because nothing runs on your machine. The extraction happens on the server and the finished archive is streamed to you.

  • Nothing to install, so no software touches your device
  • Files are streamed to you, not retained long-term
  • Only the URL you paste is processed
  • The same open-source engine runs underneath

Frequently asked questions

Does gallery-dl contain malware?

No. It is open-source Python with public source code on GitHub, so it can be audited. Always download it from the official project, or use a trusted hosted version like this one.

Can gallery-dl access private accounts?

No. It only reads media that is already public. It does not break into private profiles, guess passwords, or bypass a site’s access controls.

Do you keep my downloads?

No. The archive is built to be streamed to you, not stored long-term. Only the link you paste is processed to extract the media.

Safe, open-source media downloading

Paste a public gallery, profile, or album link and download the files you are allowed to keep.

Open the downloader