Video DownloadHelper CoApp
The local helper that gave the browser extension file writing and an ffmpeg build.
What it does
Browser extensions cannot write arbitrary files or run binaries. The CoApp is a native messaging host that sits behind Video DownloadHelper and provides what the extension cannot do itself: writing downloads to a chosen directory, launching the default player, and a bundled ffmpeg for merging streams and converting formats.
Notes
The CoApp is no longer developed, and Video DownloadHelper v10 does not need it — the extension handles those jobs itself. If the extension is current, this is a leftover and can be removed.
The bundle identifier on disk is net.downloadhelper.coapp, which is why it shows up in /Applications under a name that looks like a mistake.
Alternative to
| Alternative | Type | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| yt-dlp | Open source | The command-line answer, and better at nearly everything |
| Downie | Paid | GUI, no extension or companion needed |
| Video DownloadHelper v10 | Freemium | The extension no longer needs a companion app at all |
Install
brew install --cask netdownloadhelpercoapp