Tube Archivist Companion icon

Tube Archivist Companion

An open-source extension for people who run their own Tube Archivist server. It does nothing without one.

Reviewed by Xplorekit's independent developer · Last checked · How we choose

Add to Chrome Open source · Chrome Web Store · Source on GitHub

Why it's a strong pick

If you already run Tube Archivist, this extension puts its controls on YouTube itself. It only works with a Tube Archivist server that you run. It is open source under GPL-3.0, and its code is public on GitHub. It uses Manifest V3, Chrome's current extension format. Its latest repo release, v0.5.0, is dated 16 May 2026.

What it does

The manifest says: "Interact with your selfhosted TA server." On YouTube, it adds buttons to download a video or subscribe to a channel in your own Tube Archivist server. The extension itself downloads nothing. Your server does the work.

Key features

  • Connection popup. Enter your server details there.
  • Video page button. Download the video or subscribe to its channel.
  • Search results. A download button shows on video titles.
  • Channel button. Subscribe to a channel or download all of it.
  • Server status. The README lists showing download and subscribe status from your server.
  • Homepage preview. The README lists a download button there.

Who it's for

Tube Archivist Companion is for people who self-host Tube Archivist to keep their own copies of YouTube videos they follow. If you do not run that server, it has no use for you. It only acts on youtube.com.

What permissions does Tube Archivist Companion ask for?

Its manifest asks for storage and cookies. It asks for access to youtube.com pages, and it runs a content script on www.youtube.com. The cookies permission matters. We could not read the developer's privacy policy when we checked; read it before installing.

Do I need a Tube Archivist server?

Yes. The extension is a client for your own Tube Archivist server, and it does nothing on its own. You run and update that server yourself, and the extension only sends your requests to it. Read the developer's user docs for setup before you install.

Does it send my YouTube cookies anywhere?

It can. It has the cookies permission, and a v0.4.1 release note mentions cookie synchronization. That means it can sync your YouTube cookies to your server. Only do this with a server you trust, and read the developer's docs for the details.

Is it okay to keep videos this way?

That is your call, and the extension does not decide it for you. It only sends requests to your server. Before you keep or share saved videos, check how you plan to use them against YouTube's terms and the rights of the creators.

FAQ

Does it work without Tube Archivist? No. It needs your own Tube Archivist server.

Is it open source? Yes, under GPL-3.0.

Does it work on sites other than YouTube? Its manifest limits it to youtube.com.

Good to know

Set up and test your Tube Archivist server first, then add the extension. Leave cookie sync off until you know your server is safe.

Other YouTube tools to compare

Tube Archivist Companion is one of 4 picks in our YouTube tools guide:

This is a third-party extension, not built or maintained by Xplorekit. We link to the official Chrome Web Store listing — install and permissions are entirely between you and the extension's own publisher.