Answers before you ask.

What is Downlink?

An Obsidian plugin that ingests metadata from podcast RSS feeds and YouTube channels. Downlink writes the data into Markdown notes in your Obsidian vault that become searchable databases.

Do I need Obsidian to use Downlink?

Yes. Downlink only runs inside Obsidian. But even if you stop using Obsidian, your metadata remains readable in virtually all text editors.

Does Downlink work offline?

Downlink requires internet access to ingest a feed. But once the data is in your Obsidian vault, your catalog is yours to browse whenever you want, internet or not.

Do I have to own the shows I add?

Nope.

Podcasts: So long as a podcast is indexed or you have the feed URL, Downlink can pull down the feed metadata.

YouTube: You can pull down the metadata for any YouTube channel. But if you want a channel's captions, you'll need to prove channel ownership with an OAuth credential (separate from the API key).

How do I add a podcast?

There are three ways to add a podcast feed.

Apple Podcasts (easiest): Just start typing. Anything indexed by Apple can be found. (You can turn off Apple Podcasts search in Advanced Settings at any time).

RSS URL: Copy and paste the RSS feed URL. Best for premium feeds (e.g., Patreon) and unindexed shows.

Podcast Index (hardest): Add your Podcast API key to the Obsidian Keychain. Expand search capabilities to include Podcasting 2.0 tags and shows not indexed by Apple Podcasts.

Can I play episodes from inside my vault?

Yes. Downlink's Preview panel can play audio and video podcasts, including HLS video from the <podcast:alternateEnclosure> tag.

Does Downlink download media files?

Downlink defaults to streaming so as to minimize disk space. You can download media files if you want.

Do you support Podcasting 2.0 tags?

Yes, Downlink parses the following Podcasting 2.0 tags:

Does re-syncing duplicate my notes?

No. Episode GUIDs are logged, so a re-sync updates what changed and leaves the rest alone. Publisher intent is recorded rather than overridden — locked, block, complete and new-feed-url are ingested and surfaced.

Why do I need an API key?

The data contained in YouTube's RSS feeds are limited, in both quantity and quality. Downlink uses the YouTube Data API v3 to ingest all relevant metadata into your vault.

Where are my secret keys stored?

You store secret API and OAuth keys in Obsidian's encrypted keychain, not with Downlink. We call your keys, but cannot see their contents.

Does Downlink scrape anything?

No. Downlink only ingests what it can directly call from the YouTube Data API.

Where does my vault actually live?

On your computer as Markdown (simple text files).

What happens if I uninstall Downlink?

You'll keep everything you've already ingested, but your feeds will no longer refresh with newly published content. You will still be able to search your Bases.

You'll lose access to the Downlink Dashboard and Downlink Preview (media playback) and folders will no longer act as notes.

Can you see what's in my vault?

No.

Can I share my vault?

Yes. We recommend using the self-hosted static site generator Quartz as they support Bases. Obsidian currently has on their roadmap both "Bases support for Obsidian Publish" and collaboration functionality, so sharing your vault internally and externally will become even easier in the future.

Can I use Downlink today?

Not yet. Downlink is in private beta. Join the waitlist and we will email you when it's available to download.

What will it cost?

Downlink will be free for personal, commercial, and non-profit use. We encourage you to purchase an optional license to support ongoing development. More details coming soon.

Will you help me build my vault?

Absolutely. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for tips and tricks on how to make the most of Downlink. Email us if you need a more hands-on approach.