diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index c81802dc..39c25ea1 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@ download, like a YouTube channel to pull new videos. It looks something like:
 john_smith_channel:
   preset: "yt_channel_as_tv"
   youtube:
-    channel_id: "UCsvn_Po0SmunchJYtttWpOxMg"
+    channel_url: "https://youtube.com/channe/UCsvn_Po0SmunchJYtttWpOxMg"
   overrides:
     tv_show_name: "John Smith Vlogs"
 ```
@@ -53,9 +53,9 @@ a one-hit wonder music video. Anything you can define in a subscription can be
 defined using CLI arguments. This example is equivalent to the subscription
 example above:
 ```shell
-ytdl-sub dl                                             \
-    --preset "yt_channel_as_tv"                         \
-    --youtube.channel_id "UCsvn_Po0SmunchJYtttWpOxMg"   \
+ytdl-sub dl \
+    --preset "yt_channel_as_tv" \
+    --youtube.channel_url "https://youtube.com/channel/UCsvn_Po0SmunchJYtttWpOxMg" \
     --overrides.tv_show_name "John Smith Vlogs"
 ```
 
diff --git a/config.yaml b/config.yaml
deleted file mode 100644
index 4cd4de9f..00000000
--- a/config.yaml
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,113 +0,0 @@
-# ytdl-sub needs a temporary place to download files. Choose that path here
-configuration:
-  working_directory: 'tmp'
-
-presets:
-  soundcloud_with_id3_tags:
-    soundcloud:
-      download_strategy: "albums_and_singles"
-      skip_premiere_tracks: True
-    ytdl_options:
-      format: 'bestaudio[ext=mp3]'
-    output_options:
-      output_directory: "/tmp/{artist_sanitized}"
-      file_name: "[{album_year}] {album_sanitized}/{track_number_padded} - {title_sanitized}.{ext}"
-      thumbnail_name: "[{album_year}] {album_sanitized}/folder.jpg"
-      maintain_download_archive: True
-    music_tags:
-      tags:
-        artist: "{artist}"
-        albumartist: "{artist}"
-        title: "{title}"
-        album: "{album}"
-        track: "{track_number}"
-        year: "{album_year}"
-        genre: "{genre}"
-
-  yt_music_video:
-    # A single YouTube video is our source/download strategy. However, this
-    # can be overwritten to download music videos from a "playlist", as we
-    # will see in a preset below
-    youtube:
-      download_strategy: "video"
-
-    # For advanced YTDL users only.
-    # It is wise to leave ignoreerrors=True to avoid errors for things
-    # like age-restricted videos in case you have not set your cookie.
-    ytdl_options:
-      ignoreerrors: True
-
-    # For each video downloaded, set the file and thumbnail name here.
-    # We set both with {music_video_name}, which is a variable we define in
-    # the overrides section further below to represent consistent naming format.
-    output_options:
-      output_directory: "{music_video_directory}/{artist_sanitized}"
-      file_name: "{music_video_name}.{ext}"
-      thumbnail_name: "{music_video_name}.jpg"
-
-    # For each video downloaded, add a music video NFO file for it. Populate it
-    # with tags that Kodi will read and use to display it in the music or music
-    # videos section.
-    nfo_tags:
-      nfo_name: "{music_video_name}.nfo"
-      nfo_root: "musicvideo"
-      tags:
-        artist: "{artist}"
-        title: "{title}"
-        album: "Music Videos"
-        year: "{upload_year}"
-
-    # Overrides is a section where we can define our own variables, and use them in
-    # any other section. We define our music video directory and episode file name
-    # here, which gets reused above for the video, thumbnail, and NFO file.
-    overrides:
-      music_video_directory: "path/to/Music Videos"
-      music_video_name: "{artist_sanitized} - {title_sanitized}"
-
-    # It is not always ideal to download all of an artist's music videos.
-    # Maybe you only like one song of theirs. We can reuse our preset above
-    # to download a single video instead.
-    yt_music_video_playlist:
-      preset: "yt_music_video"
-      youtube:
-        download_strategy: "playlist"
-
-      # Setting maintain_download_archive=True is generally a good thing to enable
-      # with playlists and channels because it will store previously downloaded
-      # video ids to tell YTDL not to re-download them on a successive invocation.
-      output_options:
-        maintain_download_archive: True
-
-      # Setting break_on_existing=True is also a good thing anytime you are using
-      # a download archive, because it will tell the downloader to stop trying
-      # to download videos that have already been downloaded.
-      ytdl_options:
-        break_on_existing: True
-
-  yt_channel:
-    youtube:
-      download_strategy: "channel"
-      channel_avatar_path: "poster.jpg"
-      channel_banner_path: "fanart.jpg"
-    ytdl_options:
-      ignoreerrors: True
-    output_options:
-      file_name: "{output_file_name}.{ext}"
-      thumbnail_name: "{output_file_name}.jpg"
-    nfo_tags:
-      nfo_name: "{output_file_name}.nfo"
-      nfo_root: "episodedetails"
-      tags:
-        title: "{title}"
-        season: "{upload_year}"
-        episode: "{upload_month}{upload_day_padded}"
-        plot: "{description}"
-        year: "{upload_year}"
-        aired: "{upload_date_standardized}"
-    output_directory_nfo_tags:
-      nfo_name: "tvshow.nfo"
-      nfo_root: "tvshow"
-      tags:
-        title: "{tv_show_name}"
-    overrides:
-      output_file_name: "Season {upload_year}/s{upload_year}.e{upload_month_padded}{upload_day_padded} - {title_sanitized}"
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/docker/root/defaults/subscriptions.yaml b/docker/root/defaults/subscriptions.yaml
index b6012c5c..bf5e6527 100644
--- a/docker/root/defaults/subscriptions.yaml
+++ b/docker/root/defaults/subscriptions.yaml
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 rammstein_music_videos:
   preset: "yt_music_video_playlist"
   youtube:
-    playlist_id: "PLVTLbc6i-h_iuhdwUfuPDLFLXG2QQnz-x"
+    playlist_url: "https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVTLbc6i-h_iuhdwUfuPDLFLXG2QQnz-x"
   overrides:
     artist: "Rammstein"
 
diff --git a/docs/config.rst b/docs/config.rst
index b47fec48..169ee871 100644
--- a/docs/config.rst
+++ b/docs/config.rst
@@ -190,13 +190,13 @@ Below is an example that downloads YouTube videos:
    my_subscription_name:
      preset: "playlist_preset_ex"
      youtube:
-       playlist_id: "UCsvn_Po0SmunchJYtttWpOxMg"
+       playlist_url: "https://youtube.com/playlist?list=UCsvn_Po0SmunchJYtttWpOxMg"
      overrides:
        playlist_name: "diy-playlist"
 
 Our preset ``playlist_preset_ex`` uses the `YouTube Playlist`_ download strategy, and defines two
 custom variables: ``{output_directory}`` and ``{playlist_name}``. The subscription sets
-the `parent preset`_ to ``playlist_preset_ex``, and must define the ``playlist_id`` field and
+the `parent preset`_ to ``playlist_preset_ex``, and must define the ``playlist_url`` field and
 the ``{playlist_name}`` variable since the preset did not.
 
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
diff --git a/examples/kodi_music_videos_subscriptions.yaml b/examples/kodi_music_videos_subscriptions.yaml
index dd1bf47a..8682226c 100644
--- a/examples/kodi_music_videos_subscriptions.yaml
+++ b/examples/kodi_music_videos_subscriptions.yaml
@@ -14,9 +14,9 @@ john_smith:
   # config example "yt_music_video", so set that here.
   preset: "yt_music_video_playlist"
 
-  # Since our preset download strategy is set to 'playlist', set the playlist id.
+  # Since our preset download strategy is set to 'playlist', set the playlist url
   youtube:
-    playlist_id: "UCsvn_Po0SmunchJYtttWpOxMg"
+    playlist_url: "https://youtube.com/playlist?list=UCsvn_Po0SmunchJYtttWpOxMg"
 
   # Overrides can be defined per-subscription. If you noticed, we used {artist}
   # and {artist_sanitized} in our "yt_music_video" preset. We intended to reserve
@@ -39,21 +39,21 @@ john_smith:
 # The only difference between this example and the one above is
 # - preset
 #     Use the music video preset, not the playlist preset
-# - youtube.video_id
-#     The id of the video to download
+# - youtube.video_url
+#     The video url to download
 #
 # Of course, defining yaml configuration to download a single video once
 # and never again seems weird. Instead, we can perform this download via
 # command:
 #
-#     ytdl-sub dl                                                     \
-#         --preset "yt_music_video"                                   \
-#         --youtube.video_id "QhY6r6oAErg"                            \
+#     ytdl-sub dl                                                        \
+#         --preset "yt_music_video"                                      \
+#         --youtube.video_url "https://youtube.com/watch?v=QhY6r6oAErg"  \
 #         --overrides.artist "John Smith and the Instrument Players"
 #
 john_smith_one_hit_wonder:
   preset: "yt_music_video"
   youtube:
-    video_id: "QhY6r6oAErg"
+    video_url: "https://youtube.com/watch?v=QhY6r6oAErg"
   overrides:
     artist: "John Smith and the Instrument Players"
diff --git a/examples/kodi_tv_shows_subscriptions.yaml b/examples/kodi_tv_shows_subscriptions.yaml
index db020c47..b8502693 100644
--- a/examples/kodi_tv_shows_subscriptions.yaml
+++ b/examples/kodi_tv_shows_subscriptions.yaml
@@ -13,10 +13,10 @@ john_smith_archive:
   # entire YouTube channel is called "yt_channel_as_tv", so set that here.
   preset: "yt_channel_as_tv"
 
-  # Our download strategy was Youtube channels. Define the channel id here
+  # Our download strategy was Youtube channels. Define the channel url here
   # in our subscription.
   youtube:
-    channel_id: "UCsvn_Po0SmunchJYtttWpOxMg"
+    channel_url: "https://youtube.com/channel/UCsvn_Po0SmunchJYtttWpOxMg"
 
   # Overrides can be defined per-subscription. If you noticed, we used
   # {tv_show_name} and {tv_show_name_sanitized} in our "yt_channel_as_tv"
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ john_smith_archive:
 john_smith_recent_archive:
   preset: "yt_channel_as_tv__recent"
   youtube:
-    channel_id: "UCsvn_Po0SmunchJYtttWpOxMg"
+    channel_url: "https://youtube.com/channel/UCsvn_Po0SmunchJYtttWpOxMg"
   overrides:
     tv_show_name: "John /\ Smith"
 
@@ -46,6 +46,6 @@ john_smith_recent_archive:
 john_smith_rolling_archive:
   preset: "yt_channel_as_tv__only_recent"
   youtube:
-    channel_id: "UCsvn_Po0SmunchJYtttWpOxMg"
+    channel_url: "https://youtube.com/channel/UCsvn_Po0SmunchJYtttWpOxMg"
   overrides:
     tv_show_name: "John /\ Smith"
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/src/ytdl_sub/config/config_file.py b/src/ytdl_sub/config/config_file.py
index da14dba9..bd031ecf 100644
--- a/src/ytdl_sub/config/config_file.py
+++ b/src/ytdl_sub/config/config_file.py
@@ -51,19 +51,19 @@ class ConfigOptions(StrictDictValidator):
            configuration:
              dl_aliases:
                mv: "--preset yt_music_video"
-               v: "--youtube.video_id"
+               v: "--youtube.video_url"
 
         Simplifies
 
         .. code-block:: bash
 
-           ytdl-sub dl --preset yt_music_video --youtube.video_id a1b2c3
+           ytdl-sub dl --preset yt_music_video --youtube.video_url youtube.com/watch?v=a1b2c3
 
         to
 
         .. code-block:: bash
 
-           ytdl-sub dl --mv --v a1b2c3
+           ytdl-sub dl --mv --v youtube.com/watch?v=a1b2c3
         """
         if self._dl_aliases:
             return self._dl_aliases.dict
diff --git a/src/ytdl_sub/downloaders/soundcloud_downloader.py b/src/ytdl_sub/downloaders/soundcloud_downloader.py
index 961b5708..eee50289 100644
--- a/src/ytdl_sub/downloaders/soundcloud_downloader.py
+++ b/src/ytdl_sub/downloaders/soundcloud_downloader.py
@@ -8,8 +8,8 @@ from ytdl_sub.downloaders.downloader import Downloader
 from ytdl_sub.downloaders.downloader import DownloaderValidator
 from ytdl_sub.entries.soundcloud import SoundcloudAlbum
 from ytdl_sub.entries.soundcloud import SoundcloudTrack
+from ytdl_sub.validators.url_validator import SoundcloudUsernameUrlValidator
 from ytdl_sub.validators.validators import BoolValidator
-from ytdl_sub.validators.validators import StringValidator
 
 ###############################################################################
 # Abstract Soundcloud downloader + options
@@ -61,27 +61,22 @@ class SoundcloudDownloader(
         }
 
     @classmethod
-    def artist_url(cls, artist_name: str) -> str:
-        """Returns full artist url"""
-        return f"https://soundcloud.com/{artist_name}"
-
-    @classmethod
-    def artist_albums_url(cls, artist_name: str) -> str:
+    def artist_albums_url(cls, artist_url: str) -> str:
         """
         Returns
         -------
         Full artist album url
         """
-        return cls.artist_url(artist_name) + "/albums"
+        return f"{artist_url}/albums"
 
     @classmethod
-    def artist_tracks_url(cls, artist_name: str) -> str:
+    def artist_tracks_url(cls, artist_url: str) -> str:
         """
         Returns
         -------
         Full artist tracks url
         """
-        return cls.artist_url(artist_name) + "/tracks"
+        return f"{artist_url}/tracks"
 
 
 ###############################################################################
@@ -102,24 +97,26 @@ class SoundcloudAlbumsAndSinglesDownloadOptions(SoundcloudDownloaderOptions):
           soundcloud:
             # required
             download_strategy: "albums_and_singles"
-            username: soundcloud_username_from_url
+            url: "soundcloud.com/username"
             # optional
             skip_premiere_tracks: True
 
     """
 
-    _required_keys = {"username"}
+    _required_keys = {"url"}
 
     def __init__(self, name, value):
         super().__init__(name, value)
-        self._username = self._validate_key(key="username", validator=StringValidator)
+        self._url = self._validate_key(
+            key="url", validator=SoundcloudUsernameUrlValidator
+        ).username_url
 
     @property
-    def username(self) -> str:
+    def url(self) -> str:
         """
-        Required. The Soundcloud username found in the url of their page.
+        Required. The Soundcloud user's url, i.e. ``soundcloud.com/the_username``
         """
-        return self._username.value
+        return self._url
 
 
 class SoundcloudAlbumsAndSinglesDownloader(
@@ -177,8 +174,8 @@ class SoundcloudAlbumsAndSinglesDownloader(
         """
         Soundcloud subscription to download albums and tracks as singles.
         """
-        artist_albums_url = self.artist_albums_url(artist_name=self.download_options.username)
-        artist_tracks_url = self.artist_tracks_url(artist_name=self.download_options.username)
+        artist_albums_url = self.artist_albums_url(artist_url=self.download_options.url)
+        artist_tracks_url = self.artist_tracks_url(artist_url=self.download_options.url)
 
         album_entry_dicts = self.extract_info_via_info_json(url=artist_albums_url)
         tracks_entry_dicts = self.extract_info_via_info_json(url=artist_tracks_url)
diff --git a/src/ytdl_sub/downloaders/youtube_downloader.py b/src/ytdl_sub/downloaders/youtube_downloader.py
index 267a7e67..c247cdd3 100644
--- a/src/ytdl_sub/downloaders/youtube_downloader.py
+++ b/src/ytdl_sub/downloaders/youtube_downloader.py
@@ -17,7 +17,9 @@ from ytdl_sub.utils.logger import Logger
 from ytdl_sub.utils.thumbnail import convert_url_thumbnail
 from ytdl_sub.validators.date_range_validator import DateRangeValidator
 from ytdl_sub.validators.string_formatter_validators import OverridesStringFormatterValidator
-from ytdl_sub.validators.validators import StringValidator
+from ytdl_sub.validators.url_validator import YoutubeChannelUrlValidator
+from ytdl_sub.validators.url_validator import YoutubePlaylistUrlValidator
+from ytdl_sub.validators.url_validator import YoutubeVideoUrlValidator
 
 logger = Logger.get()
 
@@ -61,49 +63,41 @@ class YoutubeVideoDownloaderOptions(YoutubeDownloaderOptions):
     .. code-block:: yaml
 
       presets:
-        my_example_preset:
+        example_preset:
           youtube:
             # required
             download_strategy: "video"
-            video_id: "VMAPTo7RVDo"
+            video_url: "youtube.com/watch?v=VMAPTo7RVDo"
 
     CLI usage:
 
     .. code-block:: bash
 
-       ytdl-sub dl --preset "my_example_preset" --youtube.video_id "VMAPTo7RVDo"
+       ytdl-sub dl --preset "example_preset" --youtube.video_url "youtube.com/watch?v=VMAPTo7RVDo"
 
     """
 
-    _required_keys = {"video_id"}
+    _required_keys = {"video_url"}
 
     def __init__(self, name, value):
         super().__init__(name, value)
-        self._video_id = self._validate_key("video_id", StringValidator)
+        self._video_url = self._validate_key("video_url", YoutubeVideoUrlValidator).video_url
 
     @property
-    def video_id(self) -> str:
+    def video_url(self) -> str:
         """
-        Required. The ID of the video. Looks like the ``VMAPTo7RVDo`` from
-        ``youtube.com/watch?v=VMAPTo7RVDo``.
+        Required. The url of the video, i.e. ``youtube.com/watch?v=VMAPTo7RVDo``.
         """
-        return self._video_id.value
+        return self._video_url
 
 
 class YoutubeVideoDownloader(YoutubeDownloader[YoutubeVideoDownloaderOptions, YoutubeVideo]):
     downloader_options_type = YoutubeVideoDownloaderOptions
     downloader_entry_type = YoutubeVideo
 
-    @classmethod
-    def video_url(cls, video_id: str) -> str:
-        """Returns full video url"""
-        return f"https://youtube.com/watch?v={video_id}"
-
     def download(self) -> List[YoutubeVideo]:
         """Download a single Youtube video"""
-        video_url = self.video_url(video_id=self.download_options.video_id)
-
-        entry_dict = self.extract_info(url=video_url)
+        entry_dict = self.extract_info(url=self.download_options.video_url)
         return [YoutubeVideo(entry_dict=entry_dict, working_directory=self.working_directory)]
 
 
@@ -124,22 +118,24 @@ class YoutubePlaylistDownloaderOptions(YoutubeDownloaderOptions):
           youtube:
             # required
             download_strategy: "playlist"
-            playlist_id: "UCsvn_Po0SmunchJYtttWpOxMg"
+            playlist_url: "https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=UCsvn_Po0SmunchJYtttWpOxMg"
     """
 
-    _required_keys = {"playlist_id"}
+    _required_keys = {"playlist_url"}
 
     def __init__(self, name, value):
         super().__init__(name, value)
-        self._playlist_id = self._validate_key("playlist_id", StringValidator)
+        self._playlist_url = self._validate_key(
+            "playlist_url", YoutubePlaylistUrlValidator
+        ).playlist_url
 
     @property
-    def playlist_id(self) -> str:
+    def playlist_url(self) -> str:
         """
-        Required. The playlist's ID. Looks like "UCsvn_Po0SmunchJYtttWpOxMg"
-        from ``https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=UCsvn_Po0SmunchJYtttWpOxMg``.
+        Required. The playlist's url, i.e.
+        ``https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=UCsvn_Po0SmunchJYtttWpOxMg``.
         """
-        return self._playlist_id.value
+        return self._playlist_url
 
 
 class YoutubePlaylistDownloader(
@@ -148,19 +144,13 @@ class YoutubePlaylistDownloader(
     downloader_options_type = YoutubePlaylistDownloaderOptions
     downloader_entry_type = YoutubePlaylistVideo
 
-    @classmethod
-    def playlist_url(cls, playlist_id: str) -> str:
-        """Returns full playlist url"""
-        return f"https://youtube.com/playlist?list={playlist_id}"
-
     def download(self) -> List[YoutubePlaylistVideo]:
         """
         Downloads all videos in a Youtube playlist
         """
-        playlist_url = self.playlist_url(playlist_id=self.download_options.playlist_id)
         playlist_videos: List[YoutubePlaylistVideo] = []
 
-        entry_dicts = self.extract_info_via_info_json(url=playlist_url)
+        entry_dicts = self.extract_info_via_info_json(url=self.download_options.playlist_url)
         for entry_dict in entry_dicts:
             if entry_dict.get("extractor") == "youtube":
                 playlist_videos.append(
@@ -189,7 +179,7 @@ class YoutubeChannelDownloaderOptions(YoutubeDownloaderOptions, DateRangeValidat
           youtube:
             # required
             download_strategy: "channel"
-            channel_id: "UCsvn_Po0SmunchJYtttWpOxMg"
+            channel_url: "UCsvn_Po0SmunchJYtttWpOxMg"
             # optional
             channel_avatar_path: "poster.jpg"
             channel_banner_path: "fanart.jpg"
@@ -197,13 +187,15 @@ class YoutubeChannelDownloaderOptions(YoutubeDownloaderOptions, DateRangeValidat
             after: "today-2weeks"
     """
 
-    _required_keys = {"channel_id"}
+    _required_keys = {"channel_url"}
     _optional_keys = {"before", "after", "channel_avatar_path", "channel_banner_path"}
 
     def __init__(self, name, value):
         YoutubeDownloaderOptions.__init__(self, name, value)
         DateRangeValidator.__init__(self, name, value)
-        self._channel_id = self._validate_key("channel_id", StringValidator)
+        self._channel_url = self._validate_key(
+            "channel_url", YoutubeChannelUrlValidator
+        ).channel_url
         self._channel_avatar_path = self._validate_key_if_present(
             "channel_avatar_path", OverridesStringFormatterValidator
         )
@@ -212,15 +204,13 @@ class YoutubeChannelDownloaderOptions(YoutubeDownloaderOptions, DateRangeValidat
         )
 
     @property
-    def channel_id(self) -> str:
+    def channel_url(self) -> str:
         """
-        Required. The channel's ID. Not to be confused with the username. It should look something
-        like ``UCsvn_Po0SmunchJYOWpOxMg`` from
-        ``https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsvn_Po0SmunchJYOWpOxMg``. You can get this by opening a
-        video and clicking on the channel's avatar image to take you to their channel, then check
-        the url.
+        Required. The channel's url, i.e.
+        ``https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsvn_Po0SmunchJYOWpOxMg``. URLs with ``/username`` or
+        ``/c`` are valid to use.
         """
-        return self._channel_id.value
+        return self._channel_url
 
     @property
     def channel_avatar_path(self) -> Optional[OverridesStringFormatterValidator]:
@@ -256,16 +246,10 @@ class YoutubeChannelDownloader(YoutubeDownloader[YoutubeChannelDownloaderOptions
         )
         self.channel: Optional[YoutubeChannel] = None
 
-    @classmethod
-    def channel_url(cls, channel_id: str) -> str:
-        """Returns full channel url"""
-        return f"https://youtube.com/channel/{channel_id}"
-
     def download(self) -> List[YoutubeVideo]:
         """
         Downloads all videos from a channel
         """
-        channel_url = self.channel_url(channel_id=self.download_options.channel_id)
         channel_videos: List[YoutubeVideo] = []
         ytdl_options_overrides = {}
 
@@ -275,7 +259,7 @@ class YoutubeChannelDownloader(YoutubeDownloader[YoutubeChannelDownloaderOptions
             ytdl_options_overrides["daterange"] = source_date_range
 
         entry_dicts = self.extract_info_via_info_json(
-            ytdl_options_overrides=ytdl_options_overrides, url=channel_url
+            ytdl_options_overrides=ytdl_options_overrides, url=self.download_options.channel_url
         )
 
         for entry_dict in entry_dicts:
diff --git a/src/ytdl_sub/validators/url_validator.py b/src/ytdl_sub/validators/url_validator.py
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..eaedbe3f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/ytdl_sub/validators/url_validator.py
@@ -0,0 +1,195 @@
+from typing import Any
+from typing import Optional
+from urllib.parse import parse_qs
+from urllib.parse import urlparse
+
+from ytdl_sub.validators.validators import StringValidator
+
+
+class YoutubeVideoUrlValidator(StringValidator):
+
+    _expected_value_type_name = "Youtube video url"
+
+    @classmethod
+    def _get_video_id(cls, url: str) -> Optional[str]:
+        """
+        Examples:
+        - https://youtu.be/SA2iWivDJiE
+        - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oPAwA_Udwc&feature=feedu
+        - https://www.youtube.com/embed/SA2iWivDJiE
+        - https://www.youtube.com/v/SA2iWivDJiE?version=3&hl=en_US
+        """
+        # If the url doesn't contain youtube or youtu.be, assume it is invalid
+        if "youtube.com" not in url and "youtu.be" not in url:
+            return None
+
+        # If https:// is not present, urlparse will not work
+        if not url.startswith("https://"):
+            url = f"https://{url}"
+
+        query = urlparse(url)
+        if query.hostname in ("youtu.be", "www.youtu.be"):
+            return query.path[1:]
+        if query.hostname in ("youtube.com", "www.youtube.com"):
+            if query.path == "/watch":
+                parsed_q = parse_qs(query.query)
+                if "v" in parsed_q:
+                    return parsed_q["v"][0]
+            if query.path[:7] == "/embed/":
+                return query.path.split("/")[2]
+            if query.path[:3] == "/v/":
+                return query.path.split("/")[2]
+
+        return None
+
+    def __init__(self, name: str, value: Any):
+        super().__init__(name, value)
+
+        self._video_id = self._get_video_id(value)
+        if not self._video_id:
+            raise self._validation_exception(f"'{value}' is not a valid Youtube video url.")
+
+    @property
+    def video_url(self) -> str:
+        """
+        Returns
+        -------
+        Full video URL
+        """
+        return f"https://youtube.com/watch?v={self._video_id}"
+
+
+class YoutubePlaylistUrlValidator(StringValidator):
+
+    _expected_value_type_name = "Youtube playlist url"
+
+    @classmethod
+    def _get_playlist_id(cls, url: str) -> Optional[str]:
+        """
+        Examples:
+        - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlaN88a7y2_plecYoJxvRFTLHVbIVAOoc
+        """
+        # If the url doesn't contain youtube, assume it is invalid
+        if "youtube.com" not in url:
+            return None
+
+        # If https:// is not present, urlparse will not work
+        if not url.startswith("https://"):
+            url = f"https://{url}"
+
+        query = urlparse(url)
+        if query.hostname in ("youtube.com", "www.youtube.com"):
+            if query.path == "/playlist":
+                parsed_q = parse_qs(query.query)
+                if "list" in parsed_q:
+                    return parsed_q["list"][0]
+
+        return None
+
+    def __init__(self, name: str, value: Any):
+        super().__init__(name, value)
+
+        self._playlist_id = self._get_playlist_id(value)
+        if not self._playlist_id:
+            raise self._validation_exception(f"'{value}' is not a valid Youtube playlist url.")
+
+    @property
+    def playlist_url(self) -> str:
+        """
+        Returns
+        -------
+        Full playlist URL
+        """
+        return f"https://youtube.com/playlist?list={self._playlist_id}"
+
+
+class YoutubeChannelUrlValidator(StringValidator):
+
+    _expected_value_type_name = "Youtube channel url"
+
+    @classmethod
+    def _get_channel_url(cls, url: str) -> Optional[str]:
+        """
+        Examples:
+        - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuAXFkgsw1L7xaCfnd5JJOw
+        - https://www.youtube.com/user/username
+        - https://www.youtube.com/c/channel_name
+        """
+        # If the url doesn't contain youtube, assume it is invalid
+        if "youtube.com" not in url:
+            return None
+
+        # If https:// is not present, urlparse will not work
+        if not url.startswith("https://"):
+            url = f"https://{url}"
+
+        query = urlparse(url)
+        if query.hostname in ("youtube.com", "www.youtube.com"):
+            if any(query.path.startswith(qpath) for qpath in ("/channel/", "/user/", "/c/")):
+                # Ensure there is "/path/id".split('/') = ['', 'path', 'id'] at least three
+                query_path_split = query.path.split("/")
+                if len(query_path_split) < 3 or len(query_path_split[2]) == 0:
+                    return None
+                return f"https://youtube.com{query.path}"
+
+        return None
+
+    def __init__(self, name: str, value: Any):
+        super().__init__(name, value)
+
+        self._channel_url = self._get_channel_url(value)
+        if not self._channel_url:
+            raise self._validation_exception(f"'{value}' is not a valid Youtube channel url.")
+
+    @property
+    def channel_url(self) -> str:
+        """
+        Returns
+        -------
+        Full channel URL
+        """
+        return self._channel_url
+
+
+class SoundcloudUsernameUrlValidator(StringValidator):
+
+    _expected_value_type_name = "Soundcloud username url"
+
+    @classmethod
+    def _get_channel_url(cls, url: str) -> Optional[str]:
+        """
+        Examples:
+        - https://www.soundcloud.com/artist_name
+        """
+        # If the url doesn't contain soundcloud, assume it is invalid
+        if "soundcloud.com" not in url:
+            return None
+
+        # If https:// is not present, urlparse will not work
+        if not url.startswith("https://"):
+            url = f"https://{url}"
+
+        query = urlparse(url)
+        if query.hostname in ("soundcloud.com", "www.soundcloud.com"):
+            if len(query.path) > 2:  # /artist_name
+                username = query.path[1:].split("/")[0]  # strip extra paths or slashes
+                username = username.split("?")[0]  # strip extra arguments
+                return f"https://soundcloud.com/{username}"
+
+        return None
+
+    def __init__(self, name: str, value: Any):
+        super().__init__(name, value)
+
+        self._username_url = self._get_channel_url(value)
+        if not self._username_url:
+            raise self._validation_exception(f"'{value}' is not a valid Soundcloud username url.")
+
+    @property
+    def username_url(self) -> str:
+        """
+        Returns
+        -------
+        Full artist URL
+        """
+        return self._username_url
diff --git a/subscriptions.yaml b/subscriptions.yaml
deleted file mode 100644
index cd29a4f3..00000000
--- a/subscriptions.yaml
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,71 +0,0 @@
-#ALISON:
-#  preset: "soundcloud_with_id3_tags"
-#  soundcloud:
-#    username: alis_on
-#  output_options:
-#    output_directory: "/tmp/ALISON"
-#  overrides:
-#    artist: "A.L.I.S.O.N."
-#    genre: "Synthwave / Electronic"
-#
-#delorra:
-#  preset: "soundcloud_with_id3_tags"
-#  soundcloud:
-#    username: delorra
-#  output_options:
-#    output_directory: "/tmp/DeLorra"
-#  overrides:
-#    artist: "DeLorra"
-#    genre: "Synthwave / Electronic"
-#
-#bl00dwave:
-#  preset: "soundcloud_with_id3_tags"
-#  soundcloud:
-#    username: bl00dwave
-#  overrides:
-#    artist: "bl00dwave"
-#    genre: "Synthwave / Electronic"
-#
-tom_petty:
-  preset: "music_videos"
-  youtube:
-    download_strategy: "playlist"
-    playlist_id: PLoopXDarluPBnuxs4PTC55Sc_2ShAXC0i
-  output_options:
-    output_directory: "/tmp/Tom Petty"
-  overrides:
-    artist: "Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers"
-#
-#rammstein:
-#  preset: "music_videos"
-#  youtube:
-#    download_strategy: "playlist"
-#    playlist_id: "PLVTLbc6i-h_iuhdwUfuPDLFLXG2QQnz-x"
-#  output_options:
-#    output_directory: "/tmp/Rammstein"
-#  overrides:
-#    artist: "Rammstein"
-
-#gogo_video_test:
-#  preset: "music_videos"
-#  youtube:
-#    download_strategy: "video"
-#    video_id: "2RHTiXvELNg"
-#  output_options:
-#    output_directory: "/tmp/gogos"
-#  overrides:
-#    artist: "The Gogos"
-
-#recent_channel_test:
-#  preset: "yt_channel"
-#  ytdl_options:
-#    break_on_reject: True
-#  youtube:
-#    channel_id: "UCsvn_Po0SmunchJYOWpOxMg"
-#    after: today-13days
-#  output_options:
-#    output_directory: "/tmp/dunkey"
-#    keep_files:
-#      after: today-3days
-#  overrides:
-#    tv_show_name: "Youtube: Dunkey"
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/tests/e2e/soundcloud/test_soundcloud_discography.py b/tests/e2e/soundcloud/test_soundcloud_discography.py
index f840175e..2679f772 100644
--- a/tests/e2e/soundcloud/test_soundcloud_discography.py
+++ b/tests/e2e/soundcloud/test_soundcloud_discography.py
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ def config(config_path):
 def subscription_dict(output_directory, subscription_name):
     return {
         "preset": "sc_discography",
-        "soundcloud": {"username": "jessebannon"},
+        "soundcloud": {"url": "https://soundcloud.com/jessebannon"},
         # override the output directory with our fixture-generated dir
         "output_options": {"output_directory": output_directory + "/{artist_sanitized}"},
         # download the worst format so it is fast
diff --git a/tests/e2e/youtube/test_channel_as_kodi_tv_show.py b/tests/e2e/youtube/test_channel_as_kodi_tv_show.py
index f64576e8..54c6d769 100644
--- a/tests/e2e/youtube/test_channel_as_kodi_tv_show.py
+++ b/tests/e2e/youtube/test_channel_as_kodi_tv_show.py
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ def config(config_path):
 def subscription_dict(output_directory, subscription_name):
     return {
         "preset": "yt_channel_as_tv",
-        "youtube": {"channel_id": "UCcRSMoQqXc_JrBZRHDFGbqA"},
+        "youtube": {"channel_url": "https://youtube.com/channel/UCcRSMoQqXc_JrBZRHDFGbqA"},
         # override the output directory with our fixture-generated dir
         "output_options": {"output_directory": str(Path(output_directory) / subscription_name)},
         # download the worst format so it is fast
diff --git a/tests/e2e/youtube/test_playlist_as_kodi_music_videos.py b/tests/e2e/youtube/test_playlist_as_kodi_music_videos.py
index 411e9bca..e943cd24 100644
--- a/tests/e2e/youtube/test_playlist_as_kodi_music_videos.py
+++ b/tests/e2e/youtube/test_playlist_as_kodi_music_videos.py
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ def config(config_path):
 def subscription_dict(output_directory, subscription_name):
     return {
         "preset": "yt_music_video_playlist",
-        "youtube": {"playlist_id": "PL5BC0FC26BECA5A35"},
+        "youtube": {"playlist_url": "https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5BC0FC26BECA5A35"},
         # override the output directory with our fixture-generated dir
         "output_options": {"output_directory": output_directory},
         # download the worst format so it is fast
@@ -93,7 +93,7 @@ def single_video_subscription_dict(subscription_dict):
         subscription_dict,
         {
             "preset": "yt_music_video",
-            "youtube": {"video_id": "HKTNxEqsN3Q"},
+            "youtube": {"video_url": "https://youtube.com/watch?v=HKTNxEqsN3Q"},
         },
     )
 
diff --git a/tests/unit/cli/test_download_args_parser.py b/tests/unit/cli/test_download_args_parser.py
index b3bee5d6..bdb66910 100644
--- a/tests/unit/cli/test_download_args_parser.py
+++ b/tests/unit/cli/test_download_args_parser.py
@@ -43,25 +43,29 @@ class TestDownloadArgsParser:
         "aliases, cmd, expected_sub_dict",
         [
             (
-                {"mv": "--preset yt_music_video", "v": "--youtube.video_id"},
+                {"mv": "--preset yt_music_video", "v": "--youtube.video_url"},
                 "dl --mv --v 123abc",
-                {"preset": "yt_music_video", "youtube": {"video_id": "123abc"}},
+                {"preset": "yt_music_video", "youtube": {"video_url": "123abc"}},
             ),
             (
                 {
                     "ch": "--preset yt_channel",
-                    "c": "--youtube.channel_id",
+                    "c": "--youtube.channel_url",
                     "name": "--overrides.tv_name",
                     "concert": "--overrides.genre 'Some Genre Name'",
                 },
-                "dl --ch --c 123abc --name 'Sweet TV Show' --concert",
+                "dl --ch --c https://youtube.com/channel/123abc --name 'Sweet TV Show' --concert",
                 {
                     "preset": "yt_channel",
-                    "youtube": {"channel_id": "123abc"},
+                    "youtube": {"channel_url": "https://youtube.com/channel/123abc"},
                     "overrides": {"tv_name": "Sweet TV Show", "genre": "Some Genre Name"},
                 },
             ),
-            (None, "dl --youtube.playlist_id 123abc", {"youtube": {"playlist_id": "123abc"}}),
+            (
+                None,
+                "dl --youtube.playlist_url https://youtube.com/playlist?list=123abc",
+                {"youtube": {"playlist_url": "https://youtube.com/playlist?list=123abc"}},
+            ),
         ],
     )
     def test_successful_args(self, config_options_generator, aliases, cmd, expected_sub_dict):
diff --git a/tests/unit/validators/test_url_validator.py b/tests/unit/validators/test_url_validator.py
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..bb070c9f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/unit/validators/test_url_validator.py
@@ -0,0 +1,150 @@
+import re
+
+import pytest
+
+from ytdl_sub.utils.exceptions import ValidationException
+from ytdl_sub.validators.url_validator import SoundcloudUsernameUrlValidator
+from ytdl_sub.validators.url_validator import YoutubeChannelUrlValidator
+from ytdl_sub.validators.url_validator import YoutubePlaylistUrlValidator
+from ytdl_sub.validators.url_validator import YoutubeVideoUrlValidator
+
+
+class TestYoutubeVideoUrlValidator:
+    @pytest.mark.parametrize(
+        "url",
+        [
+            "youtu.be/dQw4w9WgXcQ",
+            "www.youtu.be/dQw4w9WgXcQ",
+            "https://youtu.be/dQw4w9WgXcQ",
+            "https://www.youtu.be/dQw4w9WgXcQ",
+            "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ&feature=feedu",
+            "https://www.youtube.com/embed/dQw4w9WgXcQ",
+            "https://www.youtube.com/v/dQw4w9WgXcQ?version=3&amp;hl=en_US",
+        ],
+    )
+    def test_youtube_video_url_validator_success(self, url):
+        video_url = YoutubeVideoUrlValidator(name="unit test", value=url).video_url
+        assert video_url == "https://youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ"
+
+    @pytest.mark.parametrize(
+        "bad_url",
+        [
+            "utube.com/watch?v=sdfsadf",
+            "youtube.com/nope?v=sdfsadf",
+            "youtube.com",
+            "youtube.com/watch",
+            "youtube.com/watch?v=",
+            "youtu.be/",
+            "youtu.be",
+        ],
+    )
+    def test_youtube_video_url_validator_fail(self, bad_url):
+        expected_error_msg = f"'{bad_url}' is not a valid Youtube video url."
+        with pytest.raises(ValidationException, match=re.escape(expected_error_msg)):
+            YoutubeVideoUrlValidator(name="unit test", value=bad_url)
+
+
+class TestYoutubePlaylistUrlValidator:
+    @pytest.mark.parametrize(
+        "url",
+        [
+            "youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlaN88a7y2_plecYoJxvRFTLHVbIVAOoc",
+            "www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlaN88a7y2_plecYoJxvRFTLHVbIVAOoc",
+            "https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlaN88a7y2_plecYoJxvRFTLHVbIVAOoc",
+            "https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlaN88a7y2_plecYoJxvRFTLHVbIVAOoc",
+        ],
+    )
+    def test_youtube_playlist_url_validator_success(self, url):
+        playlist_url = YoutubePlaylistUrlValidator(name="unit test", value=url).playlist_url
+        assert (
+            playlist_url == "https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlaN88a7y2_plecYoJxvRFTLHVbIVAOoc"
+        )
+
+    @pytest.mark.parametrize(
+        "bad_url",
+        [
+            "youpoop.com/playlist?list=PLlaN88a7y2_plecYoJxvRFTLHVbIVAOoc",
+            "youtube.com/playlistlist=PLlaN88a7y2_plecYoJxvRFTLHVbIVAOoc",
+            "youtube.com",
+            "youtube.com/playlist/asdfsdfsdf",
+            "youtube.com/playlist?list=",
+            "youtube.com/playlist",
+        ],
+    )
+    def test_youtube_playlist_url_validator_fail(self, bad_url):
+        expected_error_msg = f"'{bad_url}' is not a valid Youtube playlist url."
+        with pytest.raises(ValidationException, match=re.escape(expected_error_msg)):
+            YoutubePlaylistUrlValidator(name="unit test", value=bad_url)
+
+
+class TestYoutubeChannelUrlValidator:
+    @pytest.mark.parametrize(
+        "url, expected_url",
+        [
+            (
+                "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuAXFkgsw1L7xaCfnd5JJOw",
+                "https://youtube.com/channel/UCuAXFkgsw1L7xaCfnd5JJOw",
+            ),
+            (
+                "https://youtube.com/channel/UCuAXFkgsw1L7xaCfnd5JJOw",
+                "https://youtube.com/channel/UCuAXFkgsw1L7xaCfnd5JJOw",
+            ),
+            (
+                "youtube.com/channel/UCuAXFkgsw1L7xaCfnd5JJOw",
+                "https://youtube.com/channel/UCuAXFkgsw1L7xaCfnd5JJOw",
+            ),
+            (
+                "www.youtube.com/channel/UCuAXFkgsw1L7xaCfnd5JJOw",
+                "https://youtube.com/channel/UCuAXFkgsw1L7xaCfnd5JJOw",
+            ),
+            (
+                "https://www.youtube.com/c/RickastleyCoUkOfficial",
+                "https://youtube.com/c/RickastleyCoUkOfficial",
+            ),
+            (
+                "https://www.youtube.com/user/videogamedunkey",
+                "https://youtube.com/user/videogamedunkey",
+            ),
+        ],
+    )
+    def test_youtube_channel_url_validator_success(self, url, expected_url):
+        channel_url = YoutubeChannelUrlValidator(name="unit test", value=url).channel_url
+        assert channel_url == expected_url
+
+    @pytest.mark.parametrize(
+        "bad_url",
+        [
+            "www.youtube.com/cha/UCuAXFkgsw1L7xaCfnd5JJOw",
+            "www.nopetube.com/channel/asdfdsf",
+            "www.youtube.com/channel/",
+            "www.youtube.com/channel",
+            "www.youtube.com/channell/asdfasdf",
+        ],
+    )
+    def test_youtube_channel_url_validator_fail(self, bad_url):
+        expected_error_msg = f"'{bad_url}' is not a valid Youtube channel url."
+        with pytest.raises(ValidationException, match=re.escape(expected_error_msg)):
+            YoutubeChannelUrlValidator(name="unit test", value=bad_url)
+
+
+class TestSoundcloudUsernameUrlValidator:
+    @pytest.mark.parametrize(
+        "url",
+        [
+            "soundcloud.com/poop",
+            "www.soundcloud.com/poop",
+            "https://soundcloud.com/poop",
+            "https://www.soundcloud.com/poop",
+            "https://www.soundcloud.com/poop/albums",
+            "https://www.soundcloud.com/poop?link=clipboard_share",
+        ],
+    )
+    def test_soundcloud_artist_url_validator_success(self, url):
+        username_url = SoundcloudUsernameUrlValidator(name="unit test", value=url).username_url
+        assert username_url == "https://soundcloud.com/poop"
+
+    @pytest.mark.parametrize("bad_url", ["soundcloud.com", "soundnope.lol", "soundcloud.comm/"])
+    def test_youtube_playlist_url_validator_fail(self, bad_url):
+        expected_error_msg = f"'{bad_url}' is not a valid Soundcloud username url."
+        with pytest.raises(ValidationException, match=re.escape(expected_error_msg)):
+            SoundcloudUsernameUrlValidator(name="unit test", value=bad_url)