diff --git a/docker/root/defaults/subscriptions.yaml b/docker/root/defaults/subscriptions.yaml
index 3d0a3afa..eb2ed43f 100644
--- a/docker/root/defaults/subscriptions.yaml
+++ b/docker/root/defaults/subscriptions.yaml
@@ -13,6 +13,5 @@
 #
 rammstein_music_videos:
   preset: "video"
-  download:
-    url: "https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVTLbc6i-h_iuhdwUfuPDLFLXG2QQnz-x"
+  download: "https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVTLbc6i-h_iuhdwUfuPDLFLXG2QQnz-x"
 
diff --git a/examples/music_audio_config.yaml b/examples/music_audio_config.yaml
index a8df5f78..7338a67d 100644
--- a/examples/music_audio_config.yaml
+++ b/examples/music_audio_config.yaml
@@ -165,26 +165,25 @@ presets:
 
     # Download using the multi_url strategy
     download:
-      urls:
-        # The first URL will be all the artist's tracks.
-        # Treat these as singles - an album with a single track
-        - url: "{sc_artist_url}/tracks"
-          variables:
-            sc_track_album: "{title}"
-            sc_track_number: "1"
-            sc_track_number_padded: "01"
-            sc_track_total: "1"
-            sc_track_year: "{upload_year}"
-        # Set the second URL to the artist's albums. If a track belongs to both
-        # to an album and tracks (in the URL above), it will resolve to this
-        # URL and include the album metadata we set below.
-        - url: "{sc_artist_url}/albums"
-          variables:
-            sc_track_album: "{playlist_title}"
-            sc_track_number: "{playlist_index}"
-            sc_track_number_padded: "{playlist_index_padded}"
-            sc_track_total: "{playlist_count}"
-            sc_track_year: "{playlist_max_upload_year}"
+      # The first URL will be all the artist's tracks.
+      # Treat these as singles - an album with a single track
+      - url: "{sc_artist_url}/tracks"
+        variables:
+          sc_track_album: "{title}"
+          sc_track_number: "1"
+          sc_track_number_padded: "01"
+          sc_track_total: "1"
+          sc_track_year: "{upload_year}"
+      # Set the second URL to the artist's albums. If a track belongs to both
+      # to an album and tracks (in the URL above), it will resolve to this
+      # URL and include the album metadata we set below.
+      - url: "{sc_artist_url}/albums"
+        variables:
+          sc_track_album: "{playlist_title}"
+          sc_track_number: "{playlist_index}"
+          sc_track_number_padded: "{playlist_index_padded}"
+          sc_track_total: "{playlist_count}"
+          sc_track_year: "{playlist_max_upload_year}"
 
     # Override various track properties using playlist variables.
     overrides:
diff --git a/examples/music_videos_config.yaml b/examples/music_videos_config.yaml
index 2adacc7b..cdcf8b32 100644
--- a/examples/music_videos_config.yaml
+++ b/examples/music_videos_config.yaml
@@ -18,11 +18,10 @@ configuration:
 
 presets:
   music_video:
-    # Set the download details
+    # We will only use a single URL to download music video(s).
+    # Make {url} an override variable to set later.
     download:
-      # We will only use a single URL to download music video(s).
-      # Make {url} an override variable to set later.
-      url: "{url}"
+      - "{url}"
 
     # For advanced YTDL users only; any YTDL parameter can be set here.
     # To download age-restricted videos, you will need to set your cookie
diff --git a/src/ytdl_sub/downloaders/url/validators.py b/src/ytdl_sub/downloaders/url/validators.py
index 42f28ece..2f799873 100644
--- a/src/ytdl_sub/downloaders/url/validators.py
+++ b/src/ytdl_sub/downloaders/url/validators.py
@@ -146,8 +146,27 @@ class UrlValidator(StrictDictValidator):
         return self._download_reverse.value
 
 
-class UrlListValidator(ListValidator[UrlValidator]):
-    _inner_list_type = UrlValidator
+class UrlStringOrDictValidator(UrlValidator):
+    """
+    URL validator that supports a single string like:
+
+    download:
+      - "https://"
+
+    or
+
+    download:
+      - url: "https://"
+    """
+
+    _expected_value_type = (dict, str)
+
+    def __init__(self, name, value):
+        super().__init__(name, {"url": value} if isinstance(value, str) else value)
+
+
+class UrlListValidator(ListValidator[UrlStringOrDictValidator]):
+    _inner_list_type = UrlStringOrDictValidator
     _expected_value_type_name = "collection url list"
 
     def __init__(self, name, value):
@@ -197,17 +216,11 @@ class MultiUrlValidator(OptionsValidator):
             # Pop old required field in case it's still there
             value_copy.pop("download_strategy", None)
 
-            if "urls" in value_copy:
-                self._urls = UrlListValidator(name=name, value=value_copy["urls"])
-            else:
-                # Validate using a single URL validator first
-                _ = UrlValidator(name=name, value=value_copy)
-                self._urls = UrlListValidator(name=name, value=[value_copy])
+        # Deal with old multi-url download strategy
+        if isinstance(value, dict) and "urls" in value_copy:
+            self._urls = UrlListValidator(name=name, value=value_copy["urls"])
         else:
-            # Should error here. TODO: Add simplifications download here (string, list)
-            self._urls = UrlListValidator(
-                name=name, value=UrlValidator(name=name, value=value_copy)
-            )
+            self._urls = UrlListValidator(name=name, value=value_copy)
 
     @property
     def urls(self) -> UrlListValidator:
diff --git a/src/ytdl_sub/prebuilt_presets/internal/view.yaml b/src/ytdl_sub/prebuilt_presets/internal/view.yaml
index ac17bb7b..8e7514c3 100644
--- a/src/ytdl_sub/prebuilt_presets/internal/view.yaml
+++ b/src/ytdl_sub/prebuilt_presets/internal/view.yaml
@@ -1,8 +1,7 @@
 presets:
 
   _view:
-    download:
-      url: "{url}"
+    download: "{url}"
     output_options:
       output_directory: "/tmp/ytdl-sub-view"
       file_name: "{uid}.{ext}"
diff --git a/src/ytdl_sub/prebuilt_presets/music_videos/kodi_music_videos.yaml b/src/ytdl_sub/prebuilt_presets/music_videos/kodi_music_videos.yaml
index 483a7ec0..9de23e5c 100644
--- a/src/ytdl_sub/prebuilt_presets/music_videos/kodi_music_videos.yaml
+++ b/src/ytdl_sub/prebuilt_presets/music_videos/kodi_music_videos.yaml
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@ presets:
   # TODO: Update this
   kodi_music_video:
     download:
-      url: "{music_video_url}"
+      - "{music_video_url}"
 
     output_options:
       output_directory: "{music_video_directory}"
diff --git a/src/ytdl_sub/prebuilt_presets/tv_show/tv_show.yaml b/src/ytdl_sub/prebuilt_presets/tv_show/tv_show.yaml
index 34ac56b9..95911cb7 100644
--- a/src/ytdl_sub/prebuilt_presets/tv_show/tv_show.yaml
+++ b/src/ytdl_sub/prebuilt_presets/tv_show/tv_show.yaml
@@ -34,32 +34,31 @@ presets:
   # TV show from one or more sources. Uses {url}'s avatar and banner as poster and fanart
   _tv_show_by_date:
     download:
-      urls:
-        - url: "{url}"
-          playlist_thumbnails:
-            - name: "{tv_show_poster_file_name}"
-              uid: "avatar_uncropped"
-            - name: "{tv_show_fanart_file_name}"
-              uid: "banner_uncropped"
-        - url: "{url2}"
-        - url: "{url3}"
-        - url: "{url4}"
-        - url: "{url5}"
-        - url: "{url6}"
-        - url: "{url7}"
-        - url: "{url8}"
-        - url: "{url9}"
-        - url: "{url10}"
-        - url: "{url11}"
-        - url: "{url12}"
-        - url: "{url13}"
-        - url: "{url14}"
-        - url: "{url15}"
-        - url: "{url16}"
-        - url: "{url17}"
-        - url: "{url18}"
-        - url: "{url19}"
-        - url: "{url20}"
+      - url: "{url}"
+        playlist_thumbnails:
+          - name: "{tv_show_poster_file_name}"
+            uid: "avatar_uncropped"
+          - name: "{tv_show_fanart_file_name}"
+            uid: "banner_uncropped"
+      - url: "{url2}"
+      - url: "{url3}"
+      - url: "{url4}"
+      - url: "{url5}"
+      - url: "{url6}"
+      - url: "{url7}"
+      - url: "{url8}"
+      - url: "{url9}"
+      - url: "{url10}"
+      - url: "{url11}"
+      - url: "{url12}"
+      - url: "{url13}"
+      - url: "{url14}"
+      - url: "{url15}"
+      - url: "{url16}"
+      - url: "{url17}"
+      - url: "{url18}"
+      - url: "{url19}"
+      - url: "{url20}"
     overrides:
       url2: ""
       url3: ""
diff --git a/src/ytdl_sub/prebuilt_presets/tv_show/tv_show_collection.yaml b/src/ytdl_sub/prebuilt_presets/tv_show/tv_show_collection.yaml
index e6b311c4..dc9f7cc9 100644
--- a/src/ytdl_sub/prebuilt_presets/tv_show/tv_show_collection.yaml
+++ b/src/ytdl_sub/prebuilt_presets/tv_show/tv_show_collection.yaml
@@ -21,20 +21,19 @@ presets:
 
   collection_season_1:
     download:
-      urls:
-        - url: "{collection_season_1_url}"
-          variables:
-            collection_season_number: "1"
-            collection_season_number_padded: "01"
-          playlist_thumbnails:
-            # Use latest_entry first, then see if YT channel artwork exists
-            # ONLY FOR SEASON 1! The channel artwork will be the show's artwork.
-            - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
-              uid: "latest_entry"
-            - name: "{tv_show_poster_file_name}"
-              uid: "avatar_uncropped"
-            - name: "{tv_show_fanart_file_name}"
-              uid: "banner_uncropped"
+      - url: "{collection_season_1_url}"
+        variables:
+          collection_season_number: "1"
+          collection_season_number_padded: "01"
+        playlist_thumbnails:
+          # Use latest_entry first, then see if YT channel artwork exists
+          # ONLY FOR SEASON 1! The channel artwork will be the show's artwork.
+          - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
+            uid: "latest_entry"
+          - name: "{tv_show_poster_file_name}"
+            uid: "avatar_uncropped"
+          - name: "{tv_show_fanart_file_name}"
+            uid: "banner_uncropped"
 
     output_directory_nfo_tags:
       tags:
@@ -45,14 +44,13 @@ presets:
 
   collection_season_2:
     download:
-      urls:
-        - url: "{collection_season_2_url}"
-          variables:
-            collection_season_number: "2"
-            collection_season_number_padded: "02"
-          playlist_thumbnails:
-            - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
-              uid: "latest_entry"
+      - url: "{collection_season_2_url}"
+        variables:
+          collection_season_number: "2"
+          collection_season_number_padded: "02"
+        playlist_thumbnails:
+          - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
+            uid: "latest_entry"
 
     output_directory_nfo_tags:
       tags:
@@ -63,14 +61,13 @@ presets:
 
   collection_season_3:
     download:
-      urls:
-        - url: "{collection_season_3_url}"
-          variables:
-            collection_season_number: "3"
-            collection_season_number_padded: "03"
-          playlist_thumbnails:
-            - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
-              uid: "latest_entry"
+      - url: "{collection_season_3_url}"
+        variables:
+          collection_season_number: "3"
+          collection_season_number_padded: "03"
+        playlist_thumbnails:
+          - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
+            uid: "latest_entry"
 
     output_directory_nfo_tags:
       tags:
@@ -81,14 +78,13 @@ presets:
 
   collection_season_4:
     download:
-      urls:
-        - url: "{collection_season_4_url}"
-          variables:
-            collection_season_number: "4"
-            collection_season_number_padded: "04"
-          playlist_thumbnails:
-            - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
-              uid: "latest_entry"
+      - url: "{collection_season_4_url}"
+        variables:
+          collection_season_number: "4"
+          collection_season_number_padded: "04"
+        playlist_thumbnails:
+          - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
+            uid: "latest_entry"
 
     output_directory_nfo_tags:
       tags:
@@ -99,14 +95,13 @@ presets:
 
   collection_season_5:
     download:
-      urls:
-        - url: "{collection_season_5_url}"
-          variables:
-            collection_season_number: "5"
-            collection_season_number_padded: "05"
-          playlist_thumbnails:
-            - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
-              uid: "latest_entry"
+      - url: "{collection_season_5_url}"
+        variables:
+          collection_season_number: "5"
+          collection_season_number_padded: "05"
+        playlist_thumbnails:
+          - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
+            uid: "latest_entry"
 
     output_directory_nfo_tags:
       tags:
@@ -117,14 +112,13 @@ presets:
 
   collection_season_6:
     download:
-      urls:
-        - url: "{collection_season_6_url}"
-          variables:
-            collection_season_number: "6"
-            collection_season_number_padded: "06"
-          playlist_thumbnails:
-            - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
-              uid: "latest_entry"
+      - url: "{collection_season_6_url}"
+        variables:
+          collection_season_number: "6"
+          collection_season_number_padded: "06"
+        playlist_thumbnails:
+          - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
+            uid: "latest_entry"
 
     output_directory_nfo_tags:
       tags:
@@ -135,14 +129,13 @@ presets:
 
   collection_season_7:
     download:
-      urls:
-        - url: "{collection_season_7_url}"
-          variables:
-            collection_season_number: "7"
-            collection_season_number_padded: "07"
-          playlist_thumbnails:
-            - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
-              uid: "latest_entry"
+      - url: "{collection_season_7_url}"
+        variables:
+          collection_season_number: "7"
+          collection_season_number_padded: "07"
+        playlist_thumbnails:
+          - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
+            uid: "latest_entry"
 
     output_directory_nfo_tags:
       tags:
@@ -153,14 +146,13 @@ presets:
 
   collection_season_8:
     download:
-      urls:
-        - url: "{collection_season_8_url}"
-          variables:
-            collection_season_number: "8"
-            collection_season_number_padded: "08"
-          playlist_thumbnails:
-            - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
-              uid: "latest_entry"
+      - url: "{collection_season_8_url}"
+        variables:
+          collection_season_number: "8"
+          collection_season_number_padded: "08"
+        playlist_thumbnails:
+          - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
+            uid: "latest_entry"
 
     output_directory_nfo_tags:
       tags:
@@ -171,14 +163,13 @@ presets:
 
   collection_season_9:
     download:
-      urls:
-        - url: "{collection_season_9_url}"
-          variables:
-            collection_season_number: "9"
-            collection_season_number_padded: "09"
-          playlist_thumbnails:
-            - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
-              uid: "latest_entry"
+      - url: "{collection_season_9_url}"
+        variables:
+          collection_season_number: "9"
+          collection_season_number_padded: "09"
+        playlist_thumbnails:
+          - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
+            uid: "latest_entry"
 
     output_directory_nfo_tags:
       tags:
@@ -189,14 +180,13 @@ presets:
 
   collection_season_10:
     download:
-      urls:
-        - url: "{collection_season_10_url}"
-          variables:
-            collection_season_number: "10"
-            collection_season_number_padded: "10"
-          playlist_thumbnails:
-            - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
-              uid: "latest_entry"
+      - url: "{collection_season_10_url}"
+        variables:
+          collection_season_number: "10"
+          collection_season_number_padded: "10"
+        playlist_thumbnails:
+          - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
+            uid: "latest_entry"
 
     output_directory_nfo_tags:
       tags:
@@ -207,14 +197,13 @@ presets:
 
   collection_season_11:
     download:
-      urls:
-        - url: "{collection_season_11_url}"
-          variables:
-            collection_season_number: "11"
-            collection_season_number_padded: "11"
-          playlist_thumbnails:
-            - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
-              uid: "latest_entry"
+      - url: "{collection_season_11_url}"
+        variables:
+          collection_season_number: "11"
+          collection_season_number_padded: "11"
+        playlist_thumbnails:
+          - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
+            uid: "latest_entry"
 
     output_directory_nfo_tags:
       tags:
@@ -225,14 +214,13 @@ presets:
 
   collection_season_12:
     download:
-      urls:
-        - url: "{collection_season_12_url}"
-          variables:
-            collection_season_number: "12"
-            collection_season_number_padded: "12"
-          playlist_thumbnails:
-            - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
-              uid: "latest_entry"
+      - url: "{collection_season_12_url}"
+        variables:
+          collection_season_number: "12"
+          collection_season_number_padded: "12"
+        playlist_thumbnails:
+          - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
+            uid: "latest_entry"
 
     output_directory_nfo_tags:
       tags:
@@ -243,14 +231,13 @@ presets:
 
   collection_season_13:
     download:
-      urls:
-        - url: "{collection_season_13_url}"
-          variables:
-            collection_season_number: "13"
-            collection_season_number_padded: "13"
-          playlist_thumbnails:
-            - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
-              uid: "latest_entry"
+      - url: "{collection_season_13_url}"
+        variables:
+          collection_season_number: "13"
+          collection_season_number_padded: "13"
+        playlist_thumbnails:
+          - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
+            uid: "latest_entry"
 
     output_directory_nfo_tags:
       tags:
@@ -261,14 +248,13 @@ presets:
 
   collection_season_14:
     download:
-      urls:
-        - url: "{collection_season_14_url}"
-          variables:
-            collection_season_number: "14"
-            collection_season_number_padded: "14"
-          playlist_thumbnails:
-            - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
-              uid: "latest_entry"
+      - url: "{collection_season_14_url}"
+        variables:
+          collection_season_number: "14"
+          collection_season_number_padded: "14"
+        playlist_thumbnails:
+          - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
+            uid: "latest_entry"
 
     output_directory_nfo_tags:
       tags:
@@ -279,14 +265,13 @@ presets:
 
   collection_season_15:
     download:
-      urls:
-        - url: "{collection_season_15_url}"
-          variables:
-            collection_season_number: "15"
-            collection_season_number_padded: "15"
-          playlist_thumbnails:
-            - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
-              uid: "latest_entry"
+      - url: "{collection_season_15_url}"
+        variables:
+          collection_season_number: "15"
+          collection_season_number_padded: "15"
+        playlist_thumbnails:
+          - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
+            uid: "latest_entry"
 
     output_directory_nfo_tags:
       tags:
@@ -297,14 +282,13 @@ presets:
 
   collection_season_16:
     download:
-      urls:
-        - url: "{collection_season_16_url}"
-          variables:
-            collection_season_number: "16"
-            collection_season_number_padded: "16"
-          playlist_thumbnails:
-            - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
-              uid: "latest_entry"
+      - url: "{collection_season_16_url}"
+        variables:
+          collection_season_number: "16"
+          collection_season_number_padded: "16"
+        playlist_thumbnails:
+          - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
+            uid: "latest_entry"
 
     output_directory_nfo_tags:
       tags:
@@ -315,14 +299,13 @@ presets:
 
   collection_season_17:
     download:
-      urls:
-        - url: "{collection_season_17_url}"
-          variables:
-            collection_season_number: "17"
-            collection_season_number_padded: "17"
-          playlist_thumbnails:
-            - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
-              uid: "latest_entry"
+      - url: "{collection_season_17_url}"
+        variables:
+          collection_season_number: "17"
+          collection_season_number_padded: "17"
+        playlist_thumbnails:
+          - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
+            uid: "latest_entry"
 
     output_directory_nfo_tags:
       tags:
@@ -333,14 +316,13 @@ presets:
 
   collection_season_18:
     download:
-      urls:
-        - url: "{collection_season_18_url}"
-          variables:
-            collection_season_number: "18"
-            collection_season_number_padded: "18"
-          playlist_thumbnails:
-            - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
-              uid: "latest_entry"
+      - url: "{collection_season_18_url}"
+        variables:
+          collection_season_number: "18"
+          collection_season_number_padded: "18"
+        playlist_thumbnails:
+          - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
+            uid: "latest_entry"
 
     output_directory_nfo_tags:
       tags:
@@ -351,14 +333,13 @@ presets:
 
   collection_season_19:
     download:
-      urls:
-        - url: "{collection_season_19_url}"
-          variables:
-            collection_season_number: "19"
-            collection_season_number_padded: "19"
-          playlist_thumbnails:
-            - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
-              uid: "latest_entry"
+      - url: "{collection_season_19_url}"
+        variables:
+          collection_season_number: "19"
+          collection_season_number_padded: "19"
+        playlist_thumbnails:
+          - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
+            uid: "latest_entry"
 
     output_directory_nfo_tags:
       tags:
@@ -369,14 +350,13 @@ presets:
 
   collection_season_20:
     download:
-      urls:
-        - url: "{collection_season_20_url}"
-          variables:
-            collection_season_number: "20"
-            collection_season_number_padded: "20"
-          playlist_thumbnails:
-            - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
-              uid: "latest_entry"
+      - url: "{collection_season_20_url}"
+        variables:
+          collection_season_number: "20"
+          collection_season_number_padded: "20"
+        playlist_thumbnails:
+          - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
+            uid: "latest_entry"
 
     output_directory_nfo_tags:
       tags:
@@ -387,14 +367,13 @@ presets:
 
   collection_season_21:
     download:
-      urls:
-        - url: "{collection_season_21_url}"
-          variables:
-            collection_season_number: "21"
-            collection_season_number_padded: "21"
-          playlist_thumbnails:
-            - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
-              uid: "latest_entry"
+      - url: "{collection_season_21_url}"
+        variables:
+          collection_season_number: "21"
+          collection_season_number_padded: "21"
+        playlist_thumbnails:
+          - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
+            uid: "latest_entry"
 
     output_directory_nfo_tags:
       tags:
@@ -405,14 +384,13 @@ presets:
 
   collection_season_22:
     download:
-      urls:
-        - url: "{collection_season_22_url}"
-          variables:
-            collection_season_number: "22"
-            collection_season_number_padded: "22"
-          playlist_thumbnails:
-            - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
-              uid: "latest_entry"
+      - url: "{collection_season_22_url}"
+        variables:
+          collection_season_number: "22"
+          collection_season_number_padded: "22"
+        playlist_thumbnails:
+          - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
+            uid: "latest_entry"
 
     output_directory_nfo_tags:
       tags:
@@ -423,14 +401,13 @@ presets:
 
   collection_season_23:
     download:
-      urls:
-        - url: "{collection_season_23_url}"
-          variables:
-            collection_season_number: "23"
-            collection_season_number_padded: "23"
-          playlist_thumbnails:
-            - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
-              uid: "latest_entry"
+      - url: "{collection_season_23_url}"
+        variables:
+          collection_season_number: "23"
+          collection_season_number_padded: "23"
+        playlist_thumbnails:
+          - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
+            uid: "latest_entry"
 
     output_directory_nfo_tags:
       tags:
@@ -441,14 +418,13 @@ presets:
 
   collection_season_24:
     download:
-      urls:
-        - url: "{collection_season_24_url}"
-          variables:
-            collection_season_number: "24"
-            collection_season_number_padded: "24"
-          playlist_thumbnails:
-            - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
-              uid: "latest_entry"
+      - url: "{collection_season_24_url}"
+        variables:
+          collection_season_number: "24"
+          collection_season_number_padded: "24"
+        playlist_thumbnails:
+          - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
+            uid: "latest_entry"
 
     output_directory_nfo_tags:
       tags:
@@ -459,14 +435,13 @@ presets:
 
   collection_season_25:
     download:
-      urls:
-        - url: "{collection_season_25_url}"
-          variables:
-            collection_season_number: "25"
-            collection_season_number_padded: "25"
-          playlist_thumbnails:
-            - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
-              uid: "latest_entry"
+      - url: "{collection_season_25_url}"
+        variables:
+          collection_season_number: "25"
+          collection_season_number_padded: "25"
+        playlist_thumbnails:
+          - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
+            uid: "latest_entry"
 
     output_directory_nfo_tags:
       tags:
@@ -477,14 +452,13 @@ presets:
 
   collection_season_26:
     download:
-      urls:
-        - url: "{collection_season_26_url}"
-          variables:
-            collection_season_number: "26"
-            collection_season_number_padded: "26"
-          playlist_thumbnails:
-            - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
-              uid: "latest_entry"
+      - url: "{collection_season_26_url}"
+        variables:
+          collection_season_number: "26"
+          collection_season_number_padded: "26"
+        playlist_thumbnails:
+          - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
+            uid: "latest_entry"
 
     output_directory_nfo_tags:
       tags:
@@ -495,14 +469,13 @@ presets:
 
   collection_season_27:
     download:
-      urls:
-        - url: "{collection_season_27_url}"
-          variables:
-            collection_season_number: "27"
-            collection_season_number_padded: "27"
-          playlist_thumbnails:
-            - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
-              uid: "latest_entry"
+      - url: "{collection_season_27_url}"
+        variables:
+          collection_season_number: "27"
+          collection_season_number_padded: "27"
+        playlist_thumbnails:
+          - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
+            uid: "latest_entry"
 
     output_directory_nfo_tags:
       tags:
@@ -513,14 +486,13 @@ presets:
 
   collection_season_28:
     download:
-      urls:
-        - url: "{collection_season_28_url}"
-          variables:
-            collection_season_number: "28"
-            collection_season_number_padded: "28"
-          playlist_thumbnails:
-            - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
-              uid: "latest_entry"
+      - url: "{collection_season_28_url}"
+        variables:
+          collection_season_number: "28"
+          collection_season_number_padded: "28"
+        playlist_thumbnails:
+          - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
+            uid: "latest_entry"
 
     output_directory_nfo_tags:
       tags:
@@ -531,14 +503,13 @@ presets:
 
   collection_season_29:
     download:
-      urls:
-        - url: "{collection_season_29_url}"
-          variables:
-            collection_season_number: "29"
-            collection_season_number_padded: "29"
-          playlist_thumbnails:
-            - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
-              uid: "latest_entry"
+      - url: "{collection_season_29_url}"
+        variables:
+          collection_season_number: "29"
+          collection_season_number_padded: "29"
+        playlist_thumbnails:
+          - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
+            uid: "latest_entry"
 
     output_directory_nfo_tags:
       tags:
@@ -549,14 +520,13 @@ presets:
 
   collection_season_30:
     download:
-      urls:
-        - url: "{collection_season_30_url}"
-          variables:
-            collection_season_number: "30"
-            collection_season_number_padded: "30"
-          playlist_thumbnails:
-            - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
-              uid: "latest_entry"
+      - url: "{collection_season_30_url}"
+        variables:
+          collection_season_number: "30"
+          collection_season_number_padded: "30"
+        playlist_thumbnails:
+          - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
+            uid: "latest_entry"
 
     output_directory_nfo_tags:
       tags:
@@ -567,14 +537,13 @@ presets:
 
   collection_season_31:
     download:
-      urls:
-        - url: "{collection_season_31_url}"
-          variables:
-            collection_season_number: "31"
-            collection_season_number_padded: "31"
-          playlist_thumbnails:
-            - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
-              uid: "latest_entry"
+      - url: "{collection_season_31_url}"
+        variables:
+          collection_season_number: "31"
+          collection_season_number_padded: "31"
+        playlist_thumbnails:
+          - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
+            uid: "latest_entry"
 
     output_directory_nfo_tags:
       tags:
@@ -585,14 +554,13 @@ presets:
 
   collection_season_32:
     download:
-      urls:
-        - url: "{collection_season_32_url}"
-          variables:
-            collection_season_number: "32"
-            collection_season_number_padded: "32"
-          playlist_thumbnails:
-            - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
-              uid: "latest_entry"
+      - url: "{collection_season_32_url}"
+        variables:
+          collection_season_number: "32"
+          collection_season_number_padded: "32"
+        playlist_thumbnails:
+          - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
+            uid: "latest_entry"
 
     output_directory_nfo_tags:
       tags:
@@ -603,14 +571,13 @@ presets:
 
   collection_season_33:
     download:
-      urls:
-        - url: "{collection_season_33_url}"
-          variables:
-            collection_season_number: "33"
-            collection_season_number_padded: "33"
-          playlist_thumbnails:
-            - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
-              uid: "latest_entry"
+      - url: "{collection_season_33_url}"
+        variables:
+          collection_season_number: "33"
+          collection_season_number_padded: "33"
+        playlist_thumbnails:
+          - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
+            uid: "latest_entry"
 
     output_directory_nfo_tags:
       tags:
@@ -621,14 +588,13 @@ presets:
 
   collection_season_34:
     download:
-      urls:
-        - url: "{collection_season_34_url}"
-          variables:
-            collection_season_number: "34"
-            collection_season_number_padded: "34"
-          playlist_thumbnails:
-            - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
-              uid: "latest_entry"
+      - url: "{collection_season_34_url}"
+        variables:
+          collection_season_number: "34"
+          collection_season_number_padded: "34"
+        playlist_thumbnails:
+          - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
+            uid: "latest_entry"
 
     output_directory_nfo_tags:
       tags:
@@ -639,14 +605,13 @@ presets:
 
   collection_season_35:
     download:
-      urls:
-        - url: "{collection_season_35_url}"
-          variables:
-            collection_season_number: "35"
-            collection_season_number_padded: "35"
-          playlist_thumbnails:
-            - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
-              uid: "latest_entry"
+      - url: "{collection_season_35_url}"
+        variables:
+          collection_season_number: "35"
+          collection_season_number_padded: "35"
+        playlist_thumbnails:
+          - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
+            uid: "latest_entry"
 
     output_directory_nfo_tags:
       tags:
@@ -657,14 +622,13 @@ presets:
 
   collection_season_36:
     download:
-      urls:
-        - url: "{collection_season_36_url}"
-          variables:
-            collection_season_number: "36"
-            collection_season_number_padded: "36"
-          playlist_thumbnails:
-            - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
-              uid: "latest_entry"
+      - url: "{collection_season_36_url}"
+        variables:
+          collection_season_number: "36"
+          collection_season_number_padded: "36"
+        playlist_thumbnails:
+          - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
+            uid: "latest_entry"
 
     output_directory_nfo_tags:
       tags:
@@ -675,14 +639,13 @@ presets:
 
   collection_season_37:
     download:
-      urls:
-        - url: "{collection_season_37_url}"
-          variables:
-            collection_season_number: "37"
-            collection_season_number_padded: "37"
-          playlist_thumbnails:
-            - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
-              uid: "latest_entry"
+      - url: "{collection_season_37_url}"
+        variables:
+          collection_season_number: "37"
+          collection_season_number_padded: "37"
+        playlist_thumbnails:
+          - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
+            uid: "latest_entry"
 
     output_directory_nfo_tags:
       tags:
@@ -693,14 +656,13 @@ presets:
 
   collection_season_38:
     download:
-      urls:
-        - url: "{collection_season_38_url}"
-          variables:
-            collection_season_number: "38"
-            collection_season_number_padded: "38"
-          playlist_thumbnails:
-            - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
-              uid: "latest_entry"
+      - url: "{collection_season_38_url}"
+        variables:
+          collection_season_number: "38"
+          collection_season_number_padded: "38"
+        playlist_thumbnails:
+          - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
+            uid: "latest_entry"
 
     output_directory_nfo_tags:
       tags:
@@ -711,14 +673,13 @@ presets:
 
   collection_season_39:
     download:
-      urls:
-        - url: "{collection_season_39_url}"
-          variables:
-            collection_season_number: "39"
-            collection_season_number_padded: "39"
-          playlist_thumbnails:
-            - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
-              uid: "latest_entry"
+      - url: "{collection_season_39_url}"
+        variables:
+          collection_season_number: "39"
+          collection_season_number_padded: "39"
+        playlist_thumbnails:
+          - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
+            uid: "latest_entry"
 
     output_directory_nfo_tags:
       tags:
@@ -729,14 +690,13 @@ presets:
 
   collection_season_40:
     download:
-      urls:
-        - url: "{collection_season_40_url}"
-          variables:
-            collection_season_number: "40"
-            collection_season_number_padded: "40"
-          playlist_thumbnails:
-            - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
-              uid: "latest_entry"
+      - url: "{collection_season_40_url}"
+        variables:
+          collection_season_number: "40"
+          collection_season_number_padded: "40"
+        playlist_thumbnails:
+          - name: "{season_poster_file_name}"
+            uid: "latest_entry"
 
     output_directory_nfo_tags:
       tags:
diff --git a/tests/e2e/plugins/test_chapters.py b/tests/e2e/plugins/test_chapters.py
index 813ff1f2..93d8aeb9 100644
--- a/tests/e2e/plugins/test_chapters.py
+++ b/tests/e2e/plugins/test_chapters.py
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ from ytdl_sub.subscriptions.subscription import Subscription
 def sponsorblock_and_subs_preset_dict(output_directory) -> Dict:
     return {
         "preset": "music_video",
-        "download": {"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wJOUAuKZm8"},
+        "download": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wJOUAuKZm8",
         # override the output directory with our fixture-generated dir
         "output_options": {"output_directory": output_directory},
         "subtitles": {
@@ -46,9 +46,7 @@ def sponsorblock_and_subs_preset_dict(output_directory) -> Dict:
 
 @pytest.fixture
 def chapters_from_comments_preset_dict(sponsorblock_and_subs_preset_dict: Dict) -> Dict:
-    sponsorblock_and_subs_preset_dict["download"][
-        "url"
-    ] = "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MO5AWAqe01Y"
+    sponsorblock_and_subs_preset_dict["download"] = "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MO5AWAqe01Y"
     sponsorblock_and_subs_preset_dict["chapters"] = {
         "embed_chapters": True,
         "allow_chapters_from_comments": True,
diff --git a/tests/e2e/plugins/test_file_convert.py b/tests/e2e/plugins/test_file_convert.py
index d084b8ce..3323dfc2 100644
--- a/tests/e2e/plugins/test_file_convert.py
+++ b/tests/e2e/plugins/test_file_convert.py
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ from ytdl_sub.subscriptions.subscription import Subscription
 def preset_dict(output_directory):
     return {
         "preset": "music_video",
-        "download": {"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zYF9JLHDmA"},
+        "download": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zYF9JLHDmA",
         "output_options": {"output_directory": output_directory},
         # download the worst format so it is fast
         "ytdl_options": {
diff --git a/tests/e2e/plugins/test_match_filters.py b/tests/e2e/plugins/test_match_filters.py
index 8bcfb669..6e07e9a4 100644
--- a/tests/e2e/plugins/test_match_filters.py
+++ b/tests/e2e/plugins/test_match_filters.py
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ from ytdl_sub.subscriptions.subscription import Subscription
 def preset_dict(output_directory):
     return {
         "preset": "music_video",
-        "download": {"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zYF9JLHDmA"},
+        "download": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zYF9JLHDmA",
         "output_options": {"output_directory": output_directory},
         # download the worst format so it is fast
         "ytdl_options": {
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ def preset_dict(output_directory):
 def playlist_preset_dict(output_directory):
     return {
         "preset": "music_video",
-        "download": {"url": "https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5BC0FC26BECA5A35"},
+        "download": "https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5BC0FC26BECA5A35",
         "output_options": {"output_directory": output_directory},
         # download the worst format so it is fast
         "ytdl_options": {
diff --git a/tests/e2e/plugins/test_music_tags.py b/tests/e2e/plugins/test_music_tags.py
index 22db378a..586bea3b 100644
--- a/tests/e2e/plugins/test_music_tags.py
+++ b/tests/e2e/plugins/test_music_tags.py
@@ -9,9 +9,7 @@ from ytdl_sub.utils.exceptions import ValidationException
 @pytest.fixture
 def single_song_video_dict(output_directory):
     return {
-        "download": {
-            "url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lAe1cqCOXo",
-        },
+        "download": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lAe1cqCOXo",
         "output_options": {"output_directory": output_directory, "file_name": "will_error.mp4"},
         # test multi-tags
         "music_tags": {"genres": ["multi_tag_1", "multi_tag_2"]},
diff --git a/tests/e2e/plugins/test_nfo_tags.py b/tests/e2e/plugins/test_nfo_tags.py
index 72856cc3..d226b8ba 100644
--- a/tests/e2e/plugins/test_nfo_tags.py
+++ b/tests/e2e/plugins/test_nfo_tags.py
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ from ytdl_sub.subscriptions.subscription import Subscription
 def subscription_dict(output_directory):
     return {
         "preset": "music_video",
-        "download": {"url": "https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ucYmEqmlhFw"},
+        "download": "https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ucYmEqmlhFw",
         # override the output directory with our fixture-generated dir
         "output_options": {"output_directory": output_directory},
         # download the worst format so it is fast
diff --git a/tests/e2e/plugins/test_regex.py b/tests/e2e/plugins/test_regex.py
index 32e899eb..bce84964 100644
--- a/tests/e2e/plugins/test_regex.py
+++ b/tests/e2e/plugins/test_regex.py
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ from ytdl_sub.utils.exceptions import ValidationException
 def regex_subscription_dict_base(output_directory):
     return {
         "preset": "music_video",
-        "download": {"url": "https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5BC0FC26BECA5A35"},
+        "download": "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
diff --git a/tests/e2e/plugins/test_split_by_chapters.py b/tests/e2e/plugins/test_split_by_chapters.py
index f3e02e79..d1085e11 100644
--- a/tests/e2e/plugins/test_split_by_chapters.py
+++ b/tests/e2e/plugins/test_split_by_chapters.py
@@ -136,7 +136,7 @@ class TestSplitByChapters:
         mergedeep.merge(
             yt_album_as_chapters_with_regex_preset_dict,
             {
-                "download": {"url": "https://youtube.com/watch?v=HKTNxEqsN3Q"},
+                "download": "https://youtube.com/watch?v=HKTNxEqsN3Q",
                 "split_by_chapters": {"when_no_chapters": when_no_chapters},
             },
         )
diff --git a/tests/e2e/plugins/test_subtitles.py b/tests/e2e/plugins/test_subtitles.py
index c5236d05..350b45c4 100644
--- a/tests/e2e/plugins/test_subtitles.py
+++ b/tests/e2e/plugins/test_subtitles.py
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ from ytdl_sub.subscriptions.subscription import Subscription
 def single_video_subs_embed_preset_dict(output_directory):
     return {
         "preset": "music_video",
-        "download": {"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lAe1cqCOXo"},
+        "download": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lAe1cqCOXo",
         # override the output directory with our fixture-generated dir
         "output_options": {"output_directory": output_directory},
         "subtitles": {
diff --git a/tests/e2e/youtube/test_video.py b/tests/e2e/youtube/test_video.py
index 7916eab4..63b9c220 100644
--- a/tests/e2e/youtube/test_video.py
+++ b/tests/e2e/youtube/test_video.py
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ from ytdl_sub.subscriptions.subscription import Subscription
 def single_video_preset_dict_old_video_tags_format(output_directory):
     return {
         "preset": "music_video",
-        "download": {"url": "https://youtube.com/watch?v=HKTNxEqsN3Q"},
+        "download": "https://youtube.com/watch?v=HKTNxEqsN3Q",
         # override the output directory with our fixture-generated dir
         "output_options": {
             "output_directory": output_directory,
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ def single_video_preset_dict_old_video_tags_format(output_directory):
 def single_video_preset_dict(output_directory):
     return {
         "preset": "music_video",
-        "download": {"url": "https://youtube.com/watch?v=HKTNxEqsN3Q"},
+        "download": "https://youtube.com/watch?v=HKTNxEqsN3Q",
         # override the output directory with our fixture-generated dir
         "output_options": {
             "output_directory": output_directory,
diff --git a/tests/unit/config/test_config_file.py b/tests/unit/config/test_config_file.py
index 2eeff6a1..f2716c7d 100644
--- a/tests/unit/config/test_config_file.py
+++ b/tests/unit/config/test_config_file.py
@@ -67,8 +67,8 @@ class TestConfigFilePartiallyValidatesPresets:
     def test_error__download_args(self):
         self._partial_validate(
             preset_dict={"download": {"bad_key": "nope"}},
-            expected_error_message="Validation error in partial_preset.download: "
-            "'partial_preset.download' contains the field 'bad_key' which is not allowed. "
+            expected_error_message="Validation error in partial_preset.download.1: "
+            "'partial_preset.download.1' contains the field 'bad_key' which is not allowed. "
             "Allowed fields: download_reverse, playlist_thumbnails, source_thumbnails, url, "
             "variables",
         )
@@ -77,7 +77,7 @@ class TestConfigFilePartiallyValidatesPresets:
         "preset_dict",
         [
             {"nfo_tags": {"tags": {"key-1": {"attributes": {"test": "2"}}}}},
-            {"download": {"urls": [{"variables_to_set": {"name": "value"}}]}},
+            {"download": [{"variables_to_set": {"name": "value"}}]},
         ],
     )
     def test_partial_validate__incomplete_list_item(self, preset_dict):
diff --git a/tests/unit/config/test_preset.py b/tests/unit/config/test_preset.py
index dd1aae2a..158b2434 100644
--- a/tests/unit/config/test_preset.py
+++ b/tests/unit/config/test_preset.py
@@ -12,10 +12,12 @@ class TestPreset:
     @pytest.mark.parametrize(
         "download_value",
         [
-            {"url": "youtube.com/watch?v=123abc"},
-            {"urls": [{"url": "youtube.com/watch?v=123abc"}]},
-            ###########################################################
-            ##### OLD download_strategy format
+            {"url": "youtube.com/watch?v=123abc"},  # url download strategy
+            {"urls": [{"url": "youtube.com/watch?v=123abc"}]},  # multi-url download strategy
+            "youtube.com/watch?v=123abc",  # single string
+            ["youtube.com/watch?v=123abc", "youtube.com/watch?v=123xyz"],  # list of strings
+            [{"url": "youtube.com/watch?v=123abc"}, "youtube.com/watch?v=123abc"],  # dict and str
+            # OLD download_strategy format
             {"download_strategy": "url", "url": "youtube.com/watch?v=123abc"},
             {"download_strategy": "multi-url", "urls": [{"url": "youtube.com/watch?v=123abc"}]},
         ],
@@ -201,9 +203,7 @@ class TestPreset:
             config=config_file,
             name="test",
             value={
-                "download": {
-                    "urls": [{"url": "non-empty url"}, {"url": ""}],  # empty url
-                },
+                "download": [{"url": "non-empty url"}, {"url": ""}],  # empty url
                 "output_options": output_options,
             },
         )
@@ -222,9 +222,7 @@ class TestPreset:
                 config=config_file,
                 name="test",
                 value={
-                    "download": {
-                        "urls": [{"url": "{url}"}, {"url": "{url2}"}],
-                    },
+                    "download": [{"url": "{url}"}, {"url": "{url2}"}],
                     "output_options": output_options,
                     "overrides": {"url": "", "url2": ""},
                 },
diff --git a/tests/unit/prebuilt_presets/test_prebuilt_presets.py b/tests/unit/prebuilt_presets/test_prebuilt_presets.py
index 2cede012..06b5ada8 100644
--- a/tests/unit/prebuilt_presets/test_prebuilt_presets.py
+++ b/tests/unit/prebuilt_presets/test_prebuilt_presets.py
@@ -52,7 +52,7 @@ class TestPrebuiltTVShowPresets:
             preset_name="preset_test",
             preset_dict={
                 "preset": parent_presets,
-                "download": {"urls": [{"url": "https://second.url"}]},
+                "download": "https://second.url",
                 "overrides": {
                     "url": "https://your.name.here",
                     "tv_show_name": "test-compile",