diff --git a/pkgs/tools/misc/youtube-dl/default.nix b/pkgs/tools/misc/youtube-dl/default.nix
index 0ebe54dc3e83..2591f562a403 100644
--- a/pkgs/tools/misc/youtube-dl/default.nix
+++ b/pkgs/tools/misc/youtube-dl/default.nix
@@ -106,7 +106,7 @@ buildPythonPackage rec {
       the public domain, which means you can modify it, redistribute it or use
       it however you like.
     '';
-    license = licenses.publicDomain;
+    license = licenses.unlicense;
     maintainers = with maintainers; [
       fpletz
     ];