diff --git a/backend/config.py b/backend/config.py
index a872bc3..cfbe4a1 100644
--- a/backend/config.py
+++ b/backend/config.py
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ class Config:
         )
 
         # Proxy URL for yt_proxied downloader (can be used for geo-restricted content)
-        self.yt_proxy = os.getenv('YT_PROXY') or 'http://127.0.0.1:1080'
+        self.yt_proxy = os.getenv('YT_PROXY') or None
 
         self.save_lyrics = _parse_bool(os.getenv('SAVE_LYRICS'), True)
         self.save_cover = _parse_bool(os.getenv('SAVE_COVER'), True)
diff --git a/backend/ydl_pool.py b/backend/ydl_pool.py
index 8a78e64..309a065 100644
--- a/backend/ydl_pool.py
+++ b/backend/ydl_pool.py
@@ -22,7 +22,9 @@ class _CreateYDL:
     @staticmethod
     def yt_proxied() -> YoutubeDL:
         ydl = _CreateYDL.youtube()
-        ydl.params['proxy'] = config.get().yt_proxy
+        proxy = config.get().yt_proxy
+        if proxy is not None:
+            ydl.params['proxy'] = proxy
         return ydl
 
     @staticmethod