diff --git a/backend/services/ytdlp.py b/backend/services/ytdlp.py
index 1bd5432..259eec3 100644
--- a/backend/services/ytdlp.py
+++ b/backend/services/ytdlp.py
@@ -33,8 +33,10 @@ def _meta_run(args: list[str], timeout: int = 60) -> tuple[str, str, int]:
         wait = _META_MIN_GAP - (now - _meta_last_call)
         if wait > 0:
             time.sleep(wait + random.uniform(0.5, 2.5))
-        _meta_last_call = time.monotonic()
-    return _run(args, timeout=timeout)
+        try:
+            return _run(args, timeout=timeout)
+        finally:
+            _meta_last_call = time.monotonic()
 
 
 def _parse_date(date_str: str | None) -> datetime | None: