diff --git a/beetsplug/embedart.py b/beetsplug/embedart.py
index c3142f175..4bb635950 100644
--- a/beetsplug/embedart.py
+++ b/beetsplug/embedart.py
@@ -84,7 +84,7 @@ class EmbedCoverArtPlugin(BeetsPlugin):
                                     help='the image file to embed')
         embed_cmd.parser.add_option("-y", "--yes", action="store_true",
                                     help="skip confirmation")
-        embed_cmd.parser.add_option('-u', '--url',
+        embed_cmd.parser.add_option('-u', '--url', action="store_true",
                                     help='the URL of the image file to embed')
 
         maxwidth = self.config['maxwidth'].get(int)