How can I download just the music from YouTube?

With over 2 billion monthly active users, YouTube has become one of the most popular platforms for streaming music online. Many YouTube viewers want to download just the audio from music videos or other videos with songs they enjoy. There are several reasons why downloading only the audio track is preferred over the video file:

Downloading only audio uses less storage space on devices compared to large video files. Audio files can easily be added to playlists for offline listening. The audio track allows listeners to enjoy the music without being distracted by or needing to watch the video visuals. Some regions restrict video streaming bandwidth so audio downloads provide an alternative. Audio files seamlessly integrate into music apps and libraries.

There are several methods available to extract and download just the audio track from YouTube videos. This guide will provide an overview of the main options, from online converters and desktop software to mobile apps and built-in YouTube features. We’ll also look at important legal considerations around downloading audio from YouTube.

Using a YouTube to MP3 Converter

A YouTube to MP3 converter is a website that allows you to download just the audio from a YouTube video in MP3 format. These sites work by using the YouTube API or “ripping” the audio from the video file. Some popular YouTube to MP3 converter sites include ytmp3.cc, y2mate.com, and mp3juices.cc.

To use a YouTube to MP3 converter, first copy the URL of the YouTube video you want to download. Then go to the converter site and paste the URL into the provided field. Many sites will automatically detect the video from the URL. Finally, click the “Convert” or “Download” button. The site will extract the audio and provide a download link for the MP3 file. Some sites may require you to copy a captcha code before downloading.

The advantage of using these sites is that they provide a quick and easy way to download audio from YouTube. However, there are some downsides. The audio quality may not be as high as downloading the original video file. And many sites load the page with ads, which can be annoying. It’s also important to note that downloading copyrighted material may be illegal depending on your jurisdiction.

Using Online Audio Extractors

There are many free online audio extractor sites that allow you to convert and download just the audio from YouTube videos. Some popular options include:

yt5s.com – This site allows you to extract MP3 audio from YouTube videos. Simply paste the YouTube URL into the box and click “Extract Audio.” You can then download the extracted audio file.

flvto.biz – Flvto is another online tool that rips audio from YouTube videos. After entering the YouTube link, choose MP3 as the output format and click “Convert” to extract just the audio.

These online audio extractors work by identifying and isolating the audio stream from the YouTube video file. They then encode this audio into an MP3 file that you can download to your computer or device. The advantage of using these sites is that they provide a quick and easy way to extract audio without needing to install any additional software.

To use them, simply copy the URL of the YouTube video you want to extract audio from, paste it into the site’s search box, select MP3 as the output format, and click the “Convert” or “Extract” button. Just a few seconds later, your downloaded MP3 audio file will be ready.

Using Desktop Software

One of the most popular ways to download just the audio from YouTube videos is by using desktop software. Programs like 4K Video Downloader and Freemake Video Downloader allow you to easily convert and save YouTube videos as MP3 files.

To use this kind of software, you first need to download and install it on your computer. Most programs will have an intuitive interface where you can copy and paste the URL of the YouTube video you want to download. The software will then analyze the page and allow you to select MP3 as the download format.

From there, the program will download just the audio track of the video in high quality MP3 format. You can then access the downloaded MP3 files through the software or locate them saved in a folder on your computer. Most YouTube downloaders even include useful features like the ability to convert multiple videos in batch, set a default download location, and more.

Desktop YouTube downloaders provide a quick and easy way to strip the audio from YouTube videos. Just make sure to use trusted software from reputable developers, and avoid any programs that claim to be free while trying to bundle in other unwanted software or malware.

Using Browser Extensions

Browser extensions provide a convenient way to download YouTube audio directly in your web browser. Some popular extensions include:

Video & Audio Downloader¹ – This Chrome extension lets you download audio and video files from YouTube and other sites. Just click the extension icon, select audio format, and download.

Audio Downloader Prime² – Available for Chrome, this extension provides a quick way to download audio by converting YouTube videos to MP3, M4A, OGG, WAV, and more formats.
Video DownloadHelper³ – This popular Firefox and Chrome extension works on many sites beyond just YouTube. Click the icon to download video or extract audio.

To install a browser extension, search for it in your browser’s app/extension store and click “Add to Chrome” or “Add to Firefox.” The extension’s icon will then show up in your toolbar. Clicking it on a YouTube page lets you download just the audio portion of any video.

Using Mobile Apps

One of the easiest ways to download just the audio from YouTube videos on your mobile device is by using a dedicated app. There are several great options to choose from:

Snaptube (https://snaptube-video.en.uptodown.com/android) is a popular Android app that lets you download videos and extract audio in MP3 format. Simply search for the YouTube video, select MP3 as the download format, and the audio will be saved to your device. Snaptube also allows downloading entire YouTube playlists.

TubeMate (https://tubemate.net/) is another great Android app for downloading YouTube videos and converting them to MP3 files. After pasting the YouTube link, you can select MP3 under ‘Settings’ and then tap ‘Download’. TubeMate downloads audio quickly and works even when the screen is locked.

On iPhone, Documents by Readdle (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/documents-by-readdle/id364901807) is a robust file manager that includes a built-in YouTube downloader. From the app, paste the YouTube link, choose ‘Audio’ format, and tap the download icon. The audio file will be saved directly in the app for easy access.

Using a dedicated mobile app like Snaptube, TubeMate, or Documents is the fastest way to extract and download just the audio portion from YouTube videos on your Android or iPhone device.

Using YouTube’s Feature

YouTube offers an audio-only mode through their premium subscription services YouTube Premium and YouTube Music Premium. With these paid subscriptions, you can listen to just the audio of YouTube videos without the video playing.

YouTube Music Premium specifically allows audio-only playback of music content on YouTube. This feature is available across platforms and devices, including desktop, mobile apps, smart speakers, and in vehicles with Android Auto. Audio-only mode enables a music listening experience similar to Spotify with the convenience of accessing YouTube’s vast music catalog (Source: https://support.google.com/youtubemusic/answer/6313574?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid).

With a YouTube Premium subscription, you can also get audio-only playback on regular YouTube videos and playlists beyond just music content. This allows listening to things like vlogs, podcasts, audiobooks, guided meditations, and more without having the video pane open (Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/AndroidAuto/comments/bghll4/youtube_premium_audio_only_support/).

So both YouTube Premium and YouTube Music Premium subscriptions provide options to listen to audio-only content from YouTube, making it easy to enjoy music, podcasts, audiobooks and more without watching the videos.

Converting Downloaded Videos

Once you have downloaded a YouTube video file to your computer, you can use audio conversion software to extract just the audio portion in MP3 format. There are several free tools that automate this process:

Freemake Video Converter is a simple desktop app that allows you to add a downloaded YouTube video and convert it to MP3 with just a couple clicks. It works on Windows and Mac.

Wave.video provides an online tool where you can upload your downloaded YouTube video and it will extract the audio track. The resulting MP3 file can then be downloaded.

On mobile, apps like Video to MP3 Converter for Android allow you to browse to a downloaded YouTube video on your device and convert it to MP3 format.

Using these tools helps automate the conversion process so you don’t have to manually extract the audio yourself. Just make sure to only convert videos you have properly downloaded and own.

Legal Considerations

While it may be tempting to download music from YouTube, it’s important to consider the legal and ethical implications. YouTube’s Terms of Service prohibit users from downloading videos or extracting audio from videos without permission from the copyright holder. Downloading copyrighted content without authorization constitutes copyright infringement, which carries legal risks.

Songs on YouTube are usually copyrighted, meaning the rights belong to the artist, songwriter, record label, or other rights holder. Downloading a copyrighted song from YouTube without permission violates copyright law. While penalties are rare for individual use, fines of up to $150,000 per song may be imposed for willful copyright infringement. Beyond legal punishments, unauthorized downloading raises ethical concerns about compensating artists and content creators for their work.

The safest approach is to use authorized sources when downloading music, such as purchasing songs from iTunes or streaming from licensed subscription services. For audio content on YouTube you have permission to use, it’s best to seek direct download or API access offered by the uploader rather than using third-party downloaders. While the legal risks are small for personal use, it’s wise to avoid unauthorized downloads out of respect for artists’ rights.

Conclusion

Throughout this article, we covered several different methods for downloading just the audio from YouTube videos. These included using online YouTube to MP3 converters, audio extractors, desktop software, browser extensions, mobile apps, and YouTube’s own feature.

For those looking for the quickest and simplest option, online YouTube to MP3 converters are likely the most convenient choice. They allow you to download high quality audio with just a YouTube video link, without needing to install anything. Audio extractors work similarly, but may offer lower audio quality.

If you prefer having software on your own computer, desktop programs and browser extensions give you more control and the ability to save music offline. These take more setup but provide a seamless experience after installed. Mobile apps are great for downloading audio on the go.

YouTube’s built-in feature allows official artist content to be downloaded as audio only. This is the most legal option, but limited in selection. Converting downloaded videos using converters is another alternative if you want full videos plus the audio.

Overall, there are many options for extracting just the audio out of YouTube videos. Evaluate your needs and choose the one that works best for your situation.