How to Download Music from YouTube

Edited 3 days ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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YouTube is a huge platform where you can find almost any music. However, sometimes you want to download music from YouTube to listen offline. In this article, we will learn about several ways to download music from YouTube legally and efficiently. Let's take a look at each method one by one.

Method 1: Using an online YouTube to MP3 converter

The easiest way to download music from YouTube is to use an online YouTube to MP3 converter. These websites allow you to input the URL of a YouTube video and convert it to an MP3 file that you can download. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Find the YouTube video you want to download music from. Copy the URL of the video from your browser's address bar.

Step 2: Open a YouTube to MP3 converter website such as YTMP3.cc or Y2Mate.

Step 3: Paste the YouTube video URL into the input box of the converter.

Step 4: Choose the format (usually MP3) and click the Convert button.

Step 5: Wait for the website to process the video and provide a download link. Click the download link to save the MP3 file to your computer or mobile device.

Using online converters is convenient, but these websites often have intrusive ads or they may not be reliable all the time. It is also important to note that downloading copyrighted material without permission is illegal. Always make sure you have the right to download and use the content.

Method 2: Using desktop software

There are many desktop software programs that can be used to download music from YouTube. Some popular options include 4K YouTube to MP3, YTD Video Downloader, and Free YouTube Download. Here's how to use 4K YouTube to MP3:

Step 1: Download and install 4K YouTube to MP3 from the official website.

Step 2: Open the software and go to YouTube to find the video you want to download. Copy the URL of the video.

Step 3: Go back to the 4K YouTube to MP3 software and paste the URL into the application.

Step 4: The software will automatically start downloading the MP3 file. Once the download is complete, you will find the MP3 file stored in your specified download folder.

Desktop software typically offers more features than online converters, such as batch downloads and higher quality audio files. Be sure to download software from reputable sources to avoid malware.

Method 3: Using a browser extension

Browser extensions can also be used to download music from YouTube. Extensions like "YouTube MP3 Downloader" for Chrome or "Easy YouTube Video Downloader" for Firefox simplify the process. Here's how to use the browser extensions:

Step 1: Install the browser extension from the Chrome Web Store or the Firefox add-ons page.

Step 2: After installing the extension, go to the YouTube video you want to download.

Step 3: You will see an additional button to download the audio (MP3) below the video or in your browser toolbar. Click this button.

Step 4: The extension will provide you with a download link or start the download automatically. Save the MP3 file to your computer or mobile device.

Browser extensions can be very convenient, but be careful, as they can pose a security risk. Install extensions only from trusted developers.

Method 4: Using command line tools

For those familiar with the command line, command-line tools can be an effective way to download music from YouTube. One popular tool is youtube-dl. Here's how you can use it:

$ sudo apt-get install youtube-dl
$ brew install youtube-dl

Step 2: Find the YouTube video you want to download and copy its URL.

Step 3: Open your terminal and run the following command:

$ youtube-dl --extract-audio --audio-format mp3 [YouTube URL]

This command will download the video and extract the audio as an MP3 file. You can also specify the output file name and directory using additional options:

$ youtube-dl --extract-audio --audio-format mp3 -o "~/Music/%(title)s.%(ext)s" [YouTube URL]

Command-line tools are powerful and flexible, but require some degree of comfort with using the terminal.

Method 5: Mobile app to download YouTube music

There are also mobile apps that allow you to download music from YouTube. For Android users, apps like TubeMate or SnapTube are often used for this purpose. However, these apps are not available on the Google Play Store and must be downloaded from third-party websites. Here's how to download music using TubeMate:

Step 1: Download TubeMate APK from a trusted website and install it on your Android device.

Step 2: Open TubeMate and search for the YouTube video you want to download.

Step 3: Click on the download button and select the MP3 format.

Step 4: The app will download the video and convert it into an MP3 file, which will be saved on your device.

For iOS users, the process is more complicated due to strict App Store policies. A common solution is to use the web-based converters mentioned in Method 1, and then transfer the downloaded files to your iPhone using iTunes or similar software.

Troubleshooting common problems

Downloading music from YouTube is usually easy, but sometimes you may encounter some problems. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

1. Invalid URL: Make sure you copied the correct URL from the address bar. Only URLs starting with "https://www.youtube.com/" are valid.
2. Download failed: This may be due to network problems or problems with the conversion service. Try using another method or converter.
3. Poor audio quality: Some converters compress the audio, resulting in lower quality. Using desktop software like 4K YouTube to MP3 can help maintain high quality.

Legal considerations

Downloading copyrighted music without permission is illegal in many countries. Always make sure you have the right to download and use the content. If you're downloading music for personal use, check that the video is available under a license that allows downloads. Many artists offer their music for free or under a Creative Commons license, which allows for legal downloads.

Conclusion

There are many ways to download music from YouTube. Whether you prefer online converters, desktop software, browser extensions, command-line tools, or mobile apps, each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. Always make sure you are downloading content in a legal and safe way. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can enjoy your favorite music offline, anytime and anywhere.

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