YouTube has become an invaluable resource for listening to almost any song you can imagine. But what if you want to take your favorite tunes offline or listen without ads? Downloading music from YouTube allows you to do just that.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll walk through the step-by-step process to safely and legally convert YouTube videos to MP3 files that you can enjoy anywhere.
A Brief YouTube History
YouTube first launched in 2005 as an easy way for people to upload and share videos online. Over the years, it has grown into the world‘s largest video hosting platform. Today, over 500 hours of video content are uploaded to YouTube every minute.
A vast amount of that content is music – from official music videos to concert footage, remixes, covers, and more. YouTube has made nearly every song ever recorded available at your fingertips.
Is Downloading Music from YouTube Legal?
YouTube‘s terms of service prohibits downloading videos from the platform. However, U.S. copyright law allows you to create MP3 files for personal, non-commercial use under fair use doctrine.
As long as you are only downloading a reasonable amount of songs for your own offline listening, and not distributing the files or using them commercially, you are generally safe. However, proceed at your own discretion.
Online Converter vs. Desktop Program
You have two options for converting YouTube videos to MP3:
Online converters: Easy to use, no software to install, but beware of malware and ads. We recommend the safe, reliable YT5S.
Desktop programs: No annoying pop-up ads, but you have to install software. Top recommendation is 4K Video Downloader.
Below we‘ll demonstrate the simple online converter method. But feel free to try a desktop program instead.
Step-by-Step Guide to Download Music from YouTube
Follow these simple steps to turn a YouTube video into an MP3 with YT5S:
Step 1: Copy the YouTube Link
Open the YouTube video page and click the "Share" button below the video. Copy the URL that appears:
This copies the unique video URL needed for the converter.
Step 2: Paste Link into YT5S
Go to YT5S.com and paste the YouTube link into the box:
Step 3: Click the MP3 Format
Ensure "MP3" is selected for the file format:
This will convert the video directly into an MP3 audio file.
Step 4: Click "Start"
The "Start" button will turn blue when ready. Click it to begin the MP3 conversion:
YT5S will now process the video URL and convert it into an MP3 audio file for you.
Step 5: Click "Download"
Once complete, YT5S displays a download link for the MP3 file. Click "Download" to save the file:
This saves the MP3 file to your computer.
Listen to Your Downloaded Music
Open your computer‘s downloads folder, right click the MP3 file, and select your preferred media player application to listen.
Be sure to rename the MP3 file something memorable so you can easily find it later:
Now you can enjoy your downloaded YouTube music offline and ad-free!
Other Safe Converter Options
If you prefer a desktop program instead of an online converter, we recommend 4K Video Downloader. It is 100% free, safe, and simple to use.
There are also paid premium tools like WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe that offer faster speeds and additional capabilities.
The choice comes down to your preferences and needs. As long as you avoid shady converters with malware, you should be satisfied with the YouTube MP3 results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is downloading music from YouTube legal?
For personal, offline use under fair use law, it is generally acceptable. But check your country‘s copyright policies to be 100% certain. Do not distribute the downloaded files.
Will the quality be good?
Yes, YT5S and other leading converters maintain excellent audio quality in the MP3 conversion. The bitrates match YouTube‘s audio streams.
Can I use the MP3s in my YouTube videos?
No, that would constitute copyright infringement. Downloaded MP3s are only for personal listening offline.
I hope you found this guide helpful for learning how to easily convert YouTube videos to MP3 music files. Now you can enjoy ad-free listening anywhere! Let me know if you have any other questions.