The vast expanse of YouTube harbors billions of hours of captivating videos, a staggering amount that would take a mind-boggling 57,000 years to watch continuously. And the collection grows perpetually with every passing minute.
However, there are moments when we desire to save one of these videos locally, either in video format or as an MP3 file. This may be to share the videos or keep them stored safely. If you’re curious about the process of converting YouTube to MP3, fret not, for there are several methods available, but there are also important factors to keep in mind.
In this article, we’ll explore various ways to download videos to your device and how to convert YouTube videos to MP3. Continue reading to find the method that best suits your needs.
MP3 Conversion and Legal Considerations
When converting YouTube videos to MP3, one must tread carefully in terms of legal matters, particularly depending on the video you wish to download. Videos in the public domain or without copyright restrictions are safe to download, and you can find them by searching keywords like “public domain” or “non-copyright” on YouTube. However, downloading copyrighted videos, such as movies or music videos, without permission from the copyright holder is illegal.
Google’s Terms of Service explicitly prohibit users from downloading or copying videos from YouTube without explicit consent from the original copyright owner. Google, primarily an advertising company, incurs losses when users access videos via unofficial means, as they can’t display ads. Hence, it is essential to be aware of the laws before using any YouTube to MP3 converters to avoid getting on the wrong side of tech giants.
YouTube to MP3 vs. Video Downloads
Though converting a YouTube video to MP3 is possible, it might not always be the best option. MP3 files are somewhat outdated when it comes to maintaining the highest audio quality. For premium audio experience, downloading the original video format and listening offline through various methods is recommended.
Most devices now offer ample storage, eliminating any storage issues. If you still prefer audio only, you can convert the video to formats like AAC, DDS, or FLAC, depending on your device. However, most methods can still end up with an MP3 file if you prefer that. Tools like By Click Downloader allow you to convert videos quickly into other formats as well.
Discover More About YouTube
If you desire an extensive knowledge of YouTube, consider enrolling in a comprehensive YouTube course.
YouTube Premium and YouTube Music
YouTube does offer a video download feature, but it’s limited to mobile versions of the application and comes with certain limitations.
To download a video on the YouTube application:
1. Click on the desired video and start playing it.
2. Click the download button below the video’s title.
3. A menu will appear from the bottom, allowing you to select the video resolution for download. Each resolution corresponds to a different file size. Choose your preferred resolution and click “Download.”
4. Access your downloaded videos through the Library button on the bottom right of the screen, under the Downloads tab.
However, this feature is not ideal for listening to audio, as it remains in video format. To enjoy an ad-free experience and background video playback, you can opt for a YouTube Premium subscription.
VLC Media Player Method
VLC Media Player, available on Windows, macOS, and Linux, is a versatile software that supports various media formats. Though it can be used to download YouTube videos for free, the process might seem a bit complex.
Follow these steps to use VLC Media Player to download YouTube videos:
1. Download VLC Media Player from their website.
2. Install the software on your device.
3. Open the application and navigate to the YouTube video you wish to download.
4. Copy the video URL.
5. In VLC, go to “Media” in the top bar, select “Open Network Stream,” and paste the video URL.
6. Click “Play” to start playing the video.
7. Go to “Tools” in the top bar and select “Codec Information.”
8. In the “Location” textbox at the bottom, you’ll find the temporary web address of the video. Copy this address and paste it into your browser to play the video.
9. In the browser, click on the three dots in the bottom right and choose “Download” to save the video locally on your PC.
Note: This method will save the video file in 1080p resolution, regardless of the original video’s quality. To convert the video to MP3 or other formats, you’ll need separate video editing software or specialized converters.
4K Video Downloader
4K Video Downloader is a feature-rich software available on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. It offers a simple interface to download videos up to 8K quality and allows you to choose from various formats, including MP3 and other audio formats.
To convert YouTube videos to MP3 using 4K Video Downloader:
1. Copy the video link from YouTube.
2. Paste the link into 4K Video Downloader to initiate the download.
3. The software allows you to download subtitles, entire playlists, and videos from subscribed channels.
This versatile tool also supports other platforms like Vimeo, Facebook, and TikTok. However, the free version has a daily download limit of 30 videos.
Using Online Downloading Websites
If you prefer a hassle-free method to convert YouTube videos to MP3 without installation, online converter websites are an option. Many such websites exist, but exercise caution, as some may be unreliable or malicious.
These websites generally work by parsing the YouTube link you provide and offering options to choose the output format and resolution for your desired video. After selection, you receive a direct download link to your device.
Note: Be cautious when using these websites, as some may contain explicit ads or malware, and others may stop functioning due to changes in the YouTube API.
Browser Extensions
Browser extensions can also be used to download YouTube videos in MP3 format, providing a relatively straightforward method. However, some extensions may be unreliable, especially on Google Chrome, where YouTube’s owner, Google, removes such extensions regularly.
To bypass the Chrome Web Store restrictions, you can download and install extensions from other sources, but their functionality may still be affected by YouTube API updates.
Selecting the Right Method
In conclusion, when choosing a YouTube to MP3 converter, consider the number of videos you wish to convert. Online converters may suffice for casual use, while desktop software like By Click Downloader or 4K Video Downloader provides faster downloads and more format options.
For YouTube Premium subscribers, the YouTube Music app is a safe and widely supported option. With your videos and audio available offline, you can enjoy your favorite content while managing your time better without distractions.
These methods offer you a range of options to convert YouTube videos to MP3, catering to various preferences and requirements.