How to Convert YouTube to MP3 on Windows, Mac and Mobile

Plus, is it legal to do it?

If you like playing some background music while working, exercising or studying, or you prefer to listen to a podcast while relaxing, YouTube offers lots of free, engaging content to keep you going.

While you can technically download videos from YouTube and then use a tool torip the audio files, it’s a time-consuming and tedious process.

Fortunately, there are many tools you can use to convert YouTube to MP3 that will save time and give you good quality audio.

According toYouTube’s terms of service(TOS), you may access content for your information and personal use. However, when you want to download content, you can only do so if the video has a “download” link displayed for that content.

Violating the YouTube TOS leads to serious consequences includingtermination of your accountespecially if you’re deemed to be a repeat infringer. YouTube could also take legal action against you.

In short, converting anddownloading copyrighted contentis illegal unless you have permission from the owner of the video.

If they’re your personal videos or non-copyright videos, you can convert the videos to MP3 using a converter. Likewise, if the video has an official download link or it’s in the public domain, you’re free to download the video.

Factors to Consider When Converting YouTube to MP3

You can use a YouTube to MP3 converter to convert any YouTube video you want on your computer or mobile device.

Before you convert a YouTube video to MP3, you should know that not all video conversion sites or tools are genuine. Some of them can be buggy or worse, and they may try to infect your device with malware, especially those that ask you to download files.

Before using any such site or tool, make sure you have a strong antivirus that’s running the latest update and virus definitions. Plus, you should choose a tool based on its ability topreserve the audio quality, availability of various media formats, and fast download.

With these caveats in mind, let’s look at how you can convert your favorite YouTube videos into MP3 or audio files for use on different devices.

Convert YouTube to MP3 on Windows and Mac

There are lots of free and paid tools you can use to download and convert YouTube videos to MP3 format.

If you want to convert a YouTube video on your Windows or Mac computer, you can use 4K Video Downloader, YouTube to MP3, or MediaHuman YouTube to MP3 converter.

The 4K Video Downloader is easy to download, install and run on your computer. While its basic version is free, it comes with ads. However, you can pay for the premium plan if you want an ad-free experience.

If you don’t want to install a program on your Windows computer or Mac, you can opt for an online conversion tool likeYouTube to MP3.

YouTube to MP3 is a popular site where you can paste the URL of the YouTube video you want to convert and then the program will convert it to your preferred format.

Note: The lower the compression level, the poorer the audio quality.

MediaHuman offers a YouTube to MP3 converter that you can use for free to convert your favorite YouTube videos to audios for easier and more convenient listening.

Note: If you have multiple videos you want to convert, you can add them to the converter and then download them in one batch.

How to Convert YouTube Videos to MP3 on Android and iOS Devices

If you want to download YouTube videos in MP3 format to your smartphone or tablet, you can use the web-based YouTube to MP3 converter for Android and iOS, TubeMate for Android, or Videosolo for iOS devices.

Your audio file download will be saved in the Downloads folder on your device.

It’s not easy to download YouTube videos with an Android app from Google Play Store because Google has placed restrictions on that. However, you can downloadTubeMatevia APK files and convert your YouTube video to MP3 format.

Like Google, Apple also ensures the apps available in its app store are genuine so it’s a bit tricky to download and convert YouTube videos on your iPhone or iPad. You couldjailbreak your phoneto get more options, but it’s a riskier route that you shouldn’t take.

Get the Right YouTube to MP3 Converter Tools

With the right tools, it’s simple and easy to convert YouTube videos to MP3. There are lots of free sites and apps, but not all of them are trustworthy. Some can be slow, full of ads or malware, which is why we picked out the best free tools you can use with any of your devices.

You can alsouse VLC Media Player to rip YouTube videosordownload complete YouTube playlistsin one click for your listening pleasure.

Were you able to successfully convert your favorite YouTube videos to MP3 files? Share with us in a comment below.

Elsie is a technology writer and editor with a special focus on Windows, Android and iOS. She writes about software, electronics and other tech subjects, her ultimate goal being to help people out with useful solutions to their daily tech issues in a simple, straightforward and unbiased style. She has a BCom degree in Marketing and currently pursuing her Masters in Communications and New Media.Read Elsie’s Full Bio

Welcome to Help Desk Geek- a blog full of tech tips from trusted tech experts. We have thousands of articles and guides to help you troubleshoot any issue. Our articles have been read over 150 million times since we launched in 2008.

HomeAbout UsEditorial StandardsContact UsTerms of Use

Copyright © 2008-2024 Help Desk Geek.com, LLC All Rights Reserved