Would you like to download your favorite YouTube tracks for offline listening on your computer? Although YouTube doesn’t directly offer this functionality, there are several reliable methods for extracting music from videos and saving it on your PC. In the following lines, we present you with the various solutions available, from the simplest to the most advanced, while guiding you through the legal aspects and audio quality.
How can I download free music from YouTube?
To download music from YouTube, you have several options at your disposal. Online converters such as YTMP3 or 4K Video Downloader allow you to extract audio from videos in just a few clicks. Dedicated applications such as VLC Media Player also offer integrated download functions. Let’s take a look at these different methods, from the simplest to the most advanced.
Use of online tools
Among the various converters available, some like Y2Mate, OnlyMP3 or ToMP3.cc are popular, but they can be risky. They often display misleading ads and may even try to install dubious programs on your computer.
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Instead, I recommend using safer services like Loader.to or YouTubePlaylist.cc. These sites are cleaner and don’t bombard you with pop-ups. What’s more, they let you choose the audio quality you want.
Applications dedicated to downloading
Dedicated applications are more practical than websites. They install themselves once and for all on your computer. No need to search for a reliable site every time.
Here are the three best options for recovering your music:
- 4K Video Downloader: The easiest to use. Simply paste the video URL and select “Extract MP3”. The free version allows you to extract up to 24 videos per playlist.
- ClipGrab: Perfect if you want something light. It works on all systems (Windows, Mac, Linux) and converts directly to MP3. What’s more, it has its own built-in YouTube search engine.
- MediaHuman: Ideal for iTunes users. It can automatically send your music to your library. The free version does the job for occasional use.
These three applications are secure and regularly updated. Avoid the others that can be found on the Internet, which are often packed with ads or viruses.
Music converters
Music converters are useful tools for extracting audio from YouTube videos and saving them on your computer. Among them, Sidify YouTube Music Converter stands out for its simplicity and functionality. This tool lets you download music directly from YouTube Music and convert it to a variety of formats, including MP3, AAC and FLAC.
It’s easy to use: you copy the link to the video or playlist you want to convert, paste it into the software, then choose the format and audio quality. Sidify even offers high quality options, up to 320kbps, for clear, pleasant sound.
Another advantage of this tool is its ability to manage complete playlists. Rather than converting tracks one by one, you can retrieve several titles at once, saving precious time. If you’re looking for an efficient, easy-to-use solution, Sidify is an option worth considering.
How do I import music from YouTube?
Once you’ve downloaded your music, importing it to your favorite devices and software is as easy as 1-2-3. On your computer, start by creating a “Music” folder to keep your files organized. You can then import your tracks into YouTube Music by dragging them directly onto the site’s interface. The service accepts MP3, FLAC and even WMA formats.
For other applications, such as iTunes or Spotify, simply open the software and use the import function. It’s usually found in the “File” or “Library” menu. Select your music files, and you’re ready to go. On a smartphone, transfer your music via a USB cable or use the cloud of your choice. The files will then be available in your default music application.
Don’t forget that YouTube Music lets you store up to 100,000 tracks. Your imported tracks remain private, so you can listen to them even without an Internet connection. The service automatically deletes duplicates, keeping your library tidy.
Download via YouTube Music
To download music officially from YouTube Music, you need to subscribe to the Premium version of the service. Once subscribed, you can download your favorite tracks, albums or playlists directly from the application on your phone or computer, simply by using the download icon.
On the computer, you have two options: use the website directly or install the progressive application (PWA). For the PWA, simply go to YouTube Music with Chrome, click on the three dots in the top right-hand corner and choose “Install”. It’s so handy, it turns the site into a real application on your PC.
Respect for copyright
Downloading music from YouTube isn’t always legal. In fact, most music is protected by copyright. These rights enable artists to make a living from their work.
Before downloading music, ask yourself these questions:
- Is the artist alive? Downloading is prohibited.
- The artist died less than 70 years ago? The music is still protected.
- The artist died over 70 years ago? The music is in the public domain, you can get it.
To avoid problems, opt for legal streaming services. They often offer free options with ads. This is the best way to enjoy music while respecting the artists’ work.
Choosing the right audio format
MP3 isn’t your only option for saving music. In fact, there are several formats to choose from, each with its own advantages.
If you want to save space, opt for this format or AAC. These formats compress the music while maintaining decent quality. MP3 is practical and works everywhere. AAC offers slightly better sound, but is mainly used on Apple devices.
For audiophiles who want perfect quality, there are lossless formats such as FLAC or WAV. But beware: these files take up a lot more space. FLAC is a good compromise, as it compresses files a little. WAV, on the other hand, retains absolutely everything, but your tracks will be huge.
AIFF and ALAC? These are Apple formats equivalent to WAV and FLAC. Keep them in mind if you’re using an iPhone or Mac.
FAQ
Yes, if the music is made available by the artist or YouTube itself via a download option, it’s legal. On the other hand, uploading a video or copyrighted content without authorization violates YouTube’s terms of use.
You can use tools such as YouTube Music (with a subscription), which allows you to download music legally. There are also online converters or third-party software, but using them to download copyrighted content may be illegal.
Online converters or specialized software can transform a YouTube video into an audio file (MP3). However, make sure that the content you convert is free of rights or that you have the creator’s permission.
The most common formats are MP3, AAC and WAV. MP3 is the most popular because of its compatibility with most devices and players.
Yes, YouTube Music Premium lets you download tracks legally for offline listening. You can also consult legal platforms such as Spotify, Deezer or Apple Music.
YouTube offers a free audio library for creators. Here you can upload tracks and sound effects for free use in your projects.
This depends on the tool used. Online converters often compress files, which can reduce their quality. For best quality, choose software with high-definition download options.
For good organization, create folders by artist or genre, and use a media player that allows you to sort and tag files (e.g. VLC or iTunes). This makes it easier to manage and find your tracks.
