Would you like to download music from YouTube to listen to offline, but don’t know where to start? Although YouTube is primarily a streaming platform, there are several legal and secure ways to save your favorite tracks. Find out about the different tools available, official solutions like YouTube Premium, and the precautions you need to take to download music safely.
Tools and software for downloading music from YouTube
When it comes to downloading music from YouTube, there are several practical solutions to choose from. From online converters to dedicated software, each tool has its own advantages. Let’s discover the most reliable options for saving your favorite tracks.
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Free and paid software
There are two main categories of software for downloading music from YouTube. On the one hand, there are paid solutions such as YouTube Premium. On the other, free software that does the same job.
- 4K Video Downloader: it’s very easy to use. Just paste in the URL of your video, choose the audio format and off you go. It works well and doesn’t bother you with ads everywhere.
- Free YouTube to MP3 Converter: perfect if you just want audio. It converts directly to MP3 and can even manage entire playlists. The free version has a few ads, but nothing to worry about.
Both are reliable and regularly updated. This is important because YouTube often changes its system, and some old software no longer works at all.
Browser extensions and online sites
Browser extensions are really handy for downloading music. You don’t need to install a complete software package on your computer. A simple little module is all you need.
Video DownloadHelper is one of the most reliable extensions available. It takes just two clicks to install in your browser and automatically detects the videos you can download. You can then choose whether you want to keep just the MP3 audio or the whole video.
If you prefer not to install anything at all, there are also specialized websites. Services such as Savefrom.net or 9Convert do the work directly online. Simply paste in the address of your YouTube video, choose the MP3 format, and off you go.
Use YouTube Premium and YouTube Music to download legally
The simplest solution already exists: YouTube Premium. It’s the official, 100% legal option for downloading your favorite music.
With a Premium subscription, you can download any video or music and listen to it offline. No need to look for alternative solutions. What’s more, you’ll enjoy ad-free listening, which is quite pleasant.
YouTube Music Premium works in the same way. The application lets you download tracks, complete albums and even podcasts. Audio quality is excellent, up to 256 Kbps.
A small detail: you need to connect to the Internet at least once a month to keep access to your downloads. YouTube has set up this protection, but it doesn’t really pose a problem on a day-to-day basis.
Downloading is easy.
- Open the
- Find your music
- And click on “Download”.
You can even activate smart downloads: the app will automatically download the tracks you often listen to. Handy when you know you’re about to lose your connection!
Although YouTube Premium offers a practical and legal solution, many Internet users are looking for alternatives, not least to avoid subscription costs. There are indeed other download methods on the Internet, but these raise important legal issues. Before considering these alternatives, it’s crucial to understand the legal implications that accompany them, as they can have significant consequences for users.
Understanding the legality of downloading music
Downloading music from YouTube raises important legal issues. Regulations vary from country to country, but one principle remains universal: respect for copyright. Fortunately, some content, such as works in the public domain or licensed under Creative Commons, can be uploaded legally.
What the law says about downloading
In France, Arcom monitors illegal downloads.
- A first illegal download is followed by a warning e-mail. In the event of a second offence, you will receive a registered letter. Penalties can be as high as €1,500.
- To check whether a service is legal, visit offrelegale.fr. This site lists all authorized platforms. Legal sites often display an official “PUR” or “Offre légale Hadopi” label.
- Even if you keep the music for yourself, downloading is still illegal without the artist’s consent. The only exception is for royalty-free works, or those whose author has explicitly authorized downloading.
The difference between personal and commercial use
The law makes a clear distinction between personal and commercial use of downloaded music. You can listen to protected music at home, with family or friends, without any problem. This is called personal use. No special authorization is required.
Commercial use is another story. As soon as you use music to make money, you need a license. For example, if you put music in a monetized YouTube video or advertisement. Without a license, you risk warnings, the blocking of your content, or even prosecution.
There’s a simple solution: royalty-free music. It requires a one-off payment and then allows you to use the track as you see fit, even to make money.
Risks and security when downloading music
Downloading music is not without risk, especially when venturing onto dubious sites. Some download platforms can hide malware or viruses. That’s why it’s crucial to choose your tools carefully and remain vigilant.
Virus and malware problems
Free download sites are often real virus nests. By clicking on a download button, you could get much more than just a song. Malicious software can sneak onto your computer.
What’s most worrying? These viruses know how to be discreet. They can steal your personal data or turn your PC into a spam-sending zombie. Sometimes, they just slow down your machine without you understanding why.
Misleading advertising doesn’t help. On these sites, you’ll often see several “Download” buttons: only one leads to your music, the others to dubious programs. And even if you find the right button, the audio quality is rarely up to scratch. The sound may be compressed or mixed with other noise.
These risks are not limited to music files: films, software, video games or documents – all types of downloads can hide similar threats. Be particularly wary of sites that look like copies of other well-known platforms, or that use names very similar to legitimate sites.
To avoid these pitfalls, rely only on recognized platforms. An up-to-date antivirus is also your best ally. If a website promises you the best for free, beware: nothing is really free on the Internet.
Respect for copyright
Uploading music to YouTube directly affects copyright. It’s a serious matter. Musical creations are protected by law, even after the artist’s death. And it’s not just about music: music videos are affected too.
To stay within the law, you have two options. The first is to use legal services like YouTube Premium. The second is to turn to royalty-free content. These are available from specialized resource banks. But beware: always check the conditions of use before downloading anything.
When in doubt, ask yourself: do I have the right to use this music? If the answer is unclear, it’s best to refrain. Organizations like Sacem keep a close eye on things, and penalties can be severe.
FAQ
Yes, it is possible to download music from YouTube, but only via legal features offered by YouTube, such as those included with a YouTube Premium subscription. This subscription allows you to download videos and music for offline listening within the YouTube application.
To download music with YouTube Music, open the application, search for the song or playlist you want to download, then press the download icon (usually represented by a downward arrow). The tracks will then be available in your offline library.
Using third-party tools or sites to download music from YouTube free of charge may violate the platform’s terms of use and copyright. We recommend using official solutions, such as YouTube Music.
Music downloaded via the YouTube or YouTube Music application is not stored as a standard audio file. They are available only in the application, in offline mode, and cannot be transferred to other devices.
Yes, with YouTube Music you can download an entire playlist by opening the playlist and selecting the download option. This allows you to access all the tracks in the playlist without an internet connection.
Music downloaded from YouTube or YouTube Music remains available offline as long as you regularly connect to the Internet. If you don’t connect for 30 days or more, downloads may expire.
The audio quality of downloads varies according to the settings defined in the application. You can choose between different options, such as standard or higher quality, depending on your preferences and the storage space available on your device.
Currently, music downloads via YouTube Music are only available on mobile devices via the dedicated app. However, with a YouTube Premium subscription, you can download videos to your computer for offline viewing via the YouTube application.
