Nothing comes close to YouTube with regard to sheer content volume and diversity. Anything you can think of, be it a podcast, the latest music video, or a walkthrough video on the newest workout; you can bet it’s on YouTube.

Unfortunately, YouTube doesn’t support video or audio downloads natively, as it’ll probably counter their goals. How to download audio from YouTube isn’t a walk in the park. The technical bit and legal ramifications may apply, namely, the platform’s policies and laws on intellectual property rights where you live.

Find out how to download audio from YouTube easily; and whether it’s okay to do so.

Why Download YouTube Audio?

Whether you’re looking to listen to a podcast, an educational lecture, or just some great music, it’s nice to have the option to download the audio file and take it with you on the go.

One of the most significant advantages of downloading YouTube audio is that it allows you to listen to your favorite content without thinking about streaming or buffering issues. Instead of worrying about whether or not you have a strong enough internet connection, you can download the file and listen to it whenever and wherever you like. 

Another reason why you should consider downloading YouTube audio is its convenience. With a downloaded audio file, you can easily transfer it to any device you own, allowing you to access your favorite content no matter where you are. 

This makes it easier than ever to take your music or podcasts with you on the go without worrying about streaming interruptions, courtesy of patchy network coverage in some places.

The other thing that makes downloading audio from YouTube great is that it helps conserve data. When you stream audio or video from YouTube, your data is used every time you play something. You can save your data and reduce related costs by downloading an audio file instead.

Using Wave.video to Download a YouTube Audio

Wave.video is a major video marketing platform. One of its remarkable features is the free YouTube to MP3 converter. 

Here’s how to download a YouTube audio using Wave.video:

• First, launch the free YouTube to MP3 converter on your browser. 
• Go back to the YouTube video and copy its link. Paste it where it says, “Paste here any video URL”
• Choose the appropriate MP3 quality and click on the Download button.
• Wait for the download to complete, and enjoy your audio. If this doesn’t happen, look for a “allow popups from Wave.video” prompt at the top of your browser. Grant permission and the download should initiate promptly.

Once the download is complete, look for the file in your downloads folder and enjoy your audio. 

How to Download Audio From any YouTube Video on Mac and Windows Computers

Here are alternative third-party tools to download YouTube audio on your Windows or Mac. Using most of these tools is a breeze and a matter of following prompts on your screen.

1. 4K Video Downloader

4K Video Downloader is a free tool that can be used to download YouTube videos in audio and video formats with a quality of up to 8K. It supports multiple output formats, including MP3, M4A, OGG, FLAC, and WAV. 

The tool allows you to download entire playlists and channels with just one click and allows you to extract only audio from the videos. Additionally, it supports advanced features such as subtitles download, video playlist download, 3D video download, etc. 

Before downloading, you can customize the video resolution, audio bitrate, and format. Hands down, the 4K Video Downloader is an excellent choice for users looking for a reliable and easy-to-use video and audio downloader.

2. Free HD Video Converter Factory

This is a powerful and reliable tool for downloading audio from YouTube videos, available as a free download for Windows and Mac computers. It lets users quickly download high-quality audio in multiple formats, including MP3, AAC, WAV, M4A, and more. 

It offers a range of advanced settings that allow you to customize your audio files according to your needs. 

With its easy-to-use interface and comprehensive features, Free HD Video Converter Factory is an excellent choice for downloading audio from YouTube videos.

3. ClipGrab

This app is an excellent choice for those who want to download and convert YouTube videos to audio on their Windows and Mac devices. The program is extremely user-friendly and makes downloading and converting videos from YouTube straightforward. It supports various popular video and audio formats, including MP4, AVI, WMV, MOV, FLV, MP3, and AAC. 

One of the great features of ClipGrab is its ability to automatically detect and download videos from various websites, including YouTube. Just paste the URL into the program, and it will cover the rest. 

In addition to downloading YouTube videos to audio formats, ClipGrab can also download entire playlists or channels. 

How to Download a YouTube Audio on Your iPhone or Android Phone

Here are alternative third-party tools to download YouTube audio on your iPhone or Android device. Using most of these tools is a breeze and a matter of following straightforward prompts on your screen:

1. Filmora Editor

It’s a versatile and powerful app for downloading YouTube videos to audio on Android and iPhone devices. Filmora has a very intuitive user interface and is extremely easy to use, making it an excellent choice for beginners. 

Filmora Editor allows users to download videos from over 1000 different websites, including YouTube, and convert them into audio files in various formats. 

Converted audio files can be saved locally or uploaded to a cloud storage account for easy sharing. The app also features built-in video editing tools and music libraries, allowing users to customize their downloaded content easily.

2. Videoder

Videoder is a popular YouTube video-to-audio downloader for both Android and iPhone. It offers various features, such as the ability to search for videos from different platforms, download multiple files at once, and convert videos into MP3 and many other audio formats. 

Videoder lets users preview videos before downloading, so you can ensure you’re downloading the right file. It’s also free to download, with no hidden costs or ads. Its simple and intuitive design makes navigating and finding the exact file you need easy.

3. SnapTube

SnapTube is a popular YouTube video-to-audio downloader for Android devices. It has an easy-to-use interface that provides free access to videos, music, and other media types. 

The app supports multiple file formats, including MP3, M4A, and AAC, making it possible to save the audio version of YouTube videos quickly. SnapTube also saves videos in HD resolution and provides several search options for finding content more quickly.

4. Instube

InsTube is an Android app that makes it easy to download YouTube videos and convert them into audio files. It has a powerful yet simple interface and supports multiple formats, including MP3, MP4, and M4A. 

With InsTube, you can easily search for the desired video, select a resolution and format, and then download the file. The app also lets you play media directly on your device, preview files before downloading and share them with friends. 

It also supports background downloads, so you can keep browsing while your content is downloaded. 

Can’t find something you fancy yet? This extensive list of handpicked YouTube to MP3 converters should have you covered.

FAQs

How long can you play YouTube audio in YouTube Premium?

YouTube Premium allows you to listen to your favorite music, podcasts, and videos for as long as you like provided your subscription is still valid.

With the premium subscription, you can play and store YouTube audio offline for up to 30 days, after which you’ll have to download the files again.

Is it legal to download audio from a YouTube video?

Generally speaking, it is illegal to download music or any other copyrighted content without permission from the copyright holder. However, the laws surrounding the use of YouTube audio can be complicated, depending on the context and location. 

In many cases, it is legal to download audio from YouTube if you are using the material for personal, non-commercial purposes. This means you cannot use the audio for commercial purposes, such as making money from it or as a film or video game soundtrack. Additionally, some videos on YouTube may feature creative commons licensing, which allows you to use the audio without permission from the copyright holder. 

It is also important to remember that not all YouTube videos have copyright protection. In some cases, a YouTube video may have been created by someone who does not own the copyright of the audio, and therefore there may be no legal restrictions on downloading it. 

If you’re a content creator, look for free stock music or audio. Spice up your content with an appropriate audio; if you feel stuck, here’s a free guide on YouTube video scripts.

When deciding whether it is legal to download audio from YouTube, it is vital to consider the context of your usage and research the copyright status of the audio. It is always better to err on the side of caution and ensure you have permission from the copyright holder before downloading audio from YouTube.

How do I download a YouTube audio on my Chromebook?

There are two options. Use YouTube Premium and save videos for offline use, or download the YouTube audio and store it locally on your Chromebook.

If you choose the latter, here’s how you can do it using Wave.video:

• First, make sure your device is up-to-date and connected to the internet. Then, find the YouTube video you want to download the audio from. 
• Once you have located the video, open the video in the Chrome browser and copy the link. 
• Paste the link on Wave.video, choose the MP3 quality, and hit Download.

The audio will now be downloaded onto your device, and you will have access whenever needed.

Final Thoughts

Downloading audio from YouTube can be a great way to save your favorite songs or soundtracks for later listening. Even though it may seem complicated, how to download audio from YouTube is fairly simple once you get the hang of it.

Although there are certain restrictions on what you can do with it, downloading audio from YouTube is generally legal, depending on the source and the type of content. 

With the right tool, you can easily download audio from YouTube onto a Chromebook or whichever device and listen to it wherever you go. Need to download a video from YouTube? Here’s a curated list of the best YouTube to MP4 converters.