Convert YouTube to MP3 on Mac
Extract high-quality audio from YouTube videos on Mac. Works with M1, M2, and Intel Macs.
Method 1: yt-dlp (Best Quality)
Installation via Homebrew:
# Install Homebrew (if needed)
/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"
# Install yt-dlp
brew install yt-dlp
Convert to MP3:
# Best quality MP3
yt-dlp -x --audio-format mp3 --audio-quality 0 "VIDEO_URL"
# 320kbps MP3
yt-dlp -x --audio-format mp3 --audio-quality 320K "VIDEO_URL"
# Save to Music folder
yt-dlp -x --audio-format mp3 -o "~/Music/%(title)s.%(ext)s" "URL"
Method 2: 4K Video Downloader
- Download from 4kdownload.com (native M1/M2 support)
- Install to Applications folder
- Click "Paste Link"
- Select "Extract Audio"
- Choose MP3 format and quality
- Click "Extract"
Settings for Best Quality:
- Preferences → Formats → Audio
- Select MP3
- Quality: "Original" or "320 kbps"
Method 3: MediaHuman YouTube to MP3
- Free Mac app (with limitations)
- Simple drag-and-drop interface
- Batch conversion
- iTunes integration
- M1/M2 compatible
Method 4: Online Converters
Use Safari or Chrome to access web-based converters:
- Copy YouTube URL
- Visit online converter
- Paste URL and convert
- Download MP3 to Downloads folder
Adding MP3s to Apple Music
Method A: Drag and Drop
- Open Music app
- Drag MP3 files into Music window
- Files automatically added to library
Method B: File Menu
- Music app → File → Import
- Select MP3 files
- Click Open
Method C: Automator Script
Create workflow to auto-add downloads to Music.
Quality Settings Comparison
| Setting | Bitrate | Quality | Size (5min) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum | 320 kbps | Excellent | ~12 MB |
| High | 256 kbps | Very Good | ~10 MB |
| Standard | 192 kbps | Good | ~7 MB |
| Low | 128 kbps | Acceptable | ~5 MB |
Batch Conversion on Mac
Using yt-dlp:
# Convert entire playlist to MP3
yt-dlp -x --audio-format mp3 "PLAYLIST_URL"
# From text file of URLs
yt-dlp -x --audio-format mp3 -a urls.txt
Mac-Specific Tips
Apple Silicon (M1/M2) Performance:
- Conversion is significantly faster
- Lower battery usage
- Cooler operation
- Use native apps when available
Storage Locations:
- Default Downloads: ~/Downloads
- Music Library: ~/Music/Music/Media
- Custom: Set in app preferences
Troubleshooting
Homebrew Command Not Found:
- Restart Terminal after installation
- Check PATH settings
- Run:
eval "$(/opt/homebrew/bin/brew shellenv)"
yt-dlp Errors:
- Update:
brew upgrade yt-dlp - Check internet connection
- Verify YouTube URL is correct
MP3 Won't Add to Music:
- Check file format is truly MP3
- Remove DRM if present
- Try converting with different tool