Download Audio from YouTube
Extract audio-only from YouTube videos for music, podcasts, lectures, or audiobooks. Save in MP3, M4A, or other audio formats.
Method 1: yt-dlp (Best Quality)
# Download best audio quality
yt-dlp -f "bestaudio" "VIDEO_URL"
# Download as MP3
yt-dlp -x --audio-format mp3 "VIDEO_URL"
# Download as M4A (better quality)
yt-dlp -x --audio-format m4a "VIDEO_URL"
# Specify bitrate
yt-dlp -x --audio-format mp3 --audio-quality 320K "VIDEO_URL"
Method 2: 4K Video Downloader
- Click "Paste Link"
- Select "Extract Audio" option
- Choose format (MP3, M4A, OGG)
- Select quality (High, Medium, Low)
- Click "Extract"
Method 3: Online Audio Extractors
Convenient for one-off downloads:
- 320ytmp3.com: High-quality MP3
- YTmp3: Simple and fast
- OnlineVideoConverter: Multiple formats
Caution: Many online MP3 converters have intrusive ads. Use ad blocker and trusted sites only.
Audio Format Comparison
| Format | Quality | File Size | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| MP3 | Good | Small | Universal compatibility |
| M4A/AAC | Better | Small | iPhone, iTunes |
| FLAC | Lossless | Large | Audiophiles |
| WAV | Lossless | Very Large | Audio editing |
| OGG | Good | Small | Open source |
Audio Quality Settings
MP3 Bitrates:
- 320 kbps: Maximum quality, ~3MB per minute
- 256 kbps: Very good quality, smaller file
- 192 kbps: Good quality, recommended
- 128 kbps: Acceptable for speech/podcasts
Use Cases
- Music: Save favorite songs for offline listening
- Podcasts: Listen on the go without video
- Lectures: Study materials for students
- Audiobooks: Save book readings
- Language Learning: Practice pronunciation
- Meditation: Save guided meditation videos
Mobile Audio Download
iPhone:
- Use Documents app + online MP3 converter
- Files save to iPhone's Files app
- Can transfer to Apple Music
Android:
- TubeMate: Built-in MP3 conversion
- NewPipe: Extract audio option
- Direct save to Music folder
Batch Audio Extraction
Extract audio from multiple videos:
# From playlist
yt-dlp -x --audio-format mp3 "PLAYLIST_URL"
# From list of URLs
yt-dlp -x --audio-format mp3 -a urls.txt
Troubleshooting
Poor Audio Quality:
- Source video may have low-quality audio
- Use highest bitrate option
- Try M4A instead of MP3
File Won't Play:
- Install VLC Media Player
- Update media player
- Convert to different format
Legal Considerations
Downloading copyrighted music may violate copyright laws. Only download audio you have permission to use. Consider streaming services like Spotify or YouTube Music for legal access.