The Best Methods of Downloading Music from YouTube in 2024

YouTube is a popular platform for streaming music. Its vast collection of music makes every audiophile want something for himself. They want to listen to that special song again and again, both offline and online. However, you may wonder how to download YouTube music.

This guide explores various techniques and tools for downloading music from YouTube. It covers most of the techniques of how to download music from YouTube ensuring users can enjoy their favorite songs anytime, anywhere. This guide equips tech-savvy enthusiasts and casual listeners equally with the knowledge to build their personalized music collections.

Understanding the Legality and Ethics of Downloading Music from YouTube

• It's generally acceptable for personal use, distributing copyrighted material without permission is illegal and unethical.
• Supporting artists by purchasing music from legitimate platforms like Amazon, Apple Music, or Spotify ensures fair compensation and encourages ongoing creativity. Hence, downloading music from YouTube raises legal and ethical concerns.
• Downloading music from YouTube carries potential risks. Unreliable sources may contain malware. Additionally, downloading music without payment can be viewed as theft of intellectual property.
• In some countries, like Canada, downloading copyrighted music from peer-to-peer networks is legal due to a private copying levy. But it remains ethically questionable. Artists deserve fair payment for their work.

YouTube Premium: A Legitimate Way to Download Music

YouTube Premium is a subscription-based service that provides an ad-free experience. Additionally, it allows users to download videos and music for offline listening. This service includes access to YouTube Music Premium, specifically tailored for music lovers. Since its launch, the YouTube Premium has become the go-to for people wondering about how to download a song from YouTube.

With YouTube Premium's free trial, users can test the service before committing to a subscription. Subscribers can easily download music for offline playback using the YouTube Music app.

The cost of a YouTube Premium subscription varies based on the type of plan. An individual plan is $14 per month after a one-month trial. The family plan is now $23 per month. Students can subscribe for $8 per month, but they must verify their student status annually.

The process is straightforward. Open the app, search for a song, album, or playlist, and tap the download button. The downloaded content is tied to the user's account. They can not be transferred to other devices without YouTube Premium on that target device.

YouTube Premium uses M4A as the standard audio format for downloaded music. The service also offers the ability to choose preferred quality settings before starting the download.

Limitations of Downloading Music Using YouTube Premium

1. YouTube Premium allows offline playback, but downloading content directly to a computer is not officially supported.
2. It is not currently possible to download entire playlists onto a computer.
3. Transferring and playing downloaded music on other devices from a computer is possible but may breach YouTube's terms of service.

Popular 3rd Party Tools To Download Music From Youtube

In the digital age, music lovers have plenty of options for downloading their favorite tunes from YouTube. Whether you're on a desktop, or mobile device, or prefer an online service, there's a tool out there to meet your needs. Anyone wondering about how to download songs from YouTube for free will find these tools very helpful. Here's a list of popular 3rd party tools to help you download music from YouTube across different platforms. Many of those tools can convert YouTube to mp3.

Desktop Tools

• ClipGrab
  A versatile video download manager that supports YouTube, Vimeo, and other sites. It can convert downloaded videos to various formats like MP3 and MPEG4. However, users should be cautious as the Windows installer includes potentially unwanted programs.

• 4K Video Downloader
  This tool offers high-quality downloads, with support for 3D and 360-degree videos. It's praised for its cross-platform compatibility and user-friendly interface.

• YTD Video Downloader & Converter
  Another popular choice is known for its simplicity and support for various video formats.

• VideoProc
  This one stands out for its ability to handle high-resolution videos and offers editing tools.

Mobile Apps

• Tubemate
  TubeMate is a popular free Android app that allows you to download videos and audio from YouTube and other video-sharing sites. This one is an excellent option for Android users.

• Snaptube
  This free Android app allows downloading videos from over 60 video-sharing platforms including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, etc. It offers user-friendly interfaces and a variety of download options.

• NewPipe
  It is an Open source, lightweight YouTube client and downloader for Android. It allows you to download music without any ads or unnecessary permissions. This one offers a clean interface without ads or non-open source dependencies.

Online Services

• SSYouTube
  This one is a straightforward online downloader and YouTube to mp3 converter. This tool lets you save YouTube videos by simply adding "ss" before the YouTube video URL or visiting their website. It also allows downloading in various video/audio formats and resolutions

• SaveFrom.net
  This online tool allows you to download videos from over 40 websites including YouTube, Vimeo, etc. It makes the task of converting YouTube url to mp3 very easy.

• Y2mate
  It provides a hassle-free way to download YouTube videos and music. This tool makes the downloads available in MP4, 3GP, WEBM video, and MP3 audio formats. As this one also works as a free YouTube to mp3 converter, it is one of the most handy tools out there.

Multi-Platform Support

• iTubeGO
  iTubeGo is a desktop program for Windows/Mac to download online videos. It is known for its fast download speeds and is available across various platforms.

• ByClick Downloader
  It supports a wide range of sites and is noted for its ease of use. No software installation is required, and it works perfectly well via the web interface.

• aTube Catcher
  It offers unique features and supports multiple formats, making it a versatile choice for users. It is available for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS platforms.

A Short Step-By-Step Guide On Downloading Music From YouTube

• Ensure you have a stable internet connection.
• Open your preferred web browser. Go to YouTube's website or launch the YouTube app on your mobile device.
• Search for the desired music by using the search bar. You could also go for something that you like. Also, browse your favorite playlists or channels to find one of your favorite songs.
• Copy the video URL by highlighting the URL in the address bar. Just right-click, and choose "Copy". If you're using a mobile device, press and hold the URL to select it, then tap "Copy."
• Choose a YouTube music downloader. Look for features such as ease of use, and supported formats. Don't forget about the ability to adjust the quality of the downloaded file!
• Paste the video URL and select the audio format in your chosen YouTube music downloader. Usually, the format is MP3, and you can also select the preferred quality.
• Initiate the download by clicking or tapping the "Download" or "Convert" button. The download time will depend on your internet speed and the length of the video.
• Locate the downloaded file from the download folder. You could also add it to your music library for easy access once the download is complete.

FAQ

• Is it legal to download music from YouTube using YouTube music downloaders?
  It's legal to download music from YouTube using YouTube Premium or YouTube Music Premium subscriptions. However, downloading copyrighted music with third-party downloaders might be illegal. To remain legally compliant with YouTube's Terms of Service, consider using legal methods or subscribing to legitimate music platforms.

• Are YouTube music downloaders safe to use on my device?
  When using third-party YouTube music downloaders, it's important to exercise caution. Some downloaders may pose security risks, such as infecting your device with malware. Always ensure that the websites or apps you use for downloading music from YouTube are safe.

• Can I download any song from YouTube for free with YouTube Premium?
  YouTube Premium offers a one-month free trial, allowing users to enjoy any YouTube song for offline entertainment. With the paid premium plan, you can enjoy the entire YouTube Music app for free for offline enjoyment without any ads.

Final thoughts

Downloading music from YouTube can be a convenient way to enjoy your favorite songs offline. Despite not offering direct download options, tools are available to capture and compile favorite tracks. It's important to respect copyright laws and use reputable software to ensure the quality and legality of the downloaded music. Always prioritize the rights of artists and creators.