Many people search for ways to pull the audio out of a YouTube video, but converter websites and “YouTube to MP3” apps break YouTube’s Terms of Service, can infringe copyright, and are a common source of malware and scam ads. There are legitimate ways to get audio from YouTube on Windows, though: download your own videos from YouTube Studio and convert them to audio, get free tracks from YouTube’s Audio Library, use YouTube Premium for offline listening, or get the audio directly from the creator. This guide explains each option.
Quick Answer
For your own uploads, open YouTube Studio > Content, click Options (⋮) > Download on the video, then convert the MP4 to MP3 with a free app such as VLC or Audacity. For free music you can use in projects, download tracks from YouTube Studio > Audio Library. For offline listening to other music, use a YouTube Premium or YouTube Music Premium subscription.
Your Options at a Glance
| Option | Cost | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Download your own videos in YouTube Studio | Free | MP4 file you can convert to MP3 |
| YouTube Audio Library | Free | MP3 music and sound effects for your projects |
| YouTube Premium / YouTube Music Premium | Subscription | Offline playback inside YouTube apps, not MP3 files |
| Buy or download from the creator | Varies | Audio files you’re licensed to keep |
Method 1: Get Audio From Your Own YouTube Videos
- Go to studio.youtube.com and sign in to your channel.
- Click Content.
- Hover over the video, click Options (⋮) and choose Download. The MP4 saves to your Downloads folder.
- Convert it to audio:
- VLC Media Player: Media > Convert / Save > Add the MP4, click Convert / Save, choose the Audio – MP3 profile, pick a destination and click Start.
- Audacity: File > Open the MP4 (install the FFmpeg library if prompted), trim as needed, then File > Export Audio as MP3 or WAV.
This also works for videos on a brand or shared channel you manage. It’s ideal for turning a video podcast into an audio podcast.
Method 2: YouTube Audio Library (Free Music and Sound Effects)
- In YouTube Studio, click Audio Library in the left menu (or Earn > Audio Library on some accounts).
- Browse or search Music or Sound effects, and filter by genre, mood or duration.
- Click Download next to a track to save the MP3.
- Check the license column: some tracks require attribution in your video description.
These tracks are meant for use in YouTube videos; check the terms before using them elsewhere.
Method 3: YouTube Premium for Offline Listening
- On a Windows PC, open youtube.com in Chrome, Edge or Firefox while signed in to a Premium account, and click Download below a video. It’s stored in the browser for offline playback, not as a file.
- On phones and tablets, the YouTube Music app with a Premium subscription downloads songs and playlists for offline listening and background play.
Method 4: Get Audio From the Creator
- Many musicians and podcasters sell or offer downloads on their websites, Bandcamp, or podcast feeds.
- For a video you want to reuse (for school, a presentation or a remix), contact the creator and ask for the file and permission.
- Buy the song from a music store if you want an MP3 you can keep. For more on music specifically, see how to download music from YouTube to your computer.
Record Your Own Voice or Screen Instead
If you need audio for a project, record it yourself with the Windows Sound Recorder app, or capture your own screen and narration with the Snipping Tool’s record feature.
Why Avoid YouTube-to-MP3 Converters
- Terms of Service: YouTube only allows downloads through its own features.
- Copyright: most music on YouTube is owned by labels and artists.
- Security: converter sites are known for pop-ups, fake download buttons and malware.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download audio from Creative Commons videos?
A Creative Commons license lets you reuse a video in your own YouTube projects (for example in the YouTube editor), but it doesn’t change YouTube’s download rules. Ask the creator for the original file if you need it.
Does YouTube Premium give me MP3 files?
No. Downloads stay inside YouTube apps and the browser and require an active subscription.
Can I download my own videos if they’re private?
Yes. YouTube Studio lets you download your own public, unlisted and private videos.
Summary
- Download your own videos in YouTube Studio and convert them to MP3.
- Use the free YouTube Audio Library for music and effects.
- Use YouTube Premium for offline listening.
- Get files from creators or stores for anything else.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.