YouTube to MP3: Keep Just the Sound
Paste a YouTube link, pick a bitrate from 64 to 320 kbps, and save only the audio for music, podcasts, lectures and more.
- Five MP3 bitrates
- No sign-up
- Runs in your browser
This link is part of a playlist. Only this one video will be saved, not the whole playlist.
Audio (MP3)
Video (MP4)
The file opens in a new tab. If it starts playing, save it from the browser menu (⋮ then Download) or long-press it and choose Download.
If nothing happens, open this page in Chrome or Safari.
How to Convert YouTube to MP3
Getting the audio takes three quick steps in any modern browser.
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Paste the link
Copy a YouTube link, whether it's a regular watch link, a youtu.be short link, a Shorts URL or a YouTube Music link, and paste it into the box at the top of this page.
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Pick a bitrate
The tool fetches the video's title and length, then lists MP3 options from 320 down to 64 kbps. Tap the one that fits how you'll listen.
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Save the file
The audio opens in a new tab. If it starts playing on a phone, use the browser menu (three dots, then Download) or long-press and choose Download or Save. On a computer, right-click and save it.
When YouTube to MP3 Makes More Sense Than MP4
Our home page is built around MP4 because video files play on almost anything. But plenty of YouTube content doesn't need a picture at all. A two-hour interview, a lecture recording, a guided meditation or a song with a static album cover is really an audio file wearing a video costume. Converting YouTube to MP3 strips that costume away and leaves you with a smaller file that does one job well.
MP3 wins when you'll be listening rather than watching: on a run, in the car, on a commute where the screen stays in your pocket. Audio files take up far less space than even a low-resolution video, so you can keep a whole stack of podcasts on a phone that's nearly full. They also work in places video can't go, like an older car stereo, a basic MP3 player or a USB stick plugged into a home speaker.
Stick with MP4 when the visuals carry meaning: tutorials where you need to see the steps, music videos, sports clips or anything you plan to show on a TV. The same box handles both, so you can grab the video for one link and the audio for the next without switching tools.
Choosing an MP3 Bitrate
Bitrate controls how much audio detail is kept per second, which in turn sets the file size.
| Bitrate | File size | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| 320 kbps | Largest | Music on good headphones or speakers |
| 256 kbps | Large | Music with a bit of space saved |
| 192 kbps | Medium | Everyday music listening |
| 128 kbps | Small | Podcasts, talks, casual playlists |
| 64 kbps | Smallest | Speech-only audio, low storage |
An MP3 can't hold more detail than the original upload, so a higher bitrate won't fix a poorly recorded video.
Playing Your MP3 Files on Any Device
MP3 is one of the most widely supported audio formats, so the file you save should play almost anywhere.
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Android phones and tablets
Saved files usually land in the Downloads folder. Open them from the Files app, or point any music player at that folder so it picks them up automatically.
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iPhone and iPad
Safari saves downloads to the Files app, typically under Downloads. Tap the file to play it there, or move it into an app that manages your audio library.
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Windows, Mac, Linux and Chromebook
Double-click the file to open it in the built-in player. You can also drag it into a media library or an audio editor for trimming.
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Car stereos and USB speakers
Copy the MP3 onto a USB stick or SD card. Many car and home systems read MP3 directly even when they can't play video.
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Video and audio editors
Import the MP3 as a soundtrack or voiceover reference. It drops into most editing timelines without any conversion.
YouTube to MP3 Questions
Does the MP3 file include any video?
No. An MP3 holds only sound, which is why it's much smaller than the MP4 version of the same upload. If you want the picture too, choose one of the MP4 qualities in the same box instead.
Can I convert a full playlist or album to MP3 at once?
Not in one go. If you paste a playlist link, only the single video in that link is processed. To save more tracks, paste each video's link one at a time.
Do YouTube Music links work?
Yes. Paste a YouTube Music song link just like a normal YouTube link and the MP3 bitrates will appear. Members-only, region-blocked or age-restricted tracks may not load.
Is there a limit on how long the audio can be?
There's no length limit, so long podcasts, audiobooks in the public domain and full lecture recordings work fine. For very long speech recordings, 64 or 128 kbps keeps the file compact without hurting clarity much.
Why does the MP3 play in my browser instead of downloading?
Some mobile browsers open audio files in a player tab rather than saving them. Use the browser menu and tap Download, or long-press and choose Save. If you're inside an in-app browser like Instagram or Facebook, open the page in Chrome or Safari first.
Is it legal to convert YouTube videos to MP3?
It depends on the content. Only save audio you own, that's in the public domain, that's licensed for reuse, or that you have permission to keep, and use it personally. This tool isn't affiliated with YouTube or Google.
Ready to Save the Audio?
Paste a YouTube link above, choose your MP3 bitrate, and take the sound with you wherever you listen.
Convert to MP3 now