There are millions of videos on YouTube that users love to watch, but sometimes they might want to listen to audio without having to watch the video every time. For example, if someone is looking to study, instead of playing an entire video for a song, they would prefer if they could just listen to the audio. This is where converting YouTube audio to MP3 comes in handy. Instead of having to stream the video every time you listen, you can easily listen to the audio anytime you want.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Converting YouTube Audio to MP3 on Mac
Unfortunately, YouTube doesn’t provide a download option for audio or video on their website. This leaves users no choice but to rely on third-party tools to extract and convert YouTube audio to MP3. There are thousands of options online, but choosing the right one, especially for new Mac users, can be a challenge. Some of the tools are not compatible with Mac operating systems and others require a premium subscription fee or can be full of malware.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before starting, you should make sure your Mac has the latest version of Safari or Google Chrome. You’ll also need the internet to download and install the converter tool. Finally, prepare high-quality headphones or speakers to listen to the audio.
4 Methods to Convert YouTube Audio to MP3 on Mac
After thorough research and testing, we’ve narrowed down the four best methods to convert YouTube audio to MP3 on Mac:
Method 1: Online Converters
1. Copy the YouTube video link you want to convert.
2. Visit one of the many online converter tools (https://www.onlinevideoconverter.com/mp3-converter is a good option) and paste the link in the designated space.
3. Select MP3 from the output format options.
4. Click “start” to begin the conversion process.
5. After the process is complete, download the MP3 file to your Mac.
Pros: No downloads or installations necessary.
Cons: Depends on a reliable internet connection; the website may contain ads.
Method 2: 4K Video Downloader
1. Download and install 4K Video Downloader from their website.
2. Copy the URL of the YouTube video you want to convert.
3. Open 4K Video Downloader and click “Paste Link.”
4. Select MP3 from the “Extract Audio” drop-down menu.
5. Choose a quality level from the drop-down menu.
6. Click “Download” and the tool will start the conversion process.
7. After the process is complete, the audio file will be saved to your Mac.
Pros: No internet connection is required when downloading videos.
Cons: The free version only permits downloads of up to 25 videos at a time.
Method 3: Freemake Video Downloader
1. Download and install Freemake Video Downloader from their website.
2. Copy the YouTube video URL.
3. Open Freemake Video Downloader and click “Paste URL.”
4. Select “convert to MP3” and choose a quality level.
5. Click “Download” to start the conversion process.
6. After the process is complete, the audio file will be saved to your Mac.
Pros: Able to download from multiple websites such as Vimeo and YouTube.
Cons: Can’t convert videos longer than three minutes without a premium subscription.
Method 4: YouTube to MP3 Converter App
1. Download and install the YouTube to MP3 Converter App from the App Store.
2. Open the app and paste the video’s URL.
3. Click the “Download” button.
4. Choose the audio output quality from the drop-down menu.
5. Click “Convert to MP3.”
6. After the conversion process is finished, the audio file is saved to your Mac.
Pros: No ads and no limitations.
Cons: The app only works with YouTube.
Why Can’t I Convert the Audio from YouTube to MP3 on Mac?
There could be many reasons why YouTube audio is not converting to MP3 on your Mac:
1. Outdated browser: Check if your browser is outdated and update it to the latest version.
2. Compatibility issues: Check if the YouTube audio converter tool you are using is compatible with your Mac operating system.
3. Malware threats: Some third-party tools can be full of viruses that can damage your Mac.
Fixes: Keep your browser updated, choose a compatible converter tool, and always research the tool before downloading to avoid malware threats.
Additional Tips
1. Always use caution when downloading any third-party tools.
2. Research the tools before downloading them: Check their ratings, comments, and reviews.
3. Look for privacy policies when downloading tools to ensure your personal information is secure, and visit only reputable websites.
4. Use headphones or speakers when listening to the MP3 file to enjoy a high-quality audio experience.
5 FAQs About Converting YouTube Audio to MP3 on Mac
Q1. Is it legal to download audio from YouTube for personal use?
A1. Yes, it is legal to download audio for personal use only.
Q2. Can I convert whole playlists from YouTube to MP3?
A2. Yes, most converter tools allow batch downloads of up to 25 files.
Q3. Which is the best YouTube converter tool for Mac?
A3. There are many converter tools, and the best one will depend on your personal preferences and needs.
Q4. Is there a limit to the number of downloads for each tool?
A4. Yes, some tools like 4K Video Downloader and Freemake Video Downloader have limitations, while others do not.
Q5. Will the audio quality be affected after converting YouTube audio to MP3?
A5. The audio quality depends on the quality of the source video and the selected output format level.
Conclusion
Converting YouTube audio to MP3 on Mac can be challenging, but with the right tools and tips, you can enjoy a high-quality audio experience without any hassle. Always ensure you stay safe when downloading third-party tools and use only reputable websites. Remember to research and choose the best converter tool for your specific needs.