How to Download Music/Songs from YouTube (OFFICIAL METHOD ONLY)
Discover the only official method to download music from YouTube using a Premium account. Plus, learn how to record system audio as an MP3 on PC and Mac.
Key Takeaways
If you are looking to download music or songs from YouTube, it is important to know the correct, platform-approved ways to do so. This guide breaks down the only official method to download music directly from YouTube, as well as educational resources on how to record system audio on your computer.
The Official Method: YouTube Premium
The only YouTube-sanctioned way to download music from the platform is by having an active YouTube Premium subscription.
When you have a Premium account, downloading music is incredibly simple and built right into the user interface:
FAQ
Can I download music from YouTube as an MP3 using the official method?
No, the official method using YouTube Premium only allows you to save music for offline playback directly within the YouTube or YouTube Music app. It does not provide a separate MP3 file.
Is it free to download songs directly from YouTube?
No, officially downloading songs directly from the platform requires an active, paid YouTube Premium subscription.
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The only official method to download music directly from YouTube is with a YouTube Premium subscription, which allows for offline playback within the app.
Windows users can alternatively record their system's audio as an MP3 file for free using Audacity (watch the Windows tutorial here).
Mac users can capture their system's internal audio as an MP3 file for free using OBS Studio (watch the Mac tutorial here).
Always respect copyright laws and YouTube's terms of service to ensure you have the legal right to record or download the media.
Locate the song or music video you want to save.
Look for the Download button situated directly underneath the video or track.
Tap the button to initiate the download.
Once downloaded, you can play your music directly through the YouTube or YouTube Music app, even if you are entirely offline. This official method ensures you are directly supporting the creators and staying within YouTube's terms of service.
Alternative Ways to Capture Computer Audio
If you are looking for ways to save audio playing on your computer as an MP3 file, you can record your computer's internal audio. While we cannot officially recommend using this method to bypass YouTube Premium or download copyrighted songs, knowing how to record your system audio is a highly useful technical skill.
Depending on your operating system, there are completely free tools you can use to accomplish this:
While the tutorials linked above demonstrate how to successfully record computer audio, we cannot advise or recommend using these methods to do anything illegal. Before recording or downloading any audio from YouTube, please make sure you are not breaking any copyright laws or violating the platform's terms of service. Always respect digital copyright and ensure you have the right to download or record the media in question.
Audio Capture Methods Compared
Method
Software/Service
Cost
Device/Platform
Offline Playback Format
Official Download
YouTube Premium
Paid Subscription
Mobile & Web App
In-App Only
Audio Recording
Audacity
Free
Windows PC
MP3 File
Audio Recording
OBS Studio
Free
Mac
MP3 File
How can I save audio playing on my Windows computer?
If you want to save audio playing on your computer, you can record your internal system audio. Windows users can use a free tool like Audacity. You can learn more in this tutorial on recording computer audio on Windows. Please note that you should not use this method to bypass copyright laws.
What free software can Mac users use to record system audio?
Mac users can use OBS Studio to capture internal system sound and save it as an MP3. For step-by-step instructions, check out this OBS Studio tutorial for Mac.
Are there legal risks to recording audio from YouTube?
Yes, recording or downloading copyrighted songs without permission can violate copyright laws and YouTube's terms of service. Always ensure you have the right to download or record the media and respect digital copyright before capturing audio.
