Difference between revisions of "Convert YouTube to MP3"
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Converting a YouTube video to an MP3 file is an easy way to save the audio for anything from a song to an inspiring talk, to a hilarious comedy routine. You can convert a YouTube video to an MP3 file in a number of ways: a conversion website is the way to go if you would prefer not to download any software, but browser extensions and conversion programs are also options if you don't mind downloading. It’s really just a matter of preference, as all three can produce similar-quality MP3 downloads. | Converting a YouTube video to an MP3 file is an easy way to save the audio for anything from a song to an inspiring talk, to a hilarious comedy routine. You can convert a YouTube video to an MP3 file in a number of ways: a conversion website is the way to go if you would prefer not to download any software, but browser extensions and conversion programs are also options if you don't mind downloading. It’s really just a matter of preference, as all three can produce similar-quality MP3 downloads. | ||
| − | [[Category:YouTube]] | + | [[Category: YouTube]] |
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
=== Using a Conversion Website === | === Using a Conversion Website === | ||
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#Find a YouTube-to-MP3 conversion website. Open a new tab or browser window and type “YouTube to MP3 converter” into your search engine’s search field. Your search will likely return many websites. The MP3 quality may differ depending on which site you use, but you should be able to find something decent for free. As these sites are constantly changing, it's best to search current reviews when choosing which site to use. | #Find a YouTube-to-MP3 conversion website. Open a new tab or browser window and type “YouTube to MP3 converter” into your search engine’s search field. Your search will likely return many websites. The MP3 quality may differ depending on which site you use, but you should be able to find something decent for free. As these sites are constantly changing, it's best to search current reviews when choosing which site to use. | ||
#* If a site asks you to pay for the service, it might even be a scam; you’re better off just trying another site that doesn’t charge. | #* If a site asks you to pay for the service, it might even be a scam; you’re better off just trying another site that doesn’t charge. | ||
| − | #* Be careful when choosing a conversion site that you don’t wind up on a scam site. Before going to the site, do an online search of the site’s name to see if any negative search results come up.<ref>http://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-check-if-a-web-site-is-safe/</ref> | + | #* Be careful when choosing a conversion site that you don’t wind up on a scam site. Before going to the site, do an online search of the site’s name to see if any negative search results come up.<ref name="rf1">http://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-check-if-a-web-site-is-safe/</ref> |
| − | #*Another thing you can do if you’re unsure of how to tell whether a site is safe, is to type “https://google.com/safebrowsing/diagnostic?site=“ into your browser, followed by the web address of the site you’re considering opening.<ref | + | #*Another thing you can do if you’re unsure of how to tell whether a site is safe, is to type “https://google.com/safebrowsing/diagnostic?site=“ into your browser, followed by the web address of the site you’re considering opening.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#Paste the URL into the appropriate field on the conversion website. Once you’ve chosen which conversion website you'll use, open it up and paste your YouTube video’s URL into the relevant field — exactly where this field is and how it looks will differ depending on the website, but it should be pretty obvious. If it isn’t, access the website’s Help page for detailed instructions. | #Paste the URL into the appropriate field on the conversion website. Once you’ve chosen which conversion website you'll use, open it up and paste your YouTube video’s URL into the relevant field — exactly where this field is and how it looks will differ depending on the website, but it should be pretty obvious. If it isn’t, access the website’s Help page for detailed instructions. | ||
#* To paste the URL, right click your mouse and select “paste”, or hit ctrl+v (on a PC) or command+v (on a Mac). | #* To paste the URL, right click your mouse and select “paste”, or hit ctrl+v (on a PC) or command+v (on a Mac). | ||
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#Choose an extension. You will likely have a lot of extensions to choose from — many of them will be free. Extensions may vary in ease of use, MP3 quality, and the level of privacy (i.e. lack of spyware) they provide. To ensure that you’re choosing a high-quality and reputable extension, search its name plus “reviews” to see what other users have said about it. | #Choose an extension. You will likely have a lot of extensions to choose from — many of them will be free. Extensions may vary in ease of use, MP3 quality, and the level of privacy (i.e. lack of spyware) they provide. To ensure that you’re choosing a high-quality and reputable extension, search its name plus “reviews” to see what other users have said about it. | ||
#* Ultimately you’ll want something that will not slow down your browser too much, and that won’t place any malware or unwanted software on your computer. | #* Ultimately you’ll want something that will not slow down your browser too much, and that won’t place any malware or unwanted software on your computer. | ||
| − | #* Signs that you’ve downloaded malware include pop-up ads and spam; your home page changing to a site you don’t recognize; and being redirected to unfamiliar pages.<ref>https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/2765944?hl=en-GB</ref> | + | #* Signs that you’ve downloaded malware include pop-up ads and spam; your home page changing to a site you don’t recognize; and being redirected to unfamiliar pages.<ref name="rf2">https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/2765944?hl=en-GB</ref> |
#Download the extension. Many browser extensions have multiple versions to suit different browsers. Ensure that you download the correct extension for your browser — this includes ensuring that your browser version is compatible with the extension. | #Download the extension. Many browser extensions have multiple versions to suit different browsers. Ensure that you download the correct extension for your browser — this includes ensuring that your browser version is compatible with the extension. | ||
| − | #* The process for checking your browser version will differ depending on which operating system (i.e. Windows, Mac or Linux) and which browser you're using. If you are unsure of how to check your browser version, type “how to check <browser name> version <operating system name>” into your search engine.<ref>http://www.bbc.co.uk/accessibility/guides/which_browser.shtml</ref> | + | #* The process for checking your browser version will differ depending on which operating system (i.e. Windows, Mac or Linux) and which browser you're using. If you are unsure of how to check your browser version, type “how to check <browser name> version <operating system name>” into your search engine.<ref name="rf3">http://www.bbc.co.uk/accessibility/guides/which_browser.shtml</ref> |
#* For example, with Safari on a Mac, you would ensure that you have a browser window open, then click on the word “Safari” in the upper left corner of your desktop, next to the apple icon. This would open a drop-down menu, and you would choose the first option, “About Safari,” from the menu, which would then open a small pop-up window with the browser details — including the version number. | #* For example, with Safari on a Mac, you would ensure that you have a browser window open, then click on the word “Safari” in the upper left corner of your desktop, next to the apple icon. This would open a drop-down menu, and you would choose the first option, “About Safari,” from the menu, which would then open a small pop-up window with the browser details — including the version number. | ||
#Follow the installation instructions. Clicking “download” on the extension page will start the installation process. Specific extensions will have slightly different installation processes, so just follow the installation wizard. | #Follow the installation instructions. Clicking “download” on the extension page will start the installation process. Specific extensions will have slightly different installation processes, so just follow the installation wizard. | ||
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#Choose a converter. Your search should return a long list of conversion programs, many of which will be free. These programs will vary in ease of use, MP3 quality, and the level of privacy they provide. To ensure that you’re choosing a high-quality and reputable program, search its name plus “reviews” to see what other users have said about it. | #Choose a converter. Your search should return a long list of conversion programs, many of which will be free. These programs will vary in ease of use, MP3 quality, and the level of privacy they provide. To ensure that you’re choosing a high-quality and reputable program, search its name plus “reviews” to see what other users have said about it. | ||
#* Ultimately you’ll want something that will not slow down your computer or put anything harmful such as malware or viruses on it. | #* Ultimately you’ll want something that will not slow down your computer or put anything harmful such as malware or viruses on it. | ||
| − | #**Signs that you’ve downloaded malware include pop-up ads and spam; your home page changing to a site you don’t recognize; and being redirected to unfamiliar pages.<ref | + | #**Signs that you’ve downloaded malware include pop-up ads and spam; your home page changing to a site you don’t recognize; and being redirected to unfamiliar pages.<ref name="rf2" /> |
#Download the program. There will likely be several different versions of the software to suit different operating systems. Ensure that you download the correct version of the software for your operating system. | #Download the program. There will likely be several different versions of the software to suit different operating systems. Ensure that you download the correct version of the software for your operating system. | ||
#* You’ll also want to make sure that the software is compatible with your operating system version. If you're unsure of how to check which operating system version you're using, type “how to check <operating system name> version” into your search engine. | #* You’ll also want to make sure that the software is compatible with your operating system version. If you're unsure of how to check which operating system version you're using, type “how to check <operating system name> version” into your search engine. | ||
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*Please make sure to '''not''' download content that is under control of Intellectual Property Holders that actively seek reparations on punitive damages for its content. That means, some companies are more active than others and will pursue you for downloading their content. They have every right to ask YouTube for IP Addresses of all downloaders. In turn, YouTube has every obligation to present those IP Addresses. Never download anything that you don't have the explicit approval of from the owner '''before''' the commencement of the download. | *Please make sure to '''not''' download content that is under control of Intellectual Property Holders that actively seek reparations on punitive damages for its content. That means, some companies are more active than others and will pursue you for downloading their content. They have every right to ask YouTube for IP Addresses of all downloaders. In turn, YouTube has every obligation to present those IP Addresses. Never download anything that you don't have the explicit approval of from the owner '''before''' the commencement of the download. | ||
*YouTube-to-MP3 audio files are not known for being high quality. If you really want the highest-quality audio files, consider purchasing them either from an online retailer (for example, Amazon or iTunes) or directly from the artist’s website. | *YouTube-to-MP3 audio files are not known for being high quality. If you really want the highest-quality audio files, consider purchasing them either from an online retailer (for example, Amazon or iTunes) or directly from the artist’s website. | ||
| − | *Unlike torrenting, downloading and converting YouTube videos to MP3s is not currently something that you can be legally fined for doing; however, by downloading copyrighted songs from a video you are in somewhat of a grey area.<ref>http://www.ibtimes.com/downloading-music-youtube-legal-best-youtube-mp3-converter-sites-are-often-shut-down-799693</ref> That said, at this time it is a safer alternative to torrenting (as far as illegal downloading goes). | + | *Unlike torrenting, downloading and converting YouTube videos to MP3s is not currently something that you can be legally fined for doing; however, by downloading copyrighted songs from a video you are in somewhat of a grey area.<ref name="rf4">http://www.ibtimes.com/downloading-music-youtube-legal-best-youtube-mp3-converter-sites-are-often-shut-down-799693</ref> That said, at this time it is a safer alternative to torrenting (as far as illegal downloading goes). |
== Related Articles == | == Related Articles == | ||
