YouTube to MP3: Keep Just the Sound

Paste a YouTube link, pick an MP3 quality, and save the audio to your phone or computer for listening anytime.

MP4 up to 1080p · MP3 up to 320 kbps

  • Sound only
  • 64 to 320 kbps
  • No app needed

What MP3 Means, in Plain Words

An MP3 is a sound file. No picture, no moving video, just the audio. When you use YouTube to MP3, you keep the voice, the music or the talk from a video and leave the picture behind. That makes it handy for songs, podcasts, lessons and anything you mostly listen to.

Almost every device can play an MP3. Your phone, your laptop, your car stereo and most music apps all know what to do with it. You don't need anything special to open the file.

Because there's no picture, an MP3 is much smaller than the same video as an MP4. It takes up less room on your phone, which is nice if your storage is already getting full.

Which MP3 Quality Should You Tap?

After you paste a link, you'll see five MP3 choices. Here's what each one is good for.

  • 320 kbps

    The richest sound of the five, with the largest file. A good fit for music you love and plan to play on good headphones or speakers.

  • 256 kbps

    Very close to 320 for most ears, with a slightly smaller file. A nice middle ground for a music collection.

  • 192 kbps

    Clear, pleasant sound at a medium size. Works well for everyday songs on phone earbuds.

  • 128 kbps

    A small file that still sounds fine. Good for podcasts, talks, audiobooks and lessons.

  • 64 kbps

    The smallest file. Fine for speech when you want to save lots of phone space, but music will sound flatter.

Not sure? Higher numbers mean fuller sound and bigger files. For talking, lower numbers are usually plenty.

Where the MP3 Goes on Your Phone

Saved your file but can't find it? These are the usual places to look.

  • Android phones

    Open the Files app (sometimes called My Files) and look in the Downloads folder. You can also open Chrome, tap the three dots, then Downloads to see recent files.

  • iPhone and iPad

    Open the Files app, tap Browse, then On My iPhone (or iCloud Drive) and look for the Downloads folder. In Safari, you can also tap the small download arrow near the address bar.

  • If the file started playing instead

    Some phones play the MP3 in a new tab rather than saving it. Tap the three dots and choose Download, or press and hold, then pick Download or Save.

  • Moving it to a music app

    From the Files app, you can share the MP3 to an app that plays local audio files. Many music and podcast players let you add files this way.

  • On a computer

    Check your Downloads folder. If the audio plays in the browser instead, right-click it and choose the save option.

How to Save a YouTube Video as MP3

It only takes three simple steps, and the MP3 choices are shown first.

  1. Copy the link

    In the YouTube app, tap Share, then Copy link. On a computer, copy the address from the top of your browser.

  2. Paste it here

    Paste the link into the box at the top of this page and tap the button. You'll see the video's title, its length and the MP3 qualities.

  3. Tap a quality and save

    Tap the MP3 quality you want. The file opens in a new tab; if it plays instead of saving, use your browser menu and choose Download.

YouTube to MP3 Questions

Can I get an MP3 from a YouTube Music link?

Yes. YouTube Music links work just like normal YouTube links. Copy the song's link from the share menu, paste it here, and pick an MP3 quality.

Can I save the sound from a YouTube Short?

Yes, Shorts links work too. Paste the Short's link and choose an MP3 option. Since Shorts are short, the file will be small at any quality.

Does it work for long audio, like a full podcast episode?

Yes. Long videos work, and there's no length limit. For hours of talking, a lower quality such as 128 or 64 kbps keeps the file small without making voices hard to understand.

Why did my MP3 start playing instead of downloading?

Many phone browsers play audio right away when it opens in a new tab. That's normal. Tap the three dots and choose Download, or press and hold the player and pick Download or Save.

Will 320 kbps make a quiet or low-quality video sound better?

No. An MP3 can only be as good as the sound in the original video. If the video sounds muffled, a higher number won't fix it, so a medium option may be all you need.

Is it okay to save any song as an MP3?

Only save audio you have the right to keep. That means your own uploads, public domain recordings, content under a licence that allows it, or files you have permission to save for personal use. This site isn't affiliated with YouTube or Google.

Ready to Keep the Sound?

Paste your YouTube link in the box above, tap an MP3 quality, and your audio will be ready to save in moments.