How to Record Audio from YouTube | 7 Best Tools to Do It!

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Edited by Ben Jacklin
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Need to save just the audio from a YouTube video? This could be a podcast or even a favorite music performance, there are simple ways to capture audio from YouTube without keeping the full video. Several tools that can work online or offline make this easy, even for beginners. In this guide, we’ll break down the best methods to record audio from YouTube quickly and safely.

App

OS

Main advantage

Download

Windows, macOS

Powerful recording and editing

Web-based

Simple interface

Windows, macOS, Linux

Open-source solution

Mac

Inbuilt on Mac computers

Web-based

High-quality online downloads

Web-based

No software installation required

All (Chrome add-on)

Works directly in the Chrome browser

Best programs to record audio from YouTube

Movavi Screen Recorder is a powerful tool designed for both video and audio capture from your screen. While it's often used to record webinars or live streams, it also allows users to record audio with ease. The software provides high-quality output and supports saving recordings in various formats, including MP3. Its user-friendly interface makes it accessible for both beginners and experienced users.

How to record audio from YouTube using Movavi Screen Recorder:

  1. Download and install Movavi Screen Recorder.

    Download Movavi Screen Recorder for Windows
    Download Movavi Screen Recorder for macOS
  2. Launch the program and open the YouTube video you want to record.
  3. In Movavi Screen Recorder, turn off the webcam recording option.
  4. Enable the System audio only (make sure the microphone is off if you don't want to include external noise).
  5. Press the REC button to start capturing.
  6. Stop the recording when finished, and export the file as an MP3.

Pros:

  • Easy-to-use interface suitable for beginners

  • High-quality audio recording with format options

  • Offers trimming tools for the finished recording

Cons:

  • Limitations of the free version

Free Sound Recorder is a versatile and free audio-recording tool for Windows and Mac users. It allows users to capture any sound passing through their computer's sound card, including streaming audio from platforms like YouTube. The software supports various output formats such as MP3, WAV, WMA, and Ogg, making it convenient for users to save their recordings in their preferred format. People like the user-friendly interface and built-in audio editor, Free Sound Recorder is suitable for both beginners and advanced users looking to record and enhance audio from various sources.

How to record YouTube audio using Free Sound Recorder:

  1. Download and install Free Sound Recorder from the official website.
  2. Launch the audio recorder and open the YouTube video you wish to record.
  3. Click on the Show mixer window button to select the appropriate recording source (e.g., Stereo Mix or system audio).
  4. Adjust the volume and balance settings as needed.
  5. Click on Options to choose the output format (e.g., MP3) and set the destination folder for the recording.
  6. Press the Record button to start capturing the audio.
  7. Once done, click Stop and save the recorded file

Pros:

  • Supports multiple audio formats, including MP3, WAV, WMA, and Ogg

  • Includes a built-in audio editor for enhancing recordings

  • Allows scheduling of recordings for convenience

Cons:

  • May require configuration of system settings to capture internal audio

  • The interface may appear outdated

Audacity is a free, open-source audio editor and recorder available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It's widely used for tasks like podcasting and capturing audio from various sources. Some people even use it for making music. One of its features is the ability to record internal system audio, making it suitable for capturing audio from YouTube videos. With a range of editing tools and support for multiple file formats, Audacity offers a comprehensive solution for audio recording and editing needs, considering the fact it is totally free.

How to record music from YouTube using Audacity:

  1. Download and install Audacity from the official website.
  2. Open Audacity and go to Audio Setup > Host, then select Windows WASAPI (or a Mac alternative).
  3. In the same Audio Setup menu, set the Recording Device to your system's output device labeled with "(loopback)".
  4. Open the YouTube video you wish to record.
  5. Click the red Record button in Audacity, then play the YouTube video.
  6. Once the video has finished, click the Stop button.
  7. Go to File > Export and choose your desired audio format (e.g., MP3) to save the recording.

Pros:

  • Free and open-source with a wide range of editing features

  • Supports various audio formats for export

  • Cross-platform compatibility

Cons:

  • Initial setup for recording system audio can be complex for beginners

  • Interface may look a bit outdated compared to modern applications

4. QuickTime Player

QuickTime Player is a built-in media application for macOS that allows users to play, record, edit, and share audio and video. While it’s primarily a video tool, it can also be used to record internal or external audio with a bit of extra setup.

To capture sound from a YouTube video using QuickTime, Mac users often combine it with a third-party extension like BlackHole or Soundflower to route system audio into the app. It’s a lightweight option for those already working within the Apple ecosystem.

How to record songs from YouTube with QuickTime Player:

  1. Open QuickTime Player and go to File > New Audio Recording.
  2. Click the arrow next to the record button to select the correct input device (e.g., Soundflower or BlackHole).
  3. Set up the routing app to capture your Mac’s system audio.
  4. Play the YouTube video you want to record.
  5. Press the Record button in QuickTime.
  6. When the video ends, press Stop, then File > Save to store your audio file.

Pros:

  • Built-in on macOS, no extra installation needed

  • Simple, minimal interface

Cons:

  • No Windows support

  • Requires third-party tools to capture internal audio

  • Lacks advanced editing or file format options

OnlineVideoConverter.pro is a web-based tool that allows users to convert and download YouTube videos into various formats, including MP3 for audio-only files. This platform is accessible directly through a browser, eliminating the need for software installation. Users can convert videos from YouTube and other platforms like Facebook and Instagram. The service is free to use and supports multiple languages.

How to use OnlineVideoConverter.pro:

  1. Navigate to the OnlineVideoConverter.pro website.
  2. Paste the URL of the YouTube video into the input field.
  3. Select the desired output format (e.g., MP3).
  4. Click the Convert button to start the process.
  5. Once the conversion is complete, click Download to save the file to your device.

Pros:

  • No software installation required, works directly in the browser

  • Supports multiple formats and platforms

  • Free to use with no registration needed

Cons:

  • May display pop-up ads and redirects during use

  • Some users have reported security concerns related to intrusive advertisements

CnvMP3 is a free web tool that lets users convert YouTube videos into MP3 or MP4 formats without the need for any software installation. Its clean, ad-free interface ensures a smooth user experience, and it supports high-quality audio conversions up to 320 Kbps. The platform also accommodates videos up to 180 minutes in length, making it suitable for a wide range of content. Additionally, CnvMP3 extends its support to other platforms like TikTok and many others

How to use CnvMP3:

  1. Navigate to the cnvmp3.com website.
  2. Copy the URL of the YouTube video you wish to convert.
  3. Paste the URL into the input field on the homepage.
  4. Select your desired format (MP3 or MP4) and choose the audio quality (up to 320 Kbps).
  5. Click the Convert button to initiate the conversion process.
  6. Once the conversion is complete, click Download to save the file to your device.

Pros:

  • No installation required; operates entirely within the browser

  • Ad-free and user-friendly interface

  • Supports high-quality audio conversions up to 320 Kbps

  • Compatible with multiple platforms beyond YouTube

Cons:

  • Does not support batch downloads or playlist conversions

Sample is a free Chrome extension that enables users to record and edit audio directly within their browser. Designed for simplicity and efficiency, it allows for quick audio sampling without the need for additional software. With features like stereo or mono recording, a local file library, and export options in WAV or MP3 formats, Sample is a convenient tool for capturing audio from various sources. Of course, this includes taking YouTube video audio files.

How to record audio using Sample:

  1. Install the Sample extension from the Chrome Web Store.
  2. Click on the Sample icon in your browser toolbar to open the recorder.
  3. Play the YouTube video you wish to record.
  4. In the Sample interface, click the red Record button to start capturing the audio.
  5. Once the desired audio segment has played, click the Stop button.
  6. Access your recording from the local file library within the extension.
  7. Edit the recording if needed, then export it in your preferred format (WAV or MP3).

Pros:

  • No additional software installation required; operates entirely within the browser

  • Supports high-quality audio recording at a 44.1kHz sampling rate

  • Includes a built-in editor and local file library for managing recordings

Cons:

  • Limited to 15 minutes of continuous recording time

  • May require additional configuration to capture system audio, depending on your operating system

Summary

Recording audio from YouTube can be quick and straightforward with the right tools. Nowadays, there are plenty of options available for capturing sound directly from a YouTube video, each offering its own balance of features and ease of use.

Movavi Screen Recorder

The perfect way to record anything from your screen

Disclaimer: Please be aware that Movavi Screen Recorder does not allow capture of copy-protected video and audio streams.

Movavi Screen Recorder

Frequently asked questions

Is it legal to record audio from YouTube videos?

It depends on how the audio is used. Recording for personal use in many regions is generally tolerated, but distributing or using the material commercially without permission may violate copyright laws. Always check local regulations and YouTube’s terms of service before recording.

What is the easiest way to record audio from YouTube videos?

Using a browser-based browser is often the simplest option. These don’t require installation and typically involve just copying and pasting a video link, making them ideal for casual use.

Can I record audio from YouTube music videos?

Yes, audio can be captured from music videos using software or online tools. However, recording copyrighted music may be legally restricted depending on jurisdiction.

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