Want to extract just the sound from a YouTube video? Here’s the easiest method: copy the video’s URL, paste it into TubeFetcher, select “MP3” as the format, and hit “Download.” No app installs required on Android, no ads, and it works across Windows and Android devices. Whether you’re saving music, lectures, or podcasts, this is the simplest path to clean, high-quality audio.
Method 1: Use TubeFetcher (Fastest, Most Private Way)
The safest and fastest way to extract audio from a YouTube video is by using TubeFetcher, a free, privacy-first YouTube downloader available for Windows and Android (macOS coming soon). It lets you convert any public video to MP3 format offline, with no ads, no tracking, and no browser extensions
1. Copy the YouTube Video URL
Find the video you want to convert. Click “Share”, then “Copy Link.”
2. Launch TubeFetcher on Your Device
Open the TubeFetcher app. It’s available as a native installer for Windows (v1.0.1) and Android APK. macOS support is coming soon.
3. Paste the Link into the App
In the TubeFetcher interface, paste the copied YouTube URL into the input field.
4. Select MP3 Format and Audio Quality
Choose MP3 as your format. TubeFetcher lets you select audio quality, such as 128kbps (good for podcasts) or 320kbps (ideal for music).
5. Click Download
Click the Download button. Within seconds, your audio will be saved locally, no internet required after the download starts.
To learn more, check out our detailed blog on How to use TubeFetcher.
Method 2: VLC Media Player (Desktop Software)
If you’re on a desktop and prefer using software instead of online converters, VLC Media Player is a powerful and free tool that can convert YouTube videos into MP3s.
Steps to Convert YouTube Video to MP3 using VLC:
- Install VLC
If you don’t already have it, download VLC Media Player from the official website and install it.
- Download the YouTube Video First
VLC doesn’t support direct URL downloads from YouTube anymore due to YouTube’s restrictions. First, use a downloader (like SaveFrom or Tubfetcher’s MP4 version) to get the video file.
- Open VLC and Navigate to the Convert Menu
- On Windows: Media > Convert/Save
- On Mac: File > Convert/Stream
- Add Your Video File
Browse and select the downloaded YouTube video.
- Choose the Audio Profile
In the Profile dropdown, select “Audio – MP3.”
- Set Output File
Click “Browse” and name your file with an .mp3 extension. Choose a save location.
- Start Conversion
Hit “Start.” VLC will process the video and output an MP3 file.
This method is more manual but works well for users who want a high degree of control over the process or need to convert large files.
Method 3: yt-dlp (Advanced CLI Tool)
For developers and power users, yt-dlp is a command-line tool that gives you full control over YouTube downloads. It’s a fork of the popular YouTube-dl project, maintained and updated for modern YouTube changes.
Steps to extract audio with yt-dlp:
- Install yt-dlp
On macOS, you can use brew install yt-dlp. For Windows, download the executable from the GitHub page.
- Open Terminal or Command Prompt
Run the Command:
yt-dlp -f bestaudio -x –audio-format mp3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yourvideoid
- This tells yt-dlp to:
- Fetch the best audio track
- Extract it from the video
- Convert it to MP3 format
- File is saved locally
The MP3 will appear in your working directory.
This method is scriptable, fast, and ideal for downloading in bulk or customizing output formats. However, it’s not beginner-friendly.
Is It Legal & Safe to Convert YouTube to MP3?
The legality of downloading YouTube audio depends largely on how you use it. YouTube’s Terms of Service prohibit downloading videos without explicit permission, except via features like YouTube Premium. However, downloading for personal, non-commercial use (e.g., music for your private playlist) typically falls into a legal gray area.
Tubfetcher’s Legal Position:
- Does not store any content.
- Does not encourage or enable piracy.
- It is intended for personal use only.
Safety is another big concern. Many converters are riddled with pop-ups, malware, or trackers. Tubfetcher avoids these by being:
- HTTPS-secure
- Ad-free
- No installs or plugins required
Always avoid tools that ask for invasive permissions or try to get you to download executables you didn’t request.
Download on Android Devices and Tablets
Downloading YouTube audio to your phone or tablet is now fast, private, and easy with TubeFetcher, a native app designed for clean, offline MP3 downloads.
On Android:
- Copy the YouTube video link from the YouTube app.
- Install the TubeFetcher APK (download it from the official site).
- Paste the link into the input field.
- Select MP3 and choose your preferred audio quality.
- Tap Download, and your audio file will save directly to your Downloads folder.
iPhone/iPad (iOS): Not Yet Supported
TubeFetcher is not yet available for iOS. iPhone and iPad users can’t currently use the app due to Apple’s restrictions on native YouTube downloaders. Support for macOS is coming soon.
Alternatively, on iOS:
- Open Safari and access a reputable converter
- Paste the YouTube link, select MP3, and convert
- Tap and hold the download link → Save to Files
- Share the file to your preferred music app
For privacy-conscious users, the desktop + transfer method offers more control over file quality and storage location.
Why People Download Only the Audio
There are many reasons why users choose to download only the audio from YouTube videos instead of downloading the entire video file.
- Music Streaming Offline – Save bandwidth and battery.
- Educational Use – Learn while walking, driving, or exercising.
- Podcast Conversion – Listen on the go using any audio app.
- Data Savings – MP3s are tiny compared to video files.
- Focused Listening – Avoid distraction from video content.
Tubfetcher vs Other Tools
| Feature | Tubfetcher | YTMP3 | SnapInsta | yt-dlp |
| No ads/popups | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Mobile optimized | Yes | Limited | Limited | No |
| 320kbps support | Yes | Limited | Yes | Yes |
| Playlist support | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Privacy safe | Yes | No | No | Yes |
Tubfetcher doesn’t require an app, doesn’t run ads, and protects your privacy while delivering high-quality downloads. It’s also the easiest to use for casual users, while yt-dlp may suit tech-savvy audiences.
Common Problems & How to Fix Them
- File won’t download? – Try disabling ad blockers or using another browser.
- Downloaded file won’t play? – Make sure your player supports MP3.
- File not saving on iPhone? – Use “Save to Files” from the Share menu.
- Audio quality low? – Re-download at 320kbps instead of 128kbps.
- The site won’t load? – Clear your browser cache or try incognito mode.
The Easiest Way to Download YouTube Audio Safely
Downloading audio from a YouTube video is easier than ever, whether you’re using TubeFetcher for fast, ad-free MP3 downloads or advanced tools like VLC or yt-dlp. Always follow local copyright laws and choose tools that protect your privacy.
With TubeFetcher, you get a native, offline, and secure way to enjoy YouTube audio, no tracking, no ads, just your favorite content in high-quality MP3 format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TubeFetcher safe?
Yes. TubeFetcher runs locally on your device with no tracking, ads, or third-party scripts.
Can I download YouTube videos as MP3s with TubeFetcher?
Yes. TubeFetcher supports one-click MP3 conversion from any public YouTube video.
Does TubeFetcher work on Mac?
Not yet, macOS support is coming soon. Currently available on Windows and Android.
Is TubeFetcher legal?
TubeFetcher is legal to use, but you’re also responsible for complying with your local copyright laws and YouTube’s TOS.
How does TubeFetcher compare to other YouTube downloaders?
Unlike browser-based tools or ad-heavy converters, TubeFetcher is fully offline, fast, and private, with no bloatware or data collection.
