Downloading audio from YouTube on a Mac can be a straightforward process if you know the right methods. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you extract and save your favorite audio tracks from YouTube videos.
Why Download YouTube Audio on Mac?
Downloading YouTube audio can be useful for various reasons, such as offline listening, creating personal playlists, or using background music for projects. However, it’s crucial to ensure you have the necessary permissions from the content creators to comply with copyright and intellectual property guidelines.
Method 1: Using EaseUS Video Downloader
Step 1: Download and Install EaseUS Video Downloader
- Download the EaseUS Video Downloader from the official website and install it on your Mac.
- Launch the application once the installation is complete.
Step 2: Search or Paste the YouTube Video URL
- Click on “Quick Search” from the left sidebar to search for videos directly on YouTube.
- Alternatively, paste the URL of the YouTube video you want to download.
Step 3: Analyze and Download the Video
- Click the “Download” button to start analyzing the video.
- Choose “MP3” or “WAV” in the Audio section and select your desired audio quality.
- Click the “Download” button to save the YouTube audio on your computer.
Method 2: Using VLC Media Player
Step 1: Install and Open VLC Media Player
- Download and install VLC Media Player if you haven’t already.
- Open VLC Media Player on your Mac.
Step 2: Open the YouTube Video in VLC
- From the top menu, select “File” > “Open Network”.
- Enter the YouTube video URL in the input box and click “Open”.
Step 3: Extract the Video URL
- Go to “Window” > “Media Information”.
- In the pop-up window, navigate to “General” > “Location” to copy the video URL.
Step 4: Download the Audio
- Open the copied URL in a web browser.
- Use a browser extension or another tool to download the audio from the video URL.
Method 3: Using YouTube-dl
Step 1: Download YouTube-dl
- Download the YouTube-dl application from its official website.
Step 2: Launch Terminal and Run YouTube-dl
- Launch Terminal from the Launchpad.
- Drag the youtube-dl program file into the Terminal.
Step 3: Enter the Video URL and Download Command
- Enter the YouTube video URL followed by the
-x
command to download only the audio. For example:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8wxsGl-rMA -x
.
Method 4: Using QuickTime Player
Step 1: Open YouTube and QuickTime
- Open the YouTube video you want to extract audio from.
- Launch QuickTime Player on your Mac.
Step 2: Start a New Audio Recording
- Select “File” > “New Audio Recording” in QuickTime.
- Choose the microphone type and audio quality.
Step 3: Record the Audio
- Click “Record” and start playing the YouTube video.
- Click “Stop” when the video is finished.
Step 4: Save the Audio File
- Go to “File” > “Save” to export the recorded audio as an M4A file.
Method 5: Using Online Tools
Step 1: Choose an Online Tool
- Visit a reliable online tool such as YTMp3.
- Paste the YouTube video URL into the input box.
Step 2: Select Audio Format and Quality
- Select “MP3” and choose your desired audio quality.
- Click “Convert” to analyze the video.
Step 3: Download the Audio
- Click the “Download” button to save the audio file on your Mac.
Important Considerations
- Ensure Legal Compliance: Always ensure you have permission from the content creators to download their audio content.
- Check Audio Quality: Some methods may result in lower audio quality. Use third-party tools like EaseUS Video Downloader or 4K Video Downloader for better quality.
- Be Cautious of Malware: When using third-party tools or online services, make sure to download from trusted sources to avoid malware.
By following these steps, you can easily download YouTube audio on your Mac, whether you prefer using dedicated software, media players, command-line tools, or online services.