Download YouTube Videos and Convert to MP3 (and other file formats)

These are my favorite tools for downloading a YouTube Video and converting it to an audio file. It is a 2-step process. First you'll download the video, then you'll convert it into your desired audio format.

Both of these apps are ranked highly on CNET by both editors and users, and appear to be safe. The links below take you to the application download page on CNET. 

1. Download and install the free YouTubeDownloader [NOTE: During installation, you can chose "decline" and NOT accept the YouTubeDownloader Toolbar. If you flew by that choice and already downloaded it and want to remove it, follow these instructions to remove the YouTubeDownloader 'Yahoo' Toolbar].
2. Next download and install the VideoLAN VLC Media Player. This converts the video to an audio format. (Instructions for using VLC are further below.)

You will be able to convert YouTube (.FLV) files into the following formats:

MPEG Layer 1/2

MP3 - MPEG Layer 3

AAC - MPEG-4 part3

Vorbis

AC3 - A/52 (Dolby Digital)

E-AC-3 (Dolby Digital Plus)

MLP / TrueHD">3

DTS

WMA 1/2

WMA 3 1

FLAC

ALAC

Speex

Musepack / MPC

ATRAC 3

Wavpack

Mod (.s3m, .it, .mod)

TrueAudio (TTA)

APE (Monkey Audio)

Real Audio 2

Alaw/µlaw

AMR (3GPP)

MIDI 3

LPCM

ADPCM

QCELP

DV Audio

QDM2/QDMC (QuickTime)

MACE

Instructions for using VLC (to mp3):

1. Select tab "Media"
2. Click Convert / Save
3. Click Add (and select song - you can only do one at the time in the free version)
4. Click Convert / Save button at bottom
5. Select the destination file
6. Enter File Name (AND BE SURE TO END FILE NAME WITH .MP3)
7. click Save
8. Beside "Profile" select Audio - MP3
9. Click Start

Done!

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