How can I download music from YouTube to my Android without premium?
With over 1 billion hours of video viewed per day, YouTube has become one of the most popular places to listen to music online. However, many users want to download their favorite songs from YouTube so they can listen offline or transfer them to other devices.
There are several reasons why people may want to download music from YouTube rather than using a paid music streaming service. YouTube offers a massive library of both popular and obscure songs, covers, remixes and live performances that are not always available on subscription platforms. Downloading allows you to create your own permanent music library and listen to it anytime without needing an internet connection. It also allows you to transfer music between devices like phones, tablets and mp3 players. Additionally, YouTube can serve as a free option compared to paying monthly fees for premium music services.
While downloading music can be convenient, it is a legal gray area. YouTube’s terms of service allow personal, noncommercial use but forbid bulk downloading. As such, users should be responsible and aware of copyright restrictions when downloading YouTube videos.
Is it Legal?
Downloading videos from YouTube can raise some copyright and fair use concerns. Technically, according to YouTube’s Terms of Service, downloading videos is prohibited without permission from the copyright holder [1]. However, there are some exceptions for fair use, such as downloading a video for educational or personal purposes.
In general, simply downloading a YouTube video to watch later is not strictly illegal, but could be considered copyright infringement if you share or distribute the downloaded video [2]. YouTube may issue takedown requests if they discover you have downloaded their videos. There is some risk involved if you download videos without permission and use them commercially.
The safest approach is to only download YouTube videos for personal, non-commercial use in a way that does not infringe on copyright. Avoid sharing downloaded videos publicly or using them improperly. Under fair use laws, downloading videos can be permissible, but excessive distribution can cross legal lines.
Methods to Download Music from YouTube
There are a few different methods you can use to download music from YouTube to your Android device without a premium account or subscription:
Using a Browser Extension
Browser extensions like Video Downloader Professional allow you to download videos and extract the audio as MP3 files directly from the YouTube website. Just install the extension, open YouTube, and click the extension’s icon on a video to download it.
Online Video Converters
Websites like Online Video Converter let you enter a YouTube URL, convert the video to MP3, and download the audio file. This method doesn’t require installing anything.
Using Android Apps
Apps like Video Downloader for Android integrate with YouTube and allow downloading videos or extracting audio. The app downloads files directly to your device.
Using a Browser Extension
One of the easiest ways to download music from YouTube is by using a browser extension. Browser extensions are add-ons that can be installed directly in your web browser to add extra functionality. Here’s how to install browser extensions:
For Chrome, visit the Chrome Web Store and search for “youtube mp3” extensions. Click “Add to Chrome” on your desired extension. For Firefox, go to the Firefox Add-ons site and search for “youtube mp3” to find extensions to install.
Some benefits of using a browser extension include:
- Very easy to install and use
- Fast way to download audio files
- Works directly in your browser so no new apps to open
Potential drawbacks include:
- Limited customization options
- Need the right browser to install extensions
- Some extensions may have ads or upsells
Based on ratings and reviews, some top recommended YouTube music downloader extensions are:
- Video Downloader Professional – Supports MP3 and M4A, works on multiple sites
- YouTube MP3 Downloader – Simple Firefox add-on for MP3 files
- YTM+ for YouTube Music – Designed for downloading YouTube Music
Online Video Converters
Online video converters allow you to download YouTube videos without installing any software. They work by having you paste the URL of the YouTube video into the converter website, which then processes and converts the video into a downloadable format like MP3. Some key pros of online converters are that they are quick, easy to use, and work on any device with a web browser.
Some downsides are that you are limited to the formats supported by the website, may need to download multiple files for longer videos, and can only convert one video at a time. There are also potential quality and speed issues since the conversion happens on external servers.
Based on expert testing and reviews, three top recommended online YouTube converters are:1
- ClipConverter – Supports many formats and high quality. Simple interface.1
- Catch-video – Fast converting speed. Allows batch downloading multiple videos.1
- Yonverter – No file size limits. Works for many video sites besides YouTube.1
Using Android Apps
Android apps provide a convenient way to download music from YouTube. Some benefits of using Android apps include:
- Easy to use interface designed for mobile
- Ability to download videos in different formats like MP3
- Fast download speeds
- Some apps allow background downloading
Some drawbacks to be aware of with Android apps:
- May contain ads or require a paid version for full features
- Quality of downloaded files can vary
- Some apps haven’t been updated recently
Based on user reviews and ratings, here are three recommended Android apps for downloading music from YouTube:
- NewPipe – Open source app with no ads, downloads multiple formats and can play audio in background. Needs sideloading.
- Snaptube – Fast downloader that lets you get an MP3 file from YouTube videos. Contains some ads.
- VidMate – Popular downloader with option to select quality and format. Watch out for bundled software during installation.
Choosing the Best Method
When deciding how to download music from YouTube to your Android device, you have several options to consider. Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of each method:
Browser Extensions
Browser extensions like YouTube Video and Audio Downloader are quick and easy to use. They integrate right into your browser, allowing you to download audio files while browsing YouTube. This is a good lightweight option if you just need to grab songs occasionally.
Online Converters
Using a website like OnlineVideoConverter.com allows you to simply paste in a YouTube link and convert it. This works on any device with a web browser. Online converters give you lots of format options. The downside is dealing with file size limits and slow conversion speeds.
Android Apps
Specialized apps like YouTube Music, TubeMate, and Videoder make downloading music on your Android device a breeze. They offer fast performance and integration with your mobile device. However, some may have clunky interfaces, ads, or extra permissions required. Paid versions remove these downsides.
Overall, Android apps provide the fastest and most seamless experience for frequently downloading music to your device. Browser extensions work well for more occasional needs on a desktop. And online converters give you versatility across devices, albeit with some limitations.
Step-by-Step Guide to Download Music from YouTube Using an App on Android
Here is a tutorial on how to download music from YouTube to your Android device using an app called NewPipe:
Step 1: Download and install the NewPipe app from https://newpipe.net/. NewPipe is a free, open source YouTube client for Android.
Step 2: Open the NewPipe app and search for the YouTube video with the music you want to download. Tap on the video to open it.
Step 3: Tap the download icon in the top right corner. A popup will appear showing download options.
Step 4: Select “Audio” to download just the audio track. Choose the audio format and quality you want.
Step 5: Tap “Download” to start downloading the audio file to your device. The file will be saved in your Music folder.
That’s it! You’ve now downloaded the audio from a YouTube video to listen offline on your Android phone or tablet. NewPipe makes it easy to download music quickly without any subscriptions or fees.
Troubleshooting Issues
Downloading music from YouTube to your Android doesn’t always go smoothly. Here are some common issues and how to solve them:
Solutions for Common Download Issues
If your download gets stuck, won’t start, or fails partway through, here are some things to try:
- Check your internet connection and try again with a stable WiFi or mobile data connection (Source).
- Free up storage space on your Android device, as you may not have enough room for the downloads (Source).
- Update the YouTube or downloading app to the latest version.
- Try downloading one playlist at a time instead of multiple.
- Restart your device and clear the app cache/data.
Error Messages and Fixes
If you get a specific error message, here are some common ones and what you can do:
- “Download limit reached” – YouTube limits how many videos you can download within a time period. Wait and try again later.
- “Video unavailable” – The video may have been removed from YouTube. Try a different video.
- “An error occurred” – This could indicate an issue connecting to YouTube’s servers. Try again after waiting a bit.
Troubleshooting download issues requires some trial and error. The key is to isolate the potential source (app, connectivity, storage space, etc.) and tackle fixes one by one. With some patience, you should be able to successfully download the YouTube music you want.
Summary
There are a few main methods to download music from YouTube to your Android device without a premium subscription. The easiest options are to use a browser extension like VideoDownloadHelper or an online video converter like Ytmp3. You can also download music using Android apps like Videoder, SnapTube, or Newpipe. These allow you to download audio directly or extract audio from YouTube videos.
The key takeaways are that you have options to download YouTube music to your Android, but you should be mindful of copyright issues. Using a browser extension or online converter are the simplest ways. The Android apps give you more features and control. No matter the method, make sure you are downloading just for personal use.
To learn more, check out Android Police’s guide on how to download YouTube videos on Android which covers the various apps and methods in more detail.