How do I save audio from streaming?

With the rise of music and audio streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and Pandora, many listeners want to save or download tracks from these platforms for offline listening or archiving purposes. According to music streaming statistics, 84% of music industry revenue now comes from streaming services. However, tracks from streaming platforms have digital rights management (DRM) applied, which restricts copying and downloading. This means users cannot natively save or download streaming audio.

There are several methods people can use to record and save audio from streaming platforms. This includes screen recording, capturing audio from cache files, using third-party apps, cloud storage workarounds, purchasing audio files separately, and utilizing a digital video recorder. Each method has pros and cons to consider in terms of legality, quality, and convenience. This guide will provide an overview of the main techniques people can use to save streaming audio tracks for personal offline use and archiving.

Downloading

One way to save audio from streaming is by using browser extensions or online converter sites that allow you to download the audio file. For example, the VideoDownloadHelper browser extension can detect audio and video files playing in your browser and provide a download link. You can install this extension on Chrome, Firefox, Opera, and Edge. It works for many streaming sites like YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo, and more.

There are also websites like youtube-mp3.org that allow you to insert a YouTube URL and convert the video to an MP3 audio file. However, many of these sites exist in a legal gray area, so use caution and research the laws in your region before utilizing them. The audio quality from these types of rippers is often compressed as well. Downloading copyrighted content may infringe on the rights of content creators.

Screen Recording

Screen recording is a useful option for capturing audio from streaming sites. There are several software options that allow you to record both your screen activity and internal audio:

OBS Studio (source) is a popular open source screen recorder for Windows, macOS and Linux. It offers advanced audio capturing settings including capturing desktop audio and mic inputs.

QuickTime Player (source), built into Mac computers, provides a simple screen recording feature. To capture audio, ensure the microphone is selected in the recording toolbar.

The process of recording computer audio while screen recording is generally straightforward. Make sure system audio is enabled in your recorder’s settings, then hit record and play back the streaming audio as usual through your default playback device.

Ripping from Cache

When you stream audio online, your web browser stores temporary cached versions of the audio files. You can access and extract these cached audio files on your device. Here’s how:

Browser Cache Locations

The cached audio files are stored in different locations depending on your web browser:

• Chrome – C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Cache
• Firefox – C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\profilefolder\cache2\entries
• Edge – C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Edge\User Data\Default\Cache

Extracting Audio Files

To extract the audio files from the cache:

1. Navigate to your browser’s cache folder location
2. Search for files with the .mp3, .wav, .ogg extension
3. Copy these files to another location on your computer

The extracted audio files can now be played using your preferred audio player. Note that cached audio is temporary, so extract files soon after streaming.

Using a Music App

There are some streaming apps that allow you to save or download audio tracks for offline listening. These include Spotify, Amazon Music Unlimited, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and more (source). Most will require a paid subscription to enable downloading.

To download tracks in Spotify, tap the “download” icon next to any song, album, or playlist. There may be download limits depending on your subscription plan. Downloaded content can be located in Your Library > Downloads. In the Spotify app, tap the Downloads tab to see all downloaded content. Tap any item to start playing it offline.

For Amazon Music Unlimited, tap the download icon next to tracks or playlists. Downloads are available through the My Music > Downloaded Music section of the app. Apple Music also allows you to download by tapping the cloud icon next to tracks or albums. Downloads can be managed in the Library tab under Downloads.

Overall, looking in the “Downloads” or “My Music” section of a streaming app is the best way to locate audio that you have previously saved for offline listening. Just remember you’ll need an active streaming subscription for most services to maintain access to downloaded content.

Cloud Storage

Another method for saving streaming audio is to save it directly to cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive. This allows you to store the audio files securely online and access them later from multiple devices.

For example, the Chrome extension Video Downloader Professional allows you to save videos and audio from streaming sites directly to your Google Drive account. After installing the extension, simply open the stream you want to save, click the extension icon, and choose “Save to Drive.” The file will then be available in your Google Drive storage. You can do the same for Dropbox and OneDrive using extensions like Dropbox Save to Cloud.

This makes it easy to record and store streaming audio without having to download it directly to your device. The files are then accessible anytime from your cloud storage account.

Purchasing Files

One option for saving audio from streaming is to purchase the tracks or albums directly. Services like iTunes, Amazon Music, and Bandcamp allow you to buy songs and download permanent copies. Purchasing tracks gives you legal ownership of the files to keep.

iTunes in particular makes it easy to buy songs, albums, or compilations and download them instantly to your computer. The audio files can then be played on any device or transferred to other media. Purchasing files from streaming services ensures you are getting high-quality versions of the music, as opposed to obtaining lower-quality recordings from other methods.

Downloaded files from purchases are saved in formats like MP3 or AAC, which allow listening on many different apps and devices. The files will not expire or disappear as long as you maintain your purchased music library properly. Overall, buying audio files directly from services like iTunes gives streaming listeners a legal and convenient method to save music permanently.

Using a DVR

A digital video recorder (DVR) allows you to record audio and video from streaming services by connecting it between your streaming device and TV. To configure your DVR to capture audio:

1. Connect your streaming device, like Roku or Apple TV, directly to the DVR using an HDMI cable.

2. Connect the DVR to your TV using a second HDMI cable.

3. Set up your DVR device and streaming apps following the manufacturer’s instructions.

4. Schedule recordings for the streaming content you want to download just like you would for regular TV channels.

Once your shows are recorded, you can transfer the audio to your computer. Most DVRs come with software that allows you to connect to them over your home network. From there you can browse the recorded files and copy just the audio track to save locally.

For example, the HDHomeRun DVR has a Windows app that lets you watch recordings on your PC and export just the audio as an MP3 file. TiVo devices also have desktop software to transfer recordings off the DVR for archiving.

Archiving Streams

One way to save audio from streaming is to archive the streams themselves. This allows you to record the audio in real-time and save it for playback later. Services like StreamRipper allow you to record audio streams and save them as files on your computer.

To archive a stream using StreamRipper:

1. Download and install the StreamRipper software.
2. Copy the URL of the audio stream you want to record.
3. Open StreamRipper and paste the URL into the input field.
4. Configure any recording settings like bitrate or filename.
5. Click the record button to start capturing the stream.
6. Let the software record until you have captured the full stream or the portion you want.
7. StreamRipper will save the audio stream as an MP3 or other file format on your computer.

Archiving streams allows you to permanently save audio content from internet radio, online music services, livestreams, podcasts, and other streaming sources. You can then listen back even if the original stream is no longer available online.

Legal Considerations

Downloading or saving audio from streaming services presents some legal considerations around copyright law and fair use. According to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), reproducing and distributing copyrighted sound recordings without permission is generally prohibited [1]. However, there are some exceptions for “fair use” such as personal archiving or educational purposes. It’s recommended to avoid mass distribution or commercial use of downloaded streams.

Generally, it’s considered ethical to save small portions of audio streams for your own personal offline use according to principles of fair use. However, uploading or sharing large amounts of copyrighted content without permission could open you up to potential legal liability [2]. As a best practice, limit your downloading of copyrighted streams to reasonable amounts for personal activities like exercising or commuting where an internet connection is not available.

While the law remains somewhat unclear, downloading streams for personal offline listening in moderation is generally considered low risk. However, if you plan to re-upload or distribute downloaded audio files, it’s best to avoid this practice or seek explicit permission from copyright holders.