Want to download YouTube audio to your Mac? Many individuals want easy ways to extract music, lectures, and podcasts. Knowing your options and legal limitations is crucial when making a playlist or preserving a favourite song. This article covers four simple and successful methods: utilizing a specialized downloading software like YouTube Video Downloader, a command-line tool, a web-based converter, or QuickTime recording.
YouTube prohibits downloading music unless you own it or it’s labelled for reuse. We’ll discuss legal safety and caution. With this article, you’ll learn how to download YouTube audio on Mac and which option is best for you by the end—no BS, just simple methods and practical recommendations. Let’s begin!
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Need to Know Before Downloading
Before downloading YouTube audio on your Mac, consider the legal and ethical issues. You can’t download everything on YouTube, including audio. You should know:
Is Downloading YouTube Audio Legal?
YouTube’s TOS prohibits downloading audio directly, unless the platform allows it (like YouTube Premium’s offline capability). YouTube prohibits downloading content without a download button or link. Using third-party programs or tools to download YouTube videos or audio violates those conditions. However, legality varies by country and use.
Understanding Copyright
Most YouTube videos, especially music, podcasts, and popular content, are copyrighted. Unauthorized downloads and use may result in copyright takedowns, account suspensions, or legal action.
How to Download Audio from YouTube
The following four methods are simple and effective, incorporating beginner-friendly and advanced tools. Choose the one that best suits your speed, quality, or simplicity demands.
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Download YouTube Audio with AI YouTube Video Downloader
AI YouTube Video Downloader is a great program for Mac users who want to download music from YouTube easily. It requires no tech expertise and is simple to use. YouTube videos may be converted to MP3 for music, podcasts, ASMR, and more.
Key Features:
- No file size restrictions
- Download music at 160kbps, 256kbps, or 320kbps.
- An integrated browser for finding and downloading
- Full YouTube playlist support
- Supports SoundCloud, Bandcamp, and others.
Step-by-Step Audio Download Guide:
Step 1: Download YouTube Videos to Your PC
Keep reading the process to save videos from YouTube with AuryLab AI’s YouTube video downloader:
Go to its official site: https://aurylab.ai/tools/youtube-video-downloader.
Step 2: Copy and paste the YouTube video link into it.
Step 3: Then it shows a list of download options. Choose the one you prefer, and click “Download video.”
Step 4: Then, the video will be opened in a new window. Click the three-dot button at the lower right corner, and click “Download” to start saving.
Step 5: Then, you can check the download progress from the Chrome Downloads. By default, Google Chrome saves downloaded files to the “Downloads” folder within your user account.
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Download YouTube Audio with YT-DLP
YT-DLP is a superb Mac YouTube audio downloader for command line users who want free, open-source tools. It’s a robust YouTube-dl replacement that supports YouTube, TikTok, and many other platforms. Ffmpeg lets you download movies, playlists, and convert them to MP3 or other audio formats.
Step-by-Step Guide to Use YT-DLP:
Step 1. Install YT-DLP on Mac. Installing ffmpeg allows audio format conversion.
Step 2. Open Terminal and run this command to download and convert YouTube videos to MP3:
yt-dlp -x mp3 “YOUTUBE_VIDEO_URL.”
Step 3. Alternative Customization Commands:
Prefer 128kbps MP3:
yt-dlp -x –audio-format mp3 –audio-quality 128K “YOUTUBE_VIDEO_URL.”
Step 4. Download the whole playlist:
yt-dlp -x –audio-format mp3 –yes-playlist “PLAYLIST_URL.”
If Terminal is difficult, consider graphical front-ends like Stacher to simplify terminal commands.
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Download YouTube Audio without Software
Y2Mate is a straightforward online tool for downloading YouTube audio without the need to install any software. No registration or downloads are needed; it works in your browser. Y2Mate makes it easy to convert and download YouTube videos to MP3 on Macs running Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Opera. How to Use Y2Mate
Step 1. Visit “y2mate.com” in your browser and select the “YouTube to MP3 converter” option.
Step 2. Paste the YouTube video URL into the search box.
Step 3. Click “Start” and wait.
Step 4. Select MP3 and click “Download.”
Just that easy! It’s convenient, but advertising and pop-ups may occur. Be mindful of only downloading copyright-compliant content.
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Record and Save YouTube Audio with QuickTime Player
QuickTime Player, built into macOS, can record YouTube audio without the need for third-party downloaders or web utilities. BlackHole, a free add-on, lets QuickTime capture system sounds. How to capture and store YouTube audio on a Mac using QuickTime:
Step 1. Download and install Existential Audio’s free virtual audio driver, BlackHole.
Step 2. Launch Audio MIDI Setup from “Finder > Applications > Utilities.”
Step 3. Virtual audio device creation:
- For audio system: Click “+”> Create Multi-Output Device, then check “Built-in Output” and BlackHole 2ch.
- For microphone and system audio, click “+” > “Create Aggregate Device,” then “Built-in Microphone” and “BlackHole 2ch.”
Step 4. Select your newly formed “Multi-Output Device” in “System Preferences > Sound > Output”.
Step 5. Start “QuickTime Player > Go to File > New Audio Recording.”
Step 6. Click the arrow next to the record button in the audio recording screen and choose “BlackHole 2ch” as your microphone source.
Step 7. Open the YouTube video and press the “Record” button in QuickTime to record the audio.
Conclusion
YouTube audio downloads for Mac are easier than ever, with various solid options for varied purposes. Online tools like Y2Mate, the powerful and beginner-friendly EaseUS Video Downloader, and technical tools like YT-DLP are available. Mac users who want to record without extra software can use QuickTime Player and BlackHole.
EaseUS provides full control and high-quality downloads, while YT-DLP offers advanced users flexibility, and internet tools are ideal for one-time downloads. Please verify copyright conditions before downloading content, especially for reuse or dissemination. EaseUS Video Downloader is our top pick for a balanced, beginner-friendly user experience with quality and safety. It’s ideal for 2025 Mac users due to its simplicity, speed, and format control.
FAQs on Downloading Audio from YouTube on Mac
Let’s have a look at the top questions about Downloading Audio from YouTube on Mac:
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How to Download YouTube Videos to MP3 on Mac?
Mac users can utilize EaseUS Video Downloader, YT-DLP, or Y2Mate to download YouTube videos as MP3 files. EaseUS allows you to set audio quality before downloading and is beginner-friendly. YT-DLP is more complex and uses Terminal commands. Simple online utilities convert links to MP3 files without the need for installation. Always download audio for personal, fair-use reasons and avoid copyright violations.
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What is a YouTube to MP3 Converter for Mac?
YouTube to MP3 converters for Mac extract audio from YouTube videos and save it as an MP3 file. These programs can be software, such as EaseUS Video Downloader, command-line tools like YT-DLP, or web-based tools like Y2Mate. All try to convert video URLs into downloadable audio files, although their complexity and functionality vary. Most converters allow you to set audio quality, save locally, and support recent macOS versions. These are great for music, seminars, and podcasts.
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How to Extract Audio from YouTube on Mac?
QuickTime Player and BlackHole for system sound can record YouTube audio on a Mac, or you can use EaseUS Video Downloader and YT-DLP. QuickTime captures live playback, whereas EaseUS and YT-DLP download and convert video to MP3. Quick downloads are possible using online programs like Y2Mate. Use an approach that aligns with your technological comfort level and adheres to copyright rules when extracting and storing information.