Converting YouTube music: what's legal (and the best alternatives)

Converting YouTube music to MP3 or "classic" audio files seems practical: listening offline, avoiding interruptions, keeping a playlist for a trip, or finding a song more easily. The problem is that in most cases, "converting music from YouTube" means circumventing the platform's rules and, depending on the content, infringing copyright.

The purpose of this guide is simple: to sort out what is actually allowed, what is risky (even if it is common), and what are reliable options for listening to music offline without putting your account, computer, or peace of mind at risk.

1) Converting YouTube music: why it's often a bad idea

When we talk about converting YouTube music, we are generally referring to one of these situations:

• retrieve audio from a clip or live stream to listen to it without a network connection;
• convert a video to MP3, M4A, or another audio format;
• create a local music library (computer, USB drive, car) without relying on streaming.

The problem is that YouTube is designed to be played using its own features (streaming, playlists, offline mode in the app with a subscription). Tools such as "YouTube to MP3" often rely on processes that circumvent the normal functioning of the platform—and that is precisely what causes problems.

Beyond the legal aspect, there is also a very real security risk: many online converters are riddled with aggressive ads, redirects, dubious extensions, or unwanted downloads.

2) When is it acceptable to extract audio from a YouTube video?

There are cases where recovering an audio file linked to YouTube may be legitimate. The simple rule is: you must either own the rights, use an official feature, or work on content that is explicitly free to use.

2.1. You retrieve the audio from your own content

If you are the creator and the video belongs to you, it is usually possible to recover your content using official tools (e.g., YouTube Studio, depending on the available options). This is the "clean" scenario: you are not recovering someone else's work.

2.2. The content is clearly free of rights (or under an appropriate license).

Some music is published under a Creative Commons license or with explicit permission for downloading/reuse. In this case, the most important thing is to:

• check the exact license (commercial or non-commercial use, attribution, etc.);
• Keep proof of the license as it was indicated at the time of use.

For serious use (professional, creative, editing), royalty-free music libraries are often simpler and safer than using YouTube.

2.3. You are using an official solution to listen offline

This is the clearest way to "have your music without a connection ": the offline mode offered by official services (YouTube Music/YouTube Premium). Here, it's not a question of "converting" to exportable MP3s, but of activating offline listening in the app, within a compliant framework.

3) The best alternative to conversion: YouTube Music/YouTube Premium in offline mode

When what you really need is to "listen without the internet," the most reliable solution is one that doesn't put you in an awkward position: YouTube Premium (which includes YouTube Music) or YouTube Music, depending on the offers available.

What this means in practical terms

• listen to music without ads;
• start playback in the background (depending on options/platforms);
• download in the app for offline listening on mobile devices;
• easily find your playlists and recommendations.

What it doesn't do

• you do not obtain an MP3 file that can be freely used;
• You do not "copy" the music to a USB drive like a traditional local library.

In practice, for the vast majority of uses (travel, flying, sports, offline), offline listening in the app meets your needs without exposing you to risky tools.

4) Why "YouTube to MP3" converters are risky

Tools that promise to convert YouTube music to MP3 in seconds pose three common problems:

4.1. Compliance issue

These services often rely on a recovery/workaround mechanism not provided for by YouTube. Even if the use appears to be "personal," this does not automatically make the practice compliant.

4.2. Security issue

This is one of the most underestimated points:

• pop-up windows and redirects;
• fake "Download" buttons;
• intrusive extensions;
• adware/malware.

On computers, this is often how you end up with a slow browser, ads everywhere, or strange behavior.

4.3. Quality and reliability issues

Even when it "works":

• the audio quality is sometimes poor;
• the tags (title, artist, album) are incorrect;
• links fall apart, tools change, results are unstable.

5) Need to listen in your car or on a device without an app? Clean options

If the goal is to "put music in the car," there are more stable approaches than converting music from YouTube:

5.1. Using Bluetooth, CarPlay, or Android Auto

Most cases are resolved via smartphone streaming, with a better experience (playlists, controls, history).

5.2. Download offline in the app before you leave

When the network is poor (road, mountains, subway), preparing your offline playlists in YouTube Music is often sufficient.

5.3. Build a local library... but using sources intended for that purpose.

If you really want to have local audio files (USB drive, MP3 player), the cleanest option is to use:

• music purchases (legal platforms),
• royalty-free catalogs,
• or downloads authorized by the copyright holder.

6) Reduce the cost of YouTube Premium/YouTube Music (without tinkering)

When people try to convert music from YouTube, there is often a real reason behind it: to avoid paying for yet another subscription. But between YouTube, Netflix, Spotify/Deezer, Prime Video, sometimes Duolingo, and other tools, the budget quickly skyrockets... and that's when many people turn to risky "solutions."

A much simpler alternative is to optimize the cost of your subscriptions rather than trying to recover audio files using unreliable tools.

Some offers (such as family plans, where available and according to the service rules) allow the price to be split between several people. A platform such as Spliiit is designed for just that: connecting users to share the cost of subscriptions, managing payments, and avoiding the hassle of manual refunds.
The result: you enjoy a clean experience (offline, ad-free, official app), while paying much less than the solo rate.

FAQ – Convert YouTube music

Is it legal to convert a YouTube video to MP3?

It depends on the content and your rights. For copyrighted music, conversion using third-party tools is generally not compliant. The safest options remain the official features (offline listening via subscription) or content that is explicitly royalty-free.

Can you listen to YouTube Music without an internet connection?

Yes, via offline mode in the app, depending on the offer. This does not create an exportable MP3 file, but it meets the main need: listening without a network connection, in a stable and compliant manner.

Is it risky to use an online converter?

Yes, often. Beyond compliance, many online converters expose users to aggressive ads, redirects, and even unwanted software. This is a common risk to security and browsing comfort.

What is the best solution for listening to YouTube music in the car?

In most cases: Bluetooth + official app (YouTube Music) and offline playlists if needed. For local listening via USB, it is best to use authorized sources (purchased, royalty-free).

How can I pay less for YouTube Premium?

When a multi-user offer is available, splitting the cost is often the most rational option. Using a co-subscription solution such as Spliiit simplifies management and reduces the bill without any hassle.

Key points to remember

• Converting YouTube music to MP3 using third-party tools is often risky (compliance + security).
• Offline mode via YouTube Music/YouTube Premium meets a real need: listening without the internet, properly.
• Rather than looking for shaky solutions, the most sustainable approach is to optimize the cost of your subscriptions—particularly through co-subscriptions when possible, using a platform such as Spliiit.

‍