How to Download Music from YouTube: Is it Legal?

If you're looking to download music from YouTube, you might be wondering if it's legal and how to go about it. Note that YouTube's own Audio Library (opens in new tab) of no-copyright music states that you cannot use third-party software to download the video/track, always using their download links instead.

One reason you may want to know how to download music from YouTube is to access tracks you've created and uploaded to YouTube previously, for instance if you no longer have access to the original file. However, this option isn't offered on the YouTube Music website or in the free version of the service due to piracy and copyright infringement concerns.

Although YouTube features millions of tracks by every artist you can think of, most of which have been uploaded by its users rather than record companies, it also offers plenty of royalty- and copyright-free content, as well as songs covered by a Creative Commons license (opens in new tab). Downloading audio from these videos won't violate the site's terms of service or break the law, making it possible to use their music in your own creative projects.

You can download and play ad-free songs and playlists through the YouTube Music app for Android and iOS, but only if you subscribe to YouTube Music Premium (opens in new tab) for $9.99 a month or YouTube Premium (opens in new tab) for $11.99 a month.

According to YouTube's Terms of Service (opens in new tab), downloading audio content is not allowed unless 'specifically permitted by the Service' or you have prior written permission from YouTube or the respective rights holder. This means that using third-party software to download music without permission is illegal and can result in your account being terminated.

In summary, while downloading music from YouTube can be legal under certain circumstances, it's essential to ensure that you're not violating the site's terms of service or breaking the law. Always use official download links provided by YouTube or obtain prior written permission from the rights holder before downloading copyrighted content.

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