YTMP3 Help Centre: Frequently Asked Questions
This page collects the questions we receive most often about converting YouTube videos to MP3 and MP4 with YTMP3. It covers how the converter works, what it can and cannot process, file quality, device-specific tips and the rules around copyright. If your question is not answered here, the contact page explains how to reach us.
Getting started
What exactly does YTMP3 do?
YTMP3 takes the link of a public YouTube video, fetches the audio and video streams on our servers and hands you back a standard MP3 audio file or an MP4 video file. Nothing is installed on your device, and the whole process runs inside a normal web page.
Do I need an account, an app or a browser extension?
No. There is no registration, no login and no software. Open the site in any browser, paste the link, and convert. We deliberately avoid extensions and desktop installers because they are the most common way that converter tools spread unwanted software.
Which links are accepted?
Standard watch links (youtube.com/watch?v=...), short links (youtu.be/...), YouTube Shorts links, YouTube Music links and mobile (m.youtube.com) links all work. Playlist and channel links are not accepted; copy the link of one video inside the playlist instead.
Can I search by song title instead of pasting a link?
Yes. Type an artist, a song title or a few words from the video name into the box and pick the matching result. Search uses YouTube's own results, so anything you can find on YouTube can be found here.
Files, formats and quality
What is the best MP3 bitrate to choose?
Pick 320 kbps if you listen on good headphones or a car system and do not mind a file that is roughly twice the size of the 128 kbps version. Pick 128 kbps for spoken word, where the extra bitrate makes no audible difference. 192 kbps is a sensible middle ground for casual listening.
Which MP4 resolutions are available?
The converter offers the resolutions that YouTube itself serves for that particular video, typically 360p, 720p and 1080p. A video uploaded in low resolution will only be available in low resolution; the converter does not upscale.
Why does the downloaded file have a strange name?
The file is named after the video title. Characters that are not allowed in file names, such as slashes or question marks, are removed, which can make some titles look truncated. You can rename the file freely after downloading.
Is there a limit on video length?
Videos up to roughly 90 minutes are always attempted. Longer material is usually fine too, but during peak hours very long uploads may be declined so that shorter conversions stay fast. If a long video is refused, try again later.
Does the MP3 keep the cover art and tags?
The title is written into the file name. Embedded ID3 tags such as artist, album and cover art are not added automatically, because YouTube does not expose that metadata in a reliable form. Music players such as MusicBee, foobar2000 or iTunes can add tags in a few clicks.
Devices and browsers
Where does the file go on my iPhone?
Safari saves downloads into the Downloads folder of the Files app. Open Files, tap Browse, then Downloads. From there you can play the track, move it to iCloud Drive or share it with another app.
Where does the file go on Android?
Into the Download folder of your internal storage. A notification appears when the download finishes, and most music apps pick the file up automatically when they next scan the library.
Does YTMP3 work with Firefox, Edge or Opera?
Yes. Any current browser on Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, Android or iOS is supported. If the page misbehaves, the usual cause is an aggressive content blocker; allow the site once and reload.
Can I use it on a slow or metered connection?
Yes. The conversion happens on our side, so your connection only carries the finished file. Choose 128 kbps MP3 or 360p MP4 to keep the download small.
Problems and errors
The converter says the video is unavailable. Why?
The most common reasons are that the video is private, has been removed by the uploader, is age-restricted (which requires a signed-in YouTube account), is blocked in the region where our servers are located, or is a live stream that has not finished yet.
The download button appears but nothing downloads.
Check that your browser is allowed to save files and that pop-up blocking is not stopping the download tab. On iOS, make sure you are using Safari or Chrome rather than an in-app browser inside another application, since in-app browsers often cannot save files.
The audio is out of sync in the MP4.
This is rare and almost always inherited from the source upload. Try a different resolution; if the problem persists across resolutions, the original video itself is affected.
Privacy, copyright and legal use
Do you store the videos I convert or keep a history?
No. Converted files are generated on demand and deleted automatically after a short period. We do not keep a list of what you converted, and we do not associate conversions with an account, because there are no accounts.
Is converting YouTube to MP3 legal?
It depends on where you live and what you download. Many countries allow private copies of content you have lawful access to, while others do not. Downloading and redistributing copyrighted music without permission is illegal everywhere. YTMP3 is intended for content you own, content released under a permissive licence, and content the rights holder allows you to download. Read our terms of use for details.
I am a rights holder. How do I request a removal?
Send the details described on the copyright claims page to the address listed there. Valid notices are processed promptly.
How is the service funded if it is free?
YTMP3 runs on voluntary donations. We do not sell data, we do not bundle software and we keep advertising off the download path.