Downloading music from YouTube to your USB drive can be a convenient way to create an offline playlist for your car, computer, or other devices.
However, it’s important to note that downloading content from YouTube without permission may violate YouTube’s terms of service.
Always ensure you have the right to download the music before proceeding.
Below is a comprehensive guide on how to download music from YouTube to your USB drive using various methods.
1. Understanding YouTube’s Terms of Service
Before you begin downloading any content from YouTube, it’s essential to understand YouTube’s terms of service.
YouTube allows users to watch and share videos but does not permit downloading unless a download button is provided directly on the platform (such as YouTube Premium).
Always ensure that the music you are downloading is legally permitted to be saved and transferred to another device.
2. Choosing a Reliable YouTube to MP3 Converter
To download music from YouTube, you’ll need a reliable converter that can extract audio in MP3 or other audio formats.
There are several tools available online that allow you to convert YouTube videos to MP3 files, including websites like YTMP3, 4K Video Downloader, and software like aTube Catcher.
Choose a tool based on ease of use, file quality, and any associated risks such as malware.
3. Installing a YouTube to MP3 Converter Software
If you choose to download a dedicated software converter, make sure to install it on your computer.
Most software tools like YTD Video Downloader or Freemake Video Downloader are available for both Windows and Mac.
After installation, ensure that the program is up-to-date to avoid bugs and compatibility issues.
4. Copying the YouTube URL of the Music Video
The first step in downloading music from YouTube is to copy the URL of the video you wish to download.
Navigate to the YouTube video, click on the address bar at the top of your browser, and copy the full URL.
If you’re downloading a playlist or multiple songs, you can copy the URL of the entire playlist.
5. Converting YouTube Video to Audio Format
Once you have the YouTube URL copied, open your converter tool and paste the URL into the input field.
Choose the audio format you want to download, such as MP3, WAV, or AAC. Most tools will default to MP3, which is compatible with nearly all devices.
Select the desired audio quality and start the conversion.
Read Here: How To Convert Music From Spotify To MP3
6. Downloading the Converted Audio File
After the conversion process is complete, the tool will provide you with a link to download the audio file.
Click on the download link, and your computer will begin downloading the audio file to your hard drive.
The time it takes will depend on the file size and your internet connection speed.
7. Inserting the USB Drive into Your Computer
Once the audio file has been downloaded, insert your USB drive into an available USB port on your computer.
Ensure that the USB drive has enough free space to accommodate the music files you intend to copy.
It’s also a good idea to check the file system format of the USB drive, as some older drives may be formatted in a way that doesn’t support larger file sizes or specific file types.
If necessary, reformat the USB drive to a more compatible format such as FAT32 or exFAT to ensure smooth file transfers.
Additionally, make sure to safely eject the USB drive when you’re done transferring files to avoid data corruption.
8. Transferring the Music to the USB Drive
After your USB drive is connected, open the folder where the downloaded music file is stored. Then, simply drag and drop the audio file into the USB drive folder.
If you’re using a Mac, you can use the Finder to transfer files, while on Windows, you can use File Explorer.
If you have multiple files, you can select them all and copy them at once to the USB drive.
9. Ejecting the USB Drive Safely
Once all the files are transferred to your USB drive, it’s crucial to eject the drive safely to avoid any data corruption.
On Windows, right-click the USB drive icon and choose “Eject.”
On Mac, drag the USB drive icon to the trash bin or right-click and select “Eject.”
10. Playing the Music from Your USB Drive
After safely ejecting the USB drive, you can now use it to listen to your music on any compatible device, such as a car stereo, computer, or portable speaker.
Simply plug the USB drive into the device, navigate to the audio files, and start enjoying your playlist.
11. Using YouTube Premium for Legal Downloads
If you have a YouTube Premium subscription, you can legally download music videos directly to your mobile device for offline listening.
While this method doesn’t directly involve downloading to a USB drive, it is a great legal alternative if you want to enjoy YouTube content offline without needing a third-party converter.
YouTube Premium allows users to download music in the official YouTube app, which can later be transferred from the device to a USB drive using file transfer protocols.
12. Using Playlist Downloaders for Bulk Downloads
If you want to download an entire playlist or multiple tracks from YouTube at once, consider using a playlist downloader.
Tools like JDownloader or 4K YouTube to MP3 can download multiple songs from a YouTube playlist with ease.
These tools allow you to simply paste a playlist URL, select the audio format, and batch-download all the songs in the playlist in one go.
After the download is complete, you can transfer the files to your USB drive in bulk.
13. Organizing Your Music on the USB Drive
After downloading music from YouTube and transferring it to your USB drive, it’s a good idea to organize your music library for easy access.
You can create folders for different genres, artists, or albums, and place the corresponding audio files inside these folders.
This way, you can easily find and play specific songs when needed, and your music library will stay neatly organized on the USB drive.
14. Converting YouTube Videos to Other Audio Formats
Sometimes, MP3 may not be the ideal audio format for your needs. Many YouTube to MP3 converters also allow you to choose other formats such as FLAC, WAV, or AAC.
If you’re an audiophile or need higher quality audio files for your sound system, converting to a lossless format like FLAC may be the best option.
These formats typically offer better sound quality than MP3, though they take up more space on your USB drive.
15. Avoiding Malware and Unsafe Websites
When downloading music from YouTube using third-party converters, always ensure that the websites or software you’re using are safe.
Some download sites may contain malware or unwanted adware that could harm your computer or steal personal data.
Look for well-reviewed and trusted converters, and always avoid suspicious websites that ask for unnecessary permissions.
Using antivirus software and ad blockers can also help you stay safe while downloading music.
Conclusion
Downloading music from YouTube to your USB drive is a straightforward process, provided you follow the correct steps and adhere to legal guidelines.
Whether you’re using a simple converter tool, downloading entire playlists, or converting to different audio formats, the methods outlined above can help you create a convenient offline music library.
By taking precautions to avoid malware and organizing your music files properly, you can enjoy your favorite tracks wherever you go.
