How to extract the audio from a YouTube video (MP3 or M4A)

To extract the audio from a YouTube video with PullVid you do not upload any file: you paste the video's link, choose the audio-only option, and download it as MP3 or M4A. It works with regular videos, Shorts, music, and podcasts published on YouTube.

If you want to extract audio from another platform — TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, or X — the process is the same but with dedicated tools; check our general guide to extracting audio from a video.

MP3 or M4A: YouTube's particular case

YouTube internally stores each video's audio track as M4A (AAC codec), separate from the video. That means when you extract the audio as M4A, PullVid delivers that track essentially as-is, with no need to re-encode it, which translates into good quality with a file slightly lighter than an equivalent MP3. If you prefer MP3, PullVid generates that too: it is the most universal format, compatible with any player, car stereo, or speaker. We do not offer WAV, an uncompressed format that only makes sense for professional editing.

How to extract audio from YouTube step by step

1. Copy the YouTube video link: in the app, tap Share → Copy link; in the browser, copy the URL from the address bar.
2. Paste it into PullVid: go to pullvid.com and paste the link into the search field.
3. Choose MP3 or M4A: among the available formats, select the audio-only option in the format you prefer.
4. Select the quality: PullVid shows you the available bitrate options based on the original audio.
5. Download the file: press Download. The file saves automatically to your device.

Works with regular videos, Shorts, music, and podcasts

PullVid extracts audio from any type of public content on YouTube: regular videos, Shorts, music videos, concerts, and the many podcasts and interviews first published as video on this platform before reaching audio apps. The process is identical in every case: paste the link, choose MP3 or M4A, and download.

One exception: private videos, members-only videos, or videos that require signing in to YouTube are not accessible. PullVid can only extract audio from public content.

Extracting audio from YouTube vs converting the video to MP3

The end result — an audio file — is the same, but the focus changes. This page is specifically about YouTube and the choice between MP3 and M4A. If you want a broader view that also covers TikTok, Instagram, X, and Facebook, plus details on bitrate and quality, check our complete guide to converting video to MP3.

If the video is not from YouTube

• TikTok: with the TikTok to MP3 converter.
• Instagram: with the Instagram to MP3 converter.
• Facebook: with the Facebook to MP3 converter.
• X (Twitter): with the X to MP3 converter.
• Or check the general guide to extracting audio from a video, valid for any platform.