How to Record YouTube Audio with Audacity [2024 Full Guide]

Windows, Mac, and Linux users can undoubtedly record YouTube audio following the right procedure. But is Audacity really worth using? Keep reading this guide, which includes a tutorial for capturing YouTube audio to MP3 with Audacity and an Audacity alternative!

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Jane Zhou

Updated on May 24, 2024

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Have you found the background music of a YouTube video appealing but can't find it anywhere on the Internet? You can record this music piece and add it to your playlist. However, finding an efficient tool for this task can be tricky. Although people use Audacity to record and edit audio tracks, can you record YouTube audio with Audacity?

This article will provide the answer to this question. What is the right procedure to record YouTube to MP3 with Audacity, if possible? Plus, does any better alternative to Audacity?

Can Audacity Record YouTube Audio?

Of course, yes. You can record YouTube audio to MP3 with Audacity on Windows and Mac. However, Audacity records computer audio; it does not directly capture the audio from YouTube. Hence, you need to configure the audio settings on Windows, Mac, or Linux to perform this task.

It is pertinent to mention that you must comply with YouTube's Terms of Service & copyright laws while recording and using the YouTube audio file.

Spread out this helpful guide now!

 

Detailed Steps to Record YouTube Audio with Audacity

Audacity is an excellent, open-source audio recorder that supports audio recording from multiple sources for free. It also offers various plugins and effects that help you maintain high and smooth sound quality. With its feature of recording audio from the desktop, you can easily record YouTube to MP3, OGG, or WAV. You can also access its advanced toolkit to merge your audio tracks, trim, remove background noise, adjust sampling rate, or any other editing task.

Now, let's follow the detailed tutorial to record YouTube audio with Audacity:

Step 1. After downloading the updated version of this software from the official Audacity website, complete the installation. Now, open YouTube and find the required video to capture its sound.

Step 2. Launch Audacity and expand the "Audio Host" drop-down menu. Click "Host" and choose "Windows WASAPI" instead of MME.

Record YouTube Audio with Audacity - step 2

Step 3. Next, click "Edit"> "Preferences" to switch to the "Devices" section. Opt for the "Stereo Mix" tab from different "Recording Device" options.

Record youtube music with audacity - step 2

Can you see the Stereo Mix option? If not, you need to enable this.

  • After opening the "Control Panel," click "Hardware and Sound." Tap "Sound"> "Recording."
  • By right-clicking the blank space, press the "Show Disabled Devices" option.
  • Once the Stereo Mix device displays, right-click on it to press "Enable."
  • Hit "OK" to apply the new sound settings and relaunch Audacity.

Record youtube audio using audacity - step 3

Notice:
Even after enabling Stereo Mix, not getting this option means your computer has an integrated sound card. Hence, you can’t record the audio from YouTube with Audacity. In this scenario, look for an Audacity alternative.

Step 4. To play the YouTube video, hit the "Record" icon from Audacity. Tap the "Stop" icon when the desired audio track is recorded. Lastly, click "File" from the top menu, choose "Export," and "Export as MP3" or another format.

record youtube music with audacity - step 4

Here is a video tutorial about recording YouTube music with Audacity:

  • 0:00 Intro
  • 0:15 Starting Audacity
  • 0:56 Recording audio
  • 1:53 Recording rights
  • 2:05 USB microphone
  • 2:50 Editing
 

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Record Audio from YouTube with Audacity Alternative - EaseUS RecExperts

Are you considering the best Audacity alternatives to record YouTube audio? If so, EaseUS RecExperts is the leading solution. This YouTube recorder is compatible with Windows and Mac computers and has gained attention since its launch. Since it helps you capture the microphone and system audio, recording from YouTube in high quality is not a hassle. Likewise, you can record live YouTube streams.

Moreover, this software does not put any time limit for recording the desired audio tracks. Hence, it proves to be the best for recording long-time YouTube audio. You can also pick the desired format from multiple options, i.e., MP3, FLAC, WMA, AAC, WAV, OGG, etc. It even assists you in editing the output as you like.

Step 1. Launch this software, choose the "Audio" icon from the left side of the interface, and enable the System sound option beside the REC button.

Choose Audio button

Step 2. Play the YouTube video that you want to capture the audio track in your browser. When you are ready, click REC to start your recording.

Start YouTube audio recording

Step 3. To finish it, you just click on the red square icon to stop the recording.

Stop YouTube audio recording

Also, share this post with others looking for an Audacity alternative to record YouTube audio!

 

Audacity vs. EaseUS RecExperts: Which One is Better?

This comparison chart presents a quick overview of the EaseUS RecExperts and Audacity. Let's consider these prominent features and make a wise decision:

Parameters EaseUS RecExperts Audacity
Interface Super Easy Complex for beginners
Effectiveness High Medium
Processing Same on All Platforms Differs on Windows & Mac
Recording Quality High High
Output Formats Multi-Format Support Support Only 3 Formats
AI-Powered Tools One-Click Action Tools Manual Processing

Keeping this in view, EaseUS RecExperts takes the lead in almost all parameters. However, Audacity serves as an efficient tool for audio editing and production. So, download EaseUS RecExperts now and explore its features!

Record YouTube Audio with Audacity FAQs

1. What program can record YouTube audio?

EaseUS RecExperts is the most professional recording software for capturing high-quality YouTube audio without a time limit and exporting the recordings in the desired format.

2. Can you record audio directly to Audacity?

Yes, you can effortlessly record the audio directly to Audacity by pressing the Record button to start and the Stop button to finish. It also lets you trim and edit the recorded files.

3. Is it legal to record YouTube audio?

This depends on the purpose of recording and using the YouTube audio. YouTube's TOS does not allow the recording and distribution of copyrighted content from the platform without consent, which can result in severe legal action.

4. Is Audacity good for recording audio?

Yes, Audacity is widely used for recording and producing audio tracks because it is completely free. However, beginners may struggle to work with playback devices, different audio sources, and interfaces.

EaseUS RecExperts

One-click to capture anything on screen!

No Time Limit, No watermark

Start Recording

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