Here are some important issues to keep in mind. We hope they clarify some things for you.
YouTube is Totally legal to use.
You can’t commit piracy or violate a copyright by streaming anything on YouTube. It’s very safe.
However, is it legal to convert YouTube music videos into mp3 for future views? That remains a unanswered question. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
YouTube isn’t suing for converting videos.
YouTube says ‘stream-ripping’ is a violation of their Terms of Service. But they haven’t sued anyone for this.
Several years ago, Google and YouTube threatened to shut down the largest youtube to mp3 converter, YouTube-mp3.org then Google threatened to ban them but the site still up and running and top of all searches.
So it looks like Youtube and Google really do not care, even though converting videos into mp3s and mp4s violates their Terms. So as an individual user, you really don’t need to worry about a lawsuit from YouTube.
Not legal to convert copyrighted music videos.
The safe bet is to avoid downloading copyrighted commercial works, converting mp3s, or using commercial video mp3s to enjoy YouTube. Stick with videos for personal usage.
It is legal to convert non-copyrighted videos.
German copyright owners sued YouTube-mp3.org over this. YouTube MP3 lost the case, however, were allowed to continue operating their service. A German court determined that merely shifting formats is not illegal, and ordered YouTube-mp3.org to just cease storing tracks on its servers.
So what can you download using YouTube to mp3 converters? You can convert ‘royalty free’ or ‘copyright free’ work like this one below:
Why isn’t it illegal to stream music for free on YouTube?
Because copyright owners have permitted it. YouTube also enjoys protection from a US-based law called the DMCA. What does the DMCA state? Under the law, YouTube must remove unauthorized videos. But only the lawful copyright owner has issued an alert.
YouTube cannot be sued without first receiving a warning, and given the chance to respond.
But, for the average user, none of this matters. Nobody is going to sue you for using YouTube.
How do I take audio from a YouTube video?
The process for downloading free songs from YouTube is simple.
(a) Pick an online Free YouTube to MP3 service like DVDVideoSoft.
(b) Cut n’ paste the url of the YouTube video that you want to convert.
(c) Hit ‘convert’ and wait for your download.
That’s how you download just the audio from a YouTube video. Of-course, you can download music from YouTube, or any audio you want. Just make sure to follow copyright rules.
Will YouTube to Mp3 converters become illegal?
Maybe it will become totally legal, or completely illegal. But right now, it’s best to just follow the rules, and stay safe.
