The simplest way to download music from YouTube
You can download music from YouTube on your phone using a third-party app, because YouTube itself does not offer a built-in download feature for mobile devices. The most straightforward method is to use an app like SnapTube, TubeMate, or NewPipe — each works differently depending on whether you have an Android or iPhone, and each has its own limits on what you can download.
Before you start, understand that downloading copyrighted music from YouTube may violate the platform's terms of service and copyright law in your country. YouTube's own terms prohibit downloading videos or audio without permission, even for personal use. If the music is copyrighted, you do not have the legal right to keep a copy on your phone unless the creator has explicitly allowed it or you own the rights yourself.
The safest option is to download only music that the creator has marked as free to use, or to use a legal music streaming service like Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube Music Premium instead. YouTube Music Premium, for example, lets you download songs directly within the app for offline listening.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube does not have a built-in download feature on mobile phones, so you need a third-party app to save music files.
- Apps like SnapTube and TubeMate work on Android, while iPhone users have fewer options and may need to use a computer instead.
- Downloading copyrighted music from YouTube without permission violates both YouTube's terms and copyright law in most countries.
- YouTube Music Premium is a legal alternative that lets you download songs directly to your phone for offline listening.
- Downloaded files are usually saved as MP3 or MP4 files in your phone's storage or a dedicated folder within the app.
How to download on Android using SnapTube
SnapTube is one of the most widely used apps for downloading YouTube audio on Android phones. To use it, first download SnapTube from its official website (snaptubeapp.com) — it is not available on the Google Play Store, so you will need to allow your phone to install apps from unknown sources.
Open your phone's Settings, go to Security or Apps, and turn on "Unknown Sources" or "Install from Unknown Sources" depending on your Android version. This setting lets you install apps outside the Play Store. Once enabled, download the SnapTube APK file from the official website and open it to install the app.
After installation, open SnapTube and search for the YouTube video or song you want to download. When you find it, tap the download icon (usually a downward arrow). SnapTube will show you format options — choose MP3 for audio only, or MP4 if you want the video. Select your preferred quality and tap Download. The file will save to your phone's Downloads folder or to a SnapTube folder, depending on your settings.
How to download on Android using TubeMate
TubeMate is another popular Android option that works similarly to SnapTube. Download it from tubemate.net, enable Unknown Sources in your phone's Settings, and install the APK file. Open TubeMate and search for your song.
When you find the video, tap the download button (a downward arrow with three dots). TubeMate will show you resolution and format choices. Select MP3 for audio or MP4 for video, choose your quality, and tap Download. Files save to your Downloads folder by default, though you can change this in TubeMate's settings.
One difference between TubeMate and SnapTube is that TubeMate sometimes requires you to watch a short ad before the download starts. Both apps work reliably, so your choice comes down to personal preference.
How to download on iPhone
iPhone does not have reliable third-party apps for downloading YouTube audio, because Apple's App Store policies are stricter than Google Play. Your best options are to use a computer to download the file and then transfer it to your iPhone, or to use YouTube Music Premium.
If you want to download on your computer instead, use a website like y2mate.com or savefrom.net. Open the site, paste your YouTube video link into the search box, choose MP3 format, and download. Then connect your iPhone to your computer and use iTunes or Finder to transfer the MP3 file to your phone's music library.
The easier route for most iPhone users is YouTube Music Premium. Open the YouTube Music app, find the song you want, tap the three dots next to it, and select "Download". The song will save to your phone for offline listening as long as your Premium subscription is active.
Where your downloaded files go and how to find them
On Android, files downloaded through SnapTube or TubeMate usually land in your phone's Downloads folder. Open your file manager app (often called Files, My Files, or File Manager depending on your phone brand), tap Downloads, and you will see your MP3 or MP4 files listed there.
Some phones let you move these files to a Music folder so they appear in your music player app. Open your file manager, find the downloaded file, press and hold it, and select Move or Cut. Navigate to your Music folder and paste it there. Your music player should then recognize the file and add it to your library.
On iPhone with YouTube Music Premium, downloaded songs are stored within the YouTube Music app itself — you do not see them as separate files. Open YouTube Music, tap the Library tab, and select Downloads to see all your offline songs.
What to do if the download fails or the app stops working
If SnapTube or TubeMate stops downloading videos, the most common cause is that YouTube has blocked the app's access. When this happens, the app developers usually release an update to fix it. Open your app, check for an update in its settings menu, and install any available version.
If updating does not work, try uninstalling and reinstalling the app. Go to your phone's Settings, find the app in your Apps list, tap Uninstall, then download and install it again from the official website.
Another reason downloads fail is insufficient storage space on your phone. Check how much free space you have by opening Settings and looking at Storage. If you have less than 500 MB free, delete some old files or photos to make room. Large video files can take up several hundred megabytes each.
If a specific video will not download, the video owner may have blocked downloads or restricted the video to certain regions. Try a different video to confirm the app itself is working. If other videos download fine, that particular video simply cannot be downloaded through that app.
Legal music download alternatives
If you want to avoid the legal risks of downloading copyrighted music without permission, several services let you download music legally. Spotify Premium and Apple Music both let you download songs for offline listening on your phone. Amazon Music Unlimited offers the same feature. These services require a paid subscription, but they ensure the artist and rights holder are paid.
For free music, YouTube Music Premium is the most direct option if you already use YouTube. Bandcamp lets independent artists sell downloads directly, and many artists set their music to free or pay-what-you-want. Free Music Archive and ccMixter host music that creators have released under Creative Commons licenses, meaning you can download and use it legally as long as you credit the artist.
If you only want to listen to music without keeping a permanent copy, streaming services like Spotify Free, YouTube Music, or Apple Music let you listen to almost any song without downloading anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to download music from YouTube?
Downloading copyrighted music from YouTube without permission violates both YouTube's terms of service and copyright law in most countries. The only legal downloads are music the creator has explicitly released for free use, or music you own the rights to. If you are unsure whether a song is copyrighted, assume it is.
Will downloading music from YouTube damage my phone?
Downloading from reputable apps like SnapTube or TubeMate is generally safe, but third-party apps carry more risk than official services. The apps themselves are not malware, but downloading from unknown sources does require you to trust the app developer. Stick to official websites like snaptubeapp.com or tubemate.net, not random download sites.
Can I download YouTube music to my computer instead?
Yes. Use a website like y2mate.com or savefrom.net, paste your YouTube link, select MP3 format, and download. Then transfer the file to your phone using a USB cable and your computer's file manager, or use cloud storage like Google Drive or Dropbox to move the file between devices.
What is the difference between MP3 and MP4 format?
MP3 is audio only and takes up less storage space — use this if you only want to listen to the music. MP4 includes both video and audio and takes up much more space — use this only if you want to keep the video as well.
Why does my downloaded music not show up in my music player app?
Your music player may not recognize files in the Downloads folder. Move the MP3 file to your phone's Music folder instead. Open your file manager, find the file in Downloads, cut it, navigate to Music, and paste it there. Your music player should then find it.