10 minutes read
Now you do not need to download the entire video if you are only interested in extracting audio segments like songs, podcasts, and lectures from YouTube videos. For doing this, a smart option is available, which is known as an M4A converter. The superior-quality M4A but compact file size makes it perfect to use and save on mobile phones and computers. Particularly handy when listening to music, when you require offline access to learning videos, or if you wish to build up your audio collection without wasting bandwidth or storage.
This article describes how to convert YouTube to M4A with a PC and without a PC web web-based tools. It doesn’t matter if you like installed software or prefer using a web-based application; this article deals with it all.
Part 1: A Brief Overview of M4A
M4A stands for MPEG-4 Audio, which is a file format invented by Apple. It is used extensively for high-quality audio files and is widely found in iTunes and Apple Music downloads. The M4A is encoded with AAC (Advanced Audio Codec) or ALAC (Apple Lossless) to deliver higher quality sound compared to MP3 for the same bit rate, of course.
Advantages of M4A
The following is a basic comparison between M4A, MP3 and WAV:
| Feature | M4A | MP3 | WAV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audio Quality | High (up to 320 kbps) | Good (lossy, up to 320 kbps) | Excellent (lossless) |
| File Size | Small | Small | Very Large |
| Compatibility | Medium (best on Apple devices) | Very High | Medium |
| Free/Open Source | No | Yes | Yes |
| Use Cases | Music, podcasts | Music, general audio | Audio editing, mastering |
As such, M4A is most suitable for users who wish to bypass large file sizes such as WAV while they desire improved sound quality over MP3.
Part 2: [Win & Mac] Convert YouTube to M4A with High Quality
If you wish to adjust audio quality or convert several videos at one time, the desktop software is appropriate. The following are five helpful software that can efficiently convert YouTube to M4A and high quality on both Windows and macOS.
1. FliFlik UltConv
FliFlik UltConv is a free downloadable YouTube to M4A converter for Windows and Mac. Supports more than 10,000 sites and extracts audio in M4A, MP3, WAV, OGG, etc. You can download an individual video, playlist, channel and album by a single click. Audio output is supported up to 320 kbps. It also de-DRMs Apple Music and Spotify. It is suitable for high-quality and mass audio downloads.
- Download videos, music, playlists and channels from streaming websites.
- Save audio in formats like MP3, M4A, WAV, OGG, etc.
- Convert video to audio without loss of quality (up to 320 kbps).
- You are able to download multiple songs and videos at the same time.
- Remove Apple Music and Spotify DRM.
- Not only supports YouTube, you can also download videos from Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, Vimeo, and many other popular platforms.
▼ Follow these quick and easy steps to download videos using FliFlik UltConv
2. Any Video Converter
Any Video Converter is a well-known desktop software that converts YouTube to M4A, MP3, FLAC, WAV, and more. Supports video download as well as conversion. Extract audio from YouTube video in high quality and save it in your desired format. Trimming and batch conversion are also supported along with basic video editing.
▼ Here are the steps to follow for YouTube to M4A conversion
- Step 1: Launch Any Video Converter and open the Video Download tool. Paste the YouTube video URL, and the software will begin analysing it.
- Step 2: Choose your desired output quality, such as Best Quality, Balanced, or Custom, and then set M4A as the output format.
- Step 3: Click the Download Now button to start converting and saving the YouTube video as an M4A file.
3. VLC Media Player
You can use VLC Media Player as a YouTube to M4A converter, in addition to being a video player. The process is manual but does work on Windows, Mac and Linux entirely for free. You can stream YouTube videos and rip them to M4A format locally with VLC. It comes in handy if you already have VLC installed and would like a straightforward solution without extra software.
▼ Follow these simple steps to use VLC media player
- Step 1: Open VLC and choose Media > Convert/Save.
- Step 2: Click on the Network tab and paste the YouTube video.
- Step 3: Click on Convert/Save and choose Audio – MPEG 4 Audio (AAC) as your profile.
- Step 4: Choose the destination and file name (with .m4a).
- Step 5: Click on Start to begin the conversion.
4. Geekersoft Video Downloader
Geekersoft Video Downloader is a desktop tool which can simply convert YouTube video to M4A format. It is compatible with different websites and formats. Easy interface makes it easy to use even for novices. Other formats like MP3, M4A, and WAV can be downloaded. It is a simple tool for one who needs a simple, straightforward download and conversion without extra features.
▼ Here are the quick steps to use Geekersoft Video Downloader
- Step 1: Open the Geekersoft Video Downloader on your computer.
- Step 2: Copy the YouTube video URL you want to convert.
- Step 3: Paste the link into the input box and click the Start button.
- Step 4: Select M4A as the output format and click Download to save the file.
5. TunePat YouTube Music Converter
TunePat specializes in converting YouTube Music to M4A, MP3, FLAC, AAC, WAV, and more. You can log into your YouTube Music account within the app and directly convert tracks from the platform. Download individual tracks and playlists to 320 kbps. It is helpful if you frequently need to use YouTube Music and want to backup your favorite tracks offline in M4A format.
▼ Here are the quick steps to use TunePat YouTube Music Converter
- Step 1: Launch TunePat YouTube Music Converter. On the home screen, click the ‘Sign In’ button at the top right. Log in with your YouTube account to access the YouTube Music library.
- Step 2: After logging in, click the ‘Settings’ icon. Choose the output format (M4A, MP3, FLAC, etc.), bit rate, sample rate, output folder, and file naming rules. You can also enable ‘Save lyrics’ to download lyrics as a TXT file.
- Step 3: Go to the YouTube Music web player built into TunePat. Open a song, playlist, or album. Click the ‘Click to add’ button in the bottom-right corner to detect and list songs. Select the tracks you want and hit “Add”.
- Step 4: Once the songs are added to the main interface, you can optionally turn on ‘Also download the music videos’ to grab the MP4 version. Click ‘Convert’ to begin, or “Add More” to continue adding songs from the web player.
- Step 5: After conversion, click the ‘History’ icon to view downloaded songs. From here, you can transfer them to iTunes, burn to CD, or edit ID3 tags directly within the tool.
Part 3: [Online] Convert YouTube to M4A for Free
To convert YouTube to M4A without software installation, you can make use of online websites. Here, you can download audio in the form of M4A by copying and pasting the URL of the video. It is free, simple and browser-friendly.
1. TubeRipper
TubeRipper is an online way to convert YouTube to M4A. You are not required to register or install, simply copy and paste the video URL and choose M4A as the output format. It is suitable for short clips and supports good sound quality. But it does not have batch download and advance settings. If you need a fast, convenient solution to rip audio in M4A format, TubeRipper is a good point to start.
▼ Here are the quick steps to use TubeRipper
- Step 1: Visit TubeRipper and paste and copy the link of the YouTube video into the text box.
- Step 2: Choose M4A as the output format.
- Step 3: Click on the “Convert” button.
- Step 4: Upon processing, click on “Download” to download the M4A file on your device.
2. AnyUkit
AnyUkit is yet another easy online YouTube to M4A converter. It is a browser-based tool that does not require a software download. Convert YouTube videos to M4A, MP3, etc. The UI is simple and easy to navigate for beginners. While it does not support downloading playlists, it is a good option when converting a single video to an audio format with high quality.
▼ Here are the quick steps to use AnyUkit
- Step 1: Go to AnyUkit and enter the link of the copied YouTube video in the input field.
- Step 2: Choose the M4A as the output format.
- Step 3: Press “Convert Now” to proceed.
- Step 4: Once complete, M4A press “Download” to download the audio.
3. YouTube to M4A Converter
YouTube to M4A Converter is a straightforward online tool built specifically to convert YouTube videos directly into M4A audio files. It removes the need to download and re-upload files manually. Instead, you can simply paste the YouTube video link, select the format, and download the audio in just a few clicks. It’s a solid choice for users who want a quick, no-fuss way to extract high-quality audio from YouTube.
▼ Here are the quick steps to use YouTube to M4A Converter
- Step 1: Visit YouTube to M4A Converter.
- Step 2: Paste the YouTube video link into the provided field.
- Step 3: Choose M4A as your output format.
- Step 4: Click the Convert button.
- Step 5: Once the conversion is complete, click Download to save the audio file.
This tool works directly with YouTube URLs and saves you time if your goal is simply to get M4A audio quickly without extra steps.
4. AM4A
AM4A is a specialised website to convert video to M4A. The users can easily paste the URL of YouTube in order to receive audio in M4A format without being asked to log in. The website specializes in audio output with clarity and quick conversion. It has no editing features, but can be helpful as a utility program to convert YouTube audio streams into lightweight formats.
▼ Here are the quick steps to use AM4A
- Step 1: Visit AM4A. Enter the YouTube video URL into the box.
- Step 2: Choose M4A as the output format.
- Step 3: Click the Convert button.
- Step 4: Once the file is ready, click “Download” to save it.
5. Motionbox
Motionbox is a web-based, free utility to download YouTube videos to the M4A format. Easy interface makes it simple, and just copy and paste the video URL to finish the job. This is a good choice if you don’t require more settings and simply need to obtain M4A audio from YouTube.
▼ Here are the quick steps to use Motionbox
- Step 1: Go to Motionbox. Paste the URL of the YouTube video into the input field.
- Step 2: Choose the output format as M4A.
- Step 3: Click on “Convert”.
- Step 4: After the process is done, download the M4A file.
Conclusion
Numerous great alternatives exist when converting YouTube to M4A with desktop software or a no-cost online converter. The M4A maintains a small file size and high sound quality, making it suitable for smartphones and laptops with small storage space.
Although software such as FliFlik UltConv and Any Video Converter offers more control and high output. Choose the tool that best suits your needs PC tool for high sound quality and batch download, online site is perfect for quick and easy access.
Secure Download
Secure Download
FAQs about converting YouTube to M4A
1. Is MP3 better than M4A?
Not necessarily. This is because M4A often have better sound quality than MP3, even at the same file size, and uses more modern codecs. However, MP3 is widely supported on all devices.
2. Can I convert YouTube Music to M4A for free?
Yes, you can freely convert YouTube Music songs to M4A using tools such as TunePat YouTube Music Converter. Free online converters also exist, but there are limitations.
3. How to convert YouTube videos to MP3 with high quality?
Using tools such as FliFlik UltConv, you can convert video to MP3 with 320 kbps. Copy and paste the YouTube link, choose Format MP3, then proceed to download.
Hello, I research and introduce useful solutions for AI videos, images, and audio tips in our daily life. If you learn these things, you can easily deal with the problems of the new era.
