YouTube is an excellent platform for watching and sharing videos. However, there are times when you might want to download a video to watch offline or save it for future reference. The issue arises when the file size is too large, and it takes up a lot of space on your device. In this guide, we’ll walk you through various methods of download youtube Mp3 with reduced file size, as well as how to convert YouTube to MP3 format.

Table of Contents

1. Why Download YouTube Videos?
2. Is Downloading YouTube Videos Legal?
3. Understanding Video File Sizes
4. Best Ways to Download YouTube Videos with Reduced File Size
   • Method 1: Use Online YouTube Video Downloaders
   • Method 2: Video Downloading Software
   • Method 3: Mobile Apps for Downloading YouTube Videos
5. Compressing Downloaded Videos to Reduce File Size
6. How to Download YouTube Videos as MP3
   • Using Online YouTube to MP3 Converters
   • YouTube to MP3 Software
7. Tips for Choosing the Best YouTube Video and Audio Downloader
8. Conclusion

1. Why Download YouTube Videos?

Downloading YouTube videos allows you to watch your favorite content offline without the need for an internet connection. This is particularly useful when traveling or in areas with limited internet access. It also allows you to save videos for future use, especially if they contain valuable information or tutorials you’d like to reference again.

2. Is Downloading YouTube Videos Legal?

It’s essential to understand the legal implications of downloading YouTube videos. According to YouTube’s terms of service, downloading videos from the platform without permission from the uploader is against their policies, except in cases where YouTube offers a download option (like on YouTube Premium). Ensure that you have permission to download and use the videos if you are doing so.

3. Understanding Video File Sizes

Video file sizes can vary significantly based on factors like resolution, bitrate, frame rate, and the length of the video. Higher resolutions, like 1080p or 4K, will result in larger file sizes. Reducing the file size often involves choosing a lower resolution or compressing the video after downloading.

4. Best Ways to Download YouTube Videos with Reduced File Size

Method 1: Use Online YouTube Video Downloaders

Online downloaders are easy to use and don’t require any software installation. Here’s how you can use them:

1. Find the YouTube video you want to download.
2. Copy the video’s URL.
3. Paste the URL into an online YouTube downloader (e.g., Y2Mate, SaveFrom, ClipConverter).
4. Select the desired video resolution. Lower resolutions, such as 360p or 480p, will result in smaller file sizes.
5. Download the video.

Method 2: Video Downloading Software

Several software programs allow you to download YouTube videos and control the file size:

• 4K Video Downloader: This software enables you to download videos in various resolutions and formats. You can choose lower resolutions to reduce the file size.
• Freemake Video Downloader: With this program, you can select a lower resolution or convert the video format to a more compressed one, like MP4.

Steps:

1. Install the software on your computer.
2. Paste the URL of the YouTube video.
3. Choose the desired format and resolution.
4. Start the download.

Method 3: Mobile Apps for Downloading YouTube Videos

Several mobile apps allow you to download YouTube videos directly onto your phone. Keep in mind that these apps may not be available on official app stores due to policy restrictions, so you may need to download them from third-party sources.

• VidMate: Available for Android, VidMate allows you to download videos from multiple platforms, including YouTube. You can choose lower resolutions to save space.
• TubeMate: Another popular Android app for downloading YouTube videos. It also offers options for different resolutions.

5. Compressing Downloaded Videos to Reduce File Size

Even after downloading a video, you may find the file size too large. You can use video compression software to reduce the size without compromising quality too much.

• HandBrake: A free, open-source tool that lets you compress video files by adjusting the resolution, bitrate, and format.
• VLC Media Player: Besides playing videos, VLC can be used to convert and compress videos. Go to "Media > Convert/Save" to start the process.

Steps for Compressing Videos with HandBrake:

1. Open HandBrake and add the video file.
2. Choose a lower resolution, such as 720p or 480p.
3. Adjust the bitrate settings to control the quality.
4. Start the compression process.

6. How to Download YouTube Videos as MP3

Sometimes, you may only want to save the audio from a YouTube video, such as when downloading music or podcasts. Here’s how you can do it:

Using Online YouTube to MP3 Converters

There are several websites that let you convert YouTube videos to MP3 files. Some popular ones include YTMP3, MP3 Juice, and Y2Mate. These are simple to use:

1. Copy the YouTube video URL.
2. Paste it into the YouTube to MP3 converter.
3. Choose the MP3 format and download.

YouTube to MP3 Software

Using dedicated software can sometimes provide better quality and faster downloads:

• Any Video Converter: This software allows you to convert videos from multiple platforms to MP3.
• 4K YouTube to MP3: A lightweight program that quickly extracts audio from YouTube videos.

Steps:

1. Install the software on your device.
2. Paste the YouTube URL into the software.
3. Choose MP3 as the output format.
4. Download the file.

7. Tips for Choosing the Best YouTube Video and Audio Downloader

When selecting a downloader, consider the following:

• Ease of Use: Choose a tool that is user-friendly and doesn’t require a lot of technical know-how.
• Speed: Look for downloaders that offer fast downloads, especially if you’re downloading large files.
• Quality Control: Make sure the downloader allows you to choose between different resolutions and formats.
• Safety: Ensure the software or online service is reputable and doesn’t contain malware or intrusive ads.

8. Conclusion

Downloading YouTube videos with reduced file size is easy if you have the right tools. Whether you want to save videos for offline viewing or extract audio files, there are multiple methods to achieve your goal. Always be aware of YouTube’s terms of service and respect the rights of content creators. Choose the resolution and format that best suits your needs to save space on your device.