Do you want a YouTube video that you have to convert to M4A format? The reason is simple, M4A videos tend to be smaller in size than MP3 files, making them the perfect solution when you do not have too much space on your device, and you need to download a lot of audio files.
In this article, we will share with you some easy methods about how to download YouTube videos to M4A format with desktop and online tools.

What is the M4A format?
The M4A format is the successor of the MP3 format. Apple developed this format. In more detail, the MPEG-4 audio file format is an audio format that encodes its content with AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) codec or ALAC (Apple Lossless Audio Codec). The former is for compressed audio and the latter for raw audio data. This is also known as M4A due to its file extension.
If you are questioning if M4A and MP4 are the same, they technically are not. Although both are MPEG-4, MP4 content is multimedia, whereas the M4A files are audio files only.
So, do not believe this format is unknown or something like that. Actually, M4A is very popular. iTunes uses it, and you can play it almost on any new device you can imagine.
M4A vs. MP3. What format is better?
Since its beginning, the MP3 audio format has been the favored format for music diffusion and other completely auditory entertainment such as audiobooks. The MP3 reign happened thanks to its compression technology, which enabled to share of audio files of adequate quality in really small sizes compared to raw and uncompressed files. Although MP3 is still acceptable to today’s standards, technology progress in general, and better things appear. This is the case with the M4A format.
M4A pros in contrast to MP3
- An M4A file has better sound quality than MP3 files at the same bitrate.
- This format enables encryption (this makes the file adopt the M4P file extension).
- At a smaller size, M4A files have better quality than MP3 files. For example, at 128 kbps, M4A produces better sound than 192 kbps MP3.
- M4A files allow the use of lossless compression.
As you can see, M4A is the best format option for converting YouTube videos to audio files. It usually uses compressed audio, which means you will save storage space. And you will get better audio quality at a smaller size than MP3.
How to convert videos from YouTube to M4A
The most comfortable and safest method to convert a YouTube clip to M4A is to use a simple downloader. For example, there are many Video Downloader for YouTube available. Using one of these tools is as simple as saving favourite songs.
How to download YouTube to M4A
And that’s it. The converter will download the file on your computer in the format you need.
Pros
- It’s simple to utilize
- Limitless
- Supports several video types (including those from Facebook and Vimeo, etc.)
- Regular updates and support
- It also supports various types of files, so you may even use it to download videos as mp3 and enjoy songs on your iPad or other devices.
Best YouTube M4A Converter Online
If you are 100% certain that you do not need such a tool on an everyday basis, use an online mechanism then—for instance, a KeepVid mechanism. You do not need to download it, just open a link and use it. If you change your mind, you could also use the desktop version.
The simple instruction to use it online:
- Find your favourite clip and copy the link.
- It shows that the clip is automatically downloaded as MP4.
- Click on the “Other formats” link and hit the needed one.
- In the “Audio only” section on the right side of the screen, you will find the required format.
- Begin downloading!
As you can see, this option is even easier. It’s a helpful service and it also supports several formats.
Pros
- Simple design, easy navigation
- It supports tons of formats
- It can be used for other services, not just YouTube
- Works quickly and effectively, without any issues or lags
Cons
- You may have to view some ads
- No M4A 320kbps quality is available
There are no problems when it comes to saving clips in the needed format. With modern tools, you may even save clips without sound (only the motion pictures), or get only sound, etc. As you can see, it’s easy and enjoyable, with no hustle and bustle!
How to Convert Youtube to M4A for iPhone?
To convert YouTube to M4A, download and install “Video to MP3 Converter & Convert videos to audio” in the AppStore.
Then use similarly as the mentioned examples in the article:
- Copy/paste link to the clip.
- Choose to save audio as m4a.
- Wait for the download.
- Save the audio!
How to Convert Youtube to M4A for Android
In a similar method, download “Video converter to MP3” from Play Market, then do this:
- Install the app.
- Open it and insert the copied link.
- Choose to save audio as m4a.
- Wait until the app processes the clip, then download it.
Where are the downloaded files saved?
This depends on the configuration of your device. When downloading something, your device can ask you in which folder you want to save it. But the common thing is that the videos are saved automatically in the Downloads folder. Once the download is over, you’ll find the M4A file there.
Is it safe to convert YouTube videos to M4A?
It’s completely safe to convert videos from YouTube to M4A.
We can’t say a similar thing about other online converters. Sadly, some converters are real threats. They are a phishing nest where the only thing you will download is not a video but offensive malware.
But the above methods are safe.
Is it allowed to download YouTube to M4A?
It is worth noting that YouTube’s terms of service explicitly prohibit downloading videos from YouTube in whatever format without authorization from the copyright holder. You should, therefore, get approval from the video’s creator before downloading it. Most of them will post their contact information in the video’s description.
How to Convert Local Video Files in M4A
If you have a video on your computer that you would like to convert to MP3, you could also use the easily available app to convert the video to the desired format. Here’s how to use iTubeGo to convert the Video to M4A.
We believe through this guide you can quickly discover how to convert the YouTube to M4A file audio format. The methods which we discussed right here with you are pretty easy and straightforward. Accurately follow the complete guide and make your conversion successful.
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