YouTube is everyone's go-to platform to stream videos and even listen to music.
It provides high-quality content and that is why it has been a favorite for decades. For a lot of users who enjoy listening to music on YouTube, they often wish to listen to their favorite tracks offline too.
Usually, this is not possible through YouTube unless you sign-up for a YouTube music premium subscription. Even then, you may not have access to all the features of the app depending on your geographical location.
There is no need to fret though! We will take you through a few options which will help you convert YouTube to AAC! We will also run you through the pros and cons of each option and help you choose the best ones suited to your needs! You don't have to be an IT expert to convert YouTube videos to MP3 or AAC. That being said, let's go over the basics first!
What is AAC?
AAC or Advanced Audio Coding is a type of audio coding standard that was launched as a successor to the MP3 format. It provides a better sound quality compared to the MP3 format at the same bit rate. The AAC audio format has been adopted as a default format by many famous companies such as YouTube and Apple. Almost all Apple products including the iPhone, iPod, and iTunes use AAC audio by default.
The difference between AAC and MP3
The AAC format is considered to be an improved version of the MP3 format since it allows for much more flexibility when it comes to design. There are some key differences between the AAC and MP3 which contribute to the better performance of AAC.
In terms of technical differences, AAC is compatible with more channels and sampling rates compared to the MP3 format. Even when you consider filters, AAC has much more efficient and simple filters than the MP3.
Furthermore, even though the MP3 format has been around for much longer, the AAC format is compatible with almost all the popular streaming companies and also audio hardware. These include Apple's iTunes as mentioned before, VLC media player, and JetAudio.
Overall, with AAC you get much better audio quality in smaller file size because of the algorithm that converts the file at the same bit rate as that of an MP3 file.
Why convert YouTube to AAC?
Now that we have established that AAC is a superior format compared to MP3, the question is why should you convert a YouTube video to AAC in the first place? Well, if you are someone who enjoys listening to music or other audio files on YouTube but is always inconvenienced when you don't have internet connectivity, this is the right option for you!
Even if you are connected to YouTube but wish just to listen to the audio, this will be a lifesaver for you!
You can have your favorite tracks available to play and enjoy whether you are connected to the internet or not. Furthermore, the quality of the audio will also be top-notch because of the AAC format. Regardless of what industry or profession you belong to, YouTube videos are a valuable resource for everyone which is why we will be assessing the best way to convert them!
How to convert from YouTube to AAC?
There are many solutions available when it comes to a YouTube to AAC converter, however, we must access which one provides the best service. You can choose between converting on websites online or through downloaded applications. Both options have their pros and cons.
You most likely want to be wary of converting and downloading via online websites even though they may sound like the quickest and most convenient solution. These websites allow you to convert videos for free but are also most likely to install malware onto your computer, steal personal information, or misuse your financial information. It's best to steer clear of these websites.
We will be comparing a few software that you can download and install on your computer to be able to use to convert YouTube to AAC.
Softorino YouTube Converter
The Softorino YouTube Converter is a cult favorite to convert YouTube videos into many different formats. It is compatible with so many devices and very easy to use.
EaseUS Video Editor
The EaseUS Video Editor is an option for Windows users who want to convert YouTube videos. This application has a few shortcomings that we will elaborate upon.
FLVTO
Finally, we have FLVTO which also helps convert YouTube to AAC. However, this one is our least favorite option out of the three. Keep on reading to find out why!
Using SYC to convert YouTube to AAC
The Softorino YouTube Converter is in our opinion the best option when it comes to converting YouTube to AAC. It has many pros and barely any cons. It is also very easy to use and has a very attractive and user-friendly interface!
Here's a step-by-step guide on how you can easily convert YouTube to AAC using Softorino YouTube Converter:
Step 1: Download and Install
You can download Softorino YouTube Converter from the Softorino website for Windows or Mac here. If you'd like to try it out before buying it, there is also a free trial available.
Once the download is complete, if you are using a Mac, place the downloaded DMG file in your Applications folder. If you are a Windows user, you will have to download the EXE file and continue to the installation process.
Once the installation stage has been completed, you can request a trial code if you wish to avail of the free trial. The free trial allows you to use all functions of the software for 24 hours after activation.
During your free trial, you can convert any YouTube video to an AAC file. Once the 24 hours of your free trial are complete, you will have to purchase a license. Softorino has realized a universal license for its products. Now by purchasing one license you get access to all Softorino products.
Step 2: Select the YouTube video
The Softorino YouTube Converter has the search function inbuilt into it. What that means is that you can search for the video you wish to convert and add it to your list of preferred videos to your download queue.
Another option available to you is taking the link from YouTube and pasting that into the Softorino YouTube Converter search box. The software automatically detects the video through the URL and then you can add it to your list of preferred videos to your download queue.
You can choose whatever option seems more convenient to you or even alternate according to your mood!
Step 3: Select Format and Convert
The Softorino YouTube Converter is very versatile and can do multiple things like downloading a video, rip the audio from it and also create ringtones from the ripped audio! If you want to just hear the music offline, you should select the Audio format and then select the AAC option.
Then you just have to choose whether you would like to save your AAC file to your computer or to your iPhone/iPod. If you want to save it to your computer, select your computer and then click the "Download to Computer" option. If you want to save the AAC file directly to your iPhone, select your iPhone and click the "Convert and Transfer to iPhone" option.
You can now sit back and relax while the Softorino YouTube Converter does all the work for you! The downloaded AAC file will appear in the default music player of your iPhone library.
Use EaseUS Video Editor to convert YouTube to AAC
Similar to the SYC, the EaseUS Video Editor is a desktop app that can be used to convert YouTube to AAC. It is however only supported by Windows and doesn't have a version for macOS.
Here's a step by step guide on how you can convert YouTube to AAC using EaseUS Video Editor:
Step 1: Download and Install
You have to download the EaseUS Video Editor. Once the file has been downloaded, just follow the instructions to install it.
Step 2: Import Video
Once the EaseUS Video Editor is downloaded, launch it, and import the downloaded YouTube video into the app. You will have to download the video you wish to convert beforehand because EaseUS Video Editor does not have that functionality.
Step 3: Add to project and Export
From your imported videos, select the ones you would like to convert and add them to a new project. Then click on "Export" to begin converting your selected video files. In this stage, you will also choose the format of the converted file to be AAC.
Once you click "Export", the EaseUS Video Editor app will begin the conversion process.
Use FLVTO to convert YouTube to AAC
Similar to the SYC, FLVTO is a desktop app that can be used to convert YouTube to AAC. It is however only supported by macOS and doesn't have a version for Windows.
Here's a step by step guide on how you can convert YouTube to AAC using FLVTO:
Step 1: Download and Install
You have to download FLVTO. Once the file has been downloaded, just follow the instructions to install it.
Step 2: Paste URL of YouTube Video
Go onto the YouTube website in your web browser. Find the video you wish to convert and copy the URL for it. Paste the URL into the input bar of the FLVTO YouTube Downloader app.
Step 3: Choose output format and download
Select what format you wish to download the YouTube video in, and then click "Download". The FLVTO YouTube Downloader will begin the process.
Which solution is the best to convert from YouTube to AAC?
When it comes to deciding which of these three apps is the best solution for you, you have to consider the pros and cons of each app. Based on the analysis of the pros and cons below for each app, we have concluded that our top pick is the Softorino YouTube Converter!
Let's look into the pros and cons of each app individually below:
Pros of Softorino YouTube Converter
The SYC supports both macOS and Windows and will therefore be compatible with all devices. It has a very user-friendly interface, so you don't have to be an IT expert to use it. You can search for any YouTube video you want to convert within the app and then download and convert it simultaneously. Furthermore, you can save the downloaded file directly onto your iPhone or iPad via WiFi.
It also supports downloads from many different websites and on many different websites. The SYC is also safe and risk-free and won't infect your device with any malware. There is no limit to how many files you can convert or download. It also doesn't require any recurring subscriptions.
Cons of Softorino YouTube Converter
No cons come to mind when we compare the SYC with the other options discussed.
Pros of EaseUS Video Editor
The EaseUS Video Editor is a great alternative for people looking to edit videos offline on the Windows OS. It is an easy to use editing app, with a range of fun and free visual and audio effects. It includes editing tools that allow the user to trim, split, merge, rotate and reverse video files in Windows 10, 8, and 7.
Cons of EaseUS Video Editor
The cons of the EaseUS Video Editor are significant when it comes to the function of converting YouTube videos to AAC. The EaseUS Video Editor does not download the YouTube video for you. It also does not have a URL input feature where you can add a link for the YouTube video you wish to download.
You have to download the YouTube video using a different website or app and then import it into the EaseUS Video Editor to convert it into an AAC format. Furthermore, the EaseUS Video Editor can only be used on Windows and doesn't have a separate version for macOS.
Pros of FLVTO YouTube Downloader
The FLVTO YouTube Downloader has an easy to use interface as well and therefore is user friendly. It allows you to extract audio from a video file and download it in your preferred format.
Cons of FLVTO YouTube Downloader
The cons of the FLVTO YouTube Downloader are significant when it comes to the function of converting YouTube videos to AAC. It doesn't have a search feature within the app, so you have to search for the YouTube video you wish to convert on the YouTube website.
Then you will copy the URL for the video and paste it into the FLVTO YouTube Downloader which is an added step. Furthermore, there is an overload of ads that you have to bear while using the FLVTO YouTube Downloader. It also does not support downloads from a wider range of streaming websites.
Pros of using online websites
There are some pros to using online downloaders instead of downloading apps to convert YouTube video to AAC format. However, the pros are few in number and seemingly insignificant. You don't have to go through the hassle of downloading an app when you use an online website and these websites are mostly free to use. You can download multiple files one at a time, and possibly even edit the file online.
Cons of using online websites
There are many significant cons to using online websites to convert YouTube videos to AAC format, however. The most significant con to using an online website is that it can be very unsafe. You need to be wary of websites attempting to download malware on your device, or being scammed out of personal/financial information.
Furthermore, these websites usually have an overflow of ads displayed which makes it difficult to use them. You also cannot convert multiple YouTube videos at a time or queue one download after another.
Conclusion
In conclusion, as mentioned before, there are many solutions available to you when it comes to converting YouTube to AAC. You have both online sites and desktop apps that you can use. Some options are free and some are paid. Some are easier to use, while others are less user friendly. With quite a few, you have to consider how risky they are to use as well.
Amongst the three desktop apps we evaluated, the Softorino YouTube Converter is our top pick! It is simply the best app to convert YouTube to AAC out there, so what are you waiting for? Download it ASAP and get access to your favorite YouTube videos in any format you would like offline now!