Top 3 Methods to Convert YouTube to AAC in 2024

YouTube is everyone's go-to platform to stream videos and even listen to music.

It provides high-quality content, which 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.

This is usually not possible through YouTube unless you sign up for a YouTube music premium subscription. Even then, depending on your geographical location, you may not have access to all the app's features.

There is no need to fret, though! We will discuss a few options for converting YouTube to AAC, the pros and cons of each option, and help you choose the best one for 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 launched as a successor to the MP3 format. It provides better sound quality than the MP3 format at the same bit rate. Many famous companies, such as YouTube and Apple, have adopted the AAC audio format as a default format. 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 an improved version of the MP3 format since it allows for much more flexibility in design. Some key differences between AAC and MP3 contribute to its better performance.

In terms of technical differences, AAC is compatible with more channels and sampling rates than MP3 format. Even when considering filters, AAC has much more efficient and simple filters than MP3.

Furthermore, although the MP3 format has been around for much longer, the AAC format is compatible with almost all the popular streaming companies and audio hardware. These include Apple's iTunes, as mentioned before, VLC media player, and JetAudio.

Overall, AAC offers much better audio quality in a smaller file size because the algorithm converts the file at the same bit rate as 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 enjoy listening to music or other audio files on YouTube but are 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. Furthermore, the audio quality will also be top-notch because of the AAC format. Regardless of your industry or profession, YouTube videos are a valuable resource for everyone, so we will assess 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 assess 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 should be wary of converting and downloading videos 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 will likely install malware onto your computer, steal personal information, or misuse your financial information. It's best to steer clear of these websites.

We will compare a few software programs you can download and install on your computer to convert YouTube to AAC.

Using SYC PRO to convert YouTube to AAC

Our top choice is the Softorino YouTube Converter (SYC), an all-in-one solution for downloading videos with subtitles, or even ripping YouTube videos, and converting them to AAC format. With a clean, user-friendly interface, SYC PRO offers seamless video and audio conversions straight to your device, making it an easy choice for offline listening.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how you can easily convert YouTube to AAC using Softorino YouTube Converter:

Step 1: Download & Install

Download the YouTube ripper from the Softorino website, available for Mac and Windows. After downloading, install it and request a free trial code to access all features for 24 hours.

Once the download is complete, place the downloaded DMG file in your Applications folder if you use a Mac. If you are a Windows user, you must download the EXE file and continue the installation process.

Once the installation stage has been completed, you can request a trial code to take advantage of the free trial. The free trial allows you to use all software functions 24 hours after activation.

You can convert any YouTube video to an AAC file during your free trial. Once the 24 hours of your free trial are complete, you must purchase a license. Softorino has created a universal license for its products. Now, by purchasing one license, you get access to all Softorino products.

Step 2: Select Format & Destination

You can either search directly within the app for the YouTube video or paste the URL from YouTube. This downloader allows you to download 1080p videos and lets you choose the AAC format and a destination, such as your computer or iPhone.

The software automatically detects the video through the copied URL, and then you can add it to your list of preferred videos in your download queue.

You can choose whatever option seems more convenient or even alternate according to your mood!

Step 3: Choose device & Convert

The Softorino YouTube Converter is very versatile and can do multiple things, like downloading a video, ripping the audio from it, and creating ringtones from the ripped audio! If you want to hear the music offline, you should select the Audio format and then select the AAC option.

Then, you just have to choose whether you want to save your AAC file to your computer or 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 enjoy saving 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 your iPhone library's default music player.

Pros of Softorino YouTube Converter

The SYC PRO supports both macOS and Windows and will, therefore, be compatible with all devices. It has a user-friendly interface, so you don't have to be an IT expert. 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 SoundCloud & Vimeo. The SYC PRO is safe and risk-free and won't infect your device with malware. There is no limit to how many files you can convert or download, and it doesn't require any recurring subscriptions. You can even rip long YouTube videos easily.

Use EaseUS Video Editor to convert YouTube to AAC

Like the SYC, the EaseUS Video Editor is a desktop app that can convert YouTube to AAC. However, it is 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 must download the EaseUS Video Editor. Once you have the file downloaded, 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 must download the video you wish to convert beforehand because EaseUS Video Editor does not have that functionality.

Step 3: Add to project and Export

Select the ones you want to convert From your imported videos 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 AAC format of the converted file.

Once you click "Export", the EaseUS Video Editor app will begin the conversion process.

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 allowing users to trim, split, merge, rotate, and reverse video files in Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7.

Cons of EaseUS Video Editor

The cons of the EaseUS Video Editor are significant when it comes to converting YouTube videos to AAC. The EaseUS Video Editor does not download the YouTube video for you, and it 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 has no separate version for macOS.

Use FLVTO to convert YouTube to AAC

Similar to the SYC, FLVTO is a desktop app that can convert YouTube to AAC. However, it is 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 must download FLVTO. Once the file has been downloaded, follow the instructions to install it.

Step 2: Paste URL of YouTube Video

Go to the YouTube website in your web browser. Find the video you wish to convert and copy its URL. Paste the URL into the input bar of the FLVTO YouTube Downloader app.

Step 3: Choose the 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.

Pros of FLVTO YouTube Downloader

The FLVTO YouTube Downloader also has an easy-to-use interface 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. The app doesn't have a search feature, so you have to search for the YouTube video you wish to convert on the YouTube website.

Then, you will copy the video's URL and paste it into the FLVTO YouTube Downloader, which is an added step. Furthermore, you have to bear an overload of ads while using the FLVTO YouTube Downloader. It also does not support downloads from a wider range of streaming websites.

Using online services

Many online tools come and go with time. Some live longer than others, but most likely, you won't be able to visit the same website year after year to make some conversions. If you need to convert files occasionally, they may still be a good option to rely on, but if you need to convert files constantly, it's naturally better to choose some local app.

Pros of using online websites

There are some pros to using online downloaders instead of downloading apps to convert YouTube videos to AAC format. However, the pros are few 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

However, there are many significant cons to using online websites to convert YouTube videos to AAC format. The most significant con is that it can be very unsafe. You need to be wary of websites attempting to download malware on your device or scamming you out of personal/financial information.

Furthermore, these websites usually display an overflow of ads, 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, many solutions are available to you when it comes to converting YouTube to AAC. You can use both online sites and desktop apps. Some options are free, and some are paid. Some are easier to use, while others are less user-friendly. With quite a few, you must also consider how risky they are to use.

Amongst the three desktop apps we evaluated, the Softorino YouTube Converter is our top pick! It is simply the best app for converting YouTube to AAC, 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!

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