How To Record Audio From YouTube Using Audacity on Windows and Mac

Introduction

Are you considering using Audacity to record YouTube audio? Audacity is a versatile, open-source audio editing software that allows users to record and edit audio files with ease. One of its powerful functions is its ability to record audio from streaming platforms, such as YouTube, on your computer.

For those just getting started with Audacity, it might be hard to figure out its interface and overall functions at first. That’s why we'll walk you through the Audacity settings required to record audio from YouTube, regardless of the operating system you are using.

Going by your guts often leads to even worse results due to missed settings or configurations, but we’ll save you from that to happen!

Part 1. How to Record Audio from YouTube Using Audacity on Windows

If you want to use Audacity to record audio from YouTube, then you’ll need to download and install the software first according to the operating system you are using. Thankfully, Audacity is compatible with various operating systems, including Windows.

You can go to Audacity’s website and download the latest version. For Windows, there are 32 and 64-bit options. The version you choose should match your operating system specifications. Then, open the .exe file and follow the instructions to install it on your computer.

Once you have installed it on your computer, follow the next step on how to record from YouTube using Audacity:

Step 1: Open the YouTube video from which you wish to capture audio.

Prepare the YouTube video you intend to capture audio from in your browser. You can navigate to the specific segment you wish to capture, but refrain from hitting play yet.

Step 2: Adjust Audacity's settings to use Windows WASAPI as the host.

Open Audacity, go to the Audio Setup dropdown menu and switch the 'Host' from MME to Windows WASAPI. This setting will help clear recording.

Step 3. Set the recording device to your main output

Configure the recording device in Audacity to your main output device, such as speakers or headphones. Select your preferred device from the 'Recording Device' options in the Audio Setup menu.

Step 4. Play the YouTube video and start recording

Play the YouTube video and click the Record button in Audacity to start recording. As the video plays, you'll see a waveform indicating that Audacity is capturing the audio.

Step 5. Stop Recording Once Audio is Complete

Once you have finished capturing the audio, stop the recording by clicking the Stop button in Audacity. To check if you have successfully captured the audio, you can play back the recorded audio from the beginning.

Step 6. Edit the audio recording

Refine the recorded audio using Audacity's editing tools. You can make adjustments such as trimming, volume leveling, and noise removal, or apply effects like equalization or reverb.

Step 7. Save the audio in the preferred format

To save the audio recording, go to File > Export in Audacity, and select your desired file location and file format such as MP3 or WAV.

If you have some problems with following the instructions above, Audacity has also provided easy tutorials on YouTube about how to record using Audacity on a desktop.

Part 2. How to Record Audio from YouTube Using Audacity on Mac

Recording audio from YouTube using Audacity for Mac is not significantly different from using the Windows version. Once you download and install Audacity for Mac, open the software and start recording while playing the YouTube video.

However, the main differences may lie in the configuration settings specific to the Mac platform. Before you begin recording, make sure that you have selected 'Core Audio' and set your input and output devices.

If you only need to record from the first input of your interface, choose “1 (Mono) Recording Channel.” For recording a stereo source, such as inputs 1 and 2, select “2 (Stereo) Recording Channels.” Try out different configurations to find the setup that works best for you.

Part 3. Is There an Audacity Alternative to Record YouTube Audio?

Now you must have understood how to use Audacity to record YouTube audio. But if you have any difficulties in configuring the settings or using the software, that’s okay. The process may seem simple at first, but it can quickly become confusing if you're not familiar with audio editing.

Fortunately, there are several alternative options that are easier to use for recording audio from YouTube. One such option that we’d recommend is Wondershare DemoCreator. DemoCreator is a video editing and recording tool with a user-friendly interface and straightforward tools that get the job done well.

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This recording tool is available for both online and desktop use, so even if you don’t want to install any software on your computer, you can opt for the web version. This versatility makes DemoCreator an excellent choice for users who need a comprehensive and accessible solution for both video and audio recording and editing.

How to record YouTube audio using Wondershare DemoCreator:

Step 1: Launch Wondershare DemoCreator and select Video Recorder

After installing Wondershare DemoCreator from its website, open the software and select Video Recorder from the main menu.

Step 2: Select Screen from the recording options.

Among the recording options, choose Screen to only record the screen. This option can also be helpful if you also want to record the video.

Step 3: Open the YouTube video you want to record the audio from.

After you've chosen the recording option in DemoCreator, the recording tools will appear. Go to the YouTube video you intend to capture audio from and adjust the recording frame.

Step 4: Start recording.

Once everything is ready, click the Rec button and it will start the countdown in three. Play the YouTube video before it starts recording.

Step 5. Stop the recording and edit your audio.

Click the Stop button to end the recording. You will be directed to the editing interface where you can adjust your audio and apply effects such as AI-powered noise reduction, speech enhancement, vocal removal, and voice changing.

Step 6: Export the recorded YouTube audio.

To save your recording, click Export and choose your preferred format. If you only want to save the audio only, you can opt for the standard MP3.

Conclusion

Now you know how to record from YouTube to Audacity. The process may seem simple–you only need to press the record when ready. But it’s actually pretty tricky and requires careful attention. Incorrect configuration can significantly impact your recording quality.

If you are looking for an alternative, you can try out Wondershare DemoCreator, which offers a straightforward approach to recording YouTube audio and video simultaneously. Its user-friendly interface and easy-to-use editing tools make it a top choice even for beginners.