When you want to save a YouTube video to your device, you have two main options: download it as an MP3 (audio only) or as an MP4 (video with audio). The right choice depends on what you're going to do with the file.
MP3: Audio Only
An MP3 file contains only the audio track — no video. It's the right choice when:
- You want to listen to music offline
- You're saving a podcast, lecture, or interview where the visuals don't matter
- You want a small file size (a 4-minute song is ~9 MB at 320kbps)
- You want to play it on a music player, phone, or car stereo
Use MediaMate's YouTube to MP3 converter to download audio at up to 320kbps quality.
MP4: Video with Audio
An MP4 file contains both video and audio. It's the right choice when:
- You want to watch the video offline
- You're saving a tutorial, documentary, or music video where visuals matter
- You need the file for video editing
- You want to share the video with someone
Use MediaMate's YouTube Video Downloader to download videos in 4K, 1080p, 720p, or 480p.
File Size Comparison
| Format | Quality | File size (4 min) |
|---|---|---|
| MP3 | 128kbps | ~3.5 MB |
| MP3 | 320kbps | ~9 MB |
| MP4 | 480p | ~50 MB |
| MP4 | 720p | ~100 MB |
| MP4 | 1080p | ~200 MB |
| MP4 | 4K | ~500 MB+ |
MP3 files are dramatically smaller than MP4. If storage is limited — or you're on a slow connection — MP3 is the practical choice for music.
Which Format Do Music Players Support?
Most music players (Spotify-style apps, car stereos, Bluetooth speakers, earbuds) play MP3 natively. MP4 files can also contain audio, but dedicated music players often don't handle them as cleanly.
For music playback, MP3 is the universal standard.
Can I Extract Audio from an MP4 I Already Downloaded?
Yes. If you have an MP4 file and want just the audio, use MediaMate's Audio Converter. Upload the MP4 and convert it to MP3 in any bitrate you need.
What About YouTube Shorts?
YouTube Shorts are short-form videos (under 60 seconds). You can download them as MP4 using MediaMate's YouTube Shorts Downloader, or extract the audio as MP3 using the standard YouTube to MP3 tool.
Quick Decision Guide
| What you want | Use |
|---|---|
| Music to listen offline | YouTube to MP3 |
| Video to watch offline | YouTube to MP4 |
| Playlist of songs | Bulk Download |
| Trim a downloaded audio file | Audio Cutter |
| Convert between audio formats | Audio Converter |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play an MP3 on my TV? Most smart TVs support MP3 playback via USB. For video content, use MP4.
Which has better audio quality — MP3 or MP4? Both can carry the same audio quality. The difference is that MP4 also includes video. For audio-only use, 320kbps MP3 is the standard.
Can I convert MP4 to MP3 online? Yes — use MediaMate's Audio Converter. Upload your MP4 and download the MP3.
Ready to download? Choose your format: