There is no clear answer to the legality of YTMP3, as it depends on how users use the service and local copyright laws. YTMP3 itself works by letting its users download and convert YouTube videos to MP3 and MP4 formats which may result in copyright infringement. A 2023 report from the Electronic Frontier Foundation points out that YouTube’s Terms of Service expressly forbid downloading a video without a download button or link. Consequently, downloading content from YouTube without authorization could be a breach of these terms, making the legality of utilizing third-party conversion tools, like YTMP3, dubious in a few jurisdictions.
According to statistics, third-party downloaders, such as YTMP3, accounted for over 80% of copyright infringement cases in video and audio downloads in 2022. These cases arise from downloading music, films, and TV shows illegally. YTMP3 itself does not host or distribute any content however, it is a video conversion service, it can sometimes be used to facilitate illegal activity, as users can download copyrighted material without rights.
For instance, the long-running war between the music industry to combat illegal downloads. At the time, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) sued people who downloaded or shared music using conversion tools in 2021. Although these lawsuits are against distributors and not the users, this emphasises the dangers of using such sites to convert copyright material, like YTMP3 does.
The founder of YouTube, Chad Hurley: […] “Content creators deserve to retain control of their creative work.” That said, it is in line with the YouTube policy that protects the rights of the creators from their videos being downloaded and shared again without their permission.
While YTMP3 does provide a free and easy service, users should be aware that downloading copyrighted content without permission is likely unlawful. This means that before YTMP3, users download content from sites like this, they should consider the type of content they download and whether users are authorized to download it. In 2024, it is advisable to make use of YTMP3 limited to non-copyrighted fabric or where the person has the express permission to utilize the sound.
For the specific legal considerations, go to ytmp3.