Chromebook

YouTube to MP3 on a Chromebook

Chromebooks, especially school and work ones, often can't install extensions or apps. AudioFetcher doesn't need either: it runs in a Chrome tab, and a one-click bookmark makes it as quick as an extension.

Use the website: nothing to install

On the YouTube video, click the address bar and copy the link (Ctrl+L, then Ctrl+C).
Open audiofetcher.com in a new tab (Ctrl+T) and paste the link (Ctrl+V).
Choose MP3, another audio format or MP4, click Fetch, then Download.

Open AudioFetcher

Faster: the one-click bookmark

Show the bookmarks bar with Ctrl+Shift+B, then drag the Send to AudioFetcher button from the shortcuts page onto it. On any YouTube video, click the bookmark and AudioFetcher opens in a new tab with the video ready. It's a bookmark, not an extension, so there is nothing to approve or install.

Or skip the bookmark: replace youtube.com with audiofetcher.com in the address bar, so youtube.com/watch?v=… becomes audiofetcher.com/watch?v=….

Optional: install it as an app

On a personal Chromebook you can also install AudioFetcher from Chrome's ⋮ menu (look for Install AudioFetcher, sometimes under Cast, save and share). It then opens in its own window from the launcher, like any app.

Managed Chromebooks follow the rules your school or employer sets. Some block downloads, bookmarks that run code, or certain sites. AudioFetcher doesn't try to get past those settings; if something is blocked, ask your administrator or use your own device.

The quick version

1
Copy the link
From the address bar or YouTube's Share › Copy.
2
Paste it on audiofetcher.com
Or click the one-click bookmark on the video page.
3
Fetch and download
Pick a format and save the file.
4
Find it in Files
Launcher › Files › My files › Downloads.

Where your files go on a Chromebook

Chrome saves downloads to Files › My files › Downloads. Click the download icon at the top right of Chrome and choose Show in folder to jump there. Double-click an MP3 or MP4 to play it in the built-in media app. To keep a file safe, or to use it on another device, drag it into Google Drive in the Files app. Guest sessions delete everything when you sign out, so move files to Drive first.

No Linux, developer mode or command line

Guides for Chromebooks often suggest turning on Linux or developer mode to run command-line downloaders. You don't need any of that: the conversion runs on AudioFetcher's servers and your Chromebook only downloads the finished file. That also means it works on low-storage and older Chromebooks, as long as they run a current version of Chrome.

Picking a format on ChromeOS

MP3 plays everywhere and is the easiest to share. Google Slides can insert MP3 audio from Google Drive.
Opus or M4A keep YouTube's original audio without re-encoding and play fine in Chrome and the media app. Why Opus is the smallest.
MP4 keeps the video, up to 1080p. Free for up to 50 videos a day, each up to 40 minutes; mind your free space, since video files are much larger than audio.

Common problems on Chromebooks

"Blocked by your administrator". Your Chromebook's policy forbids downloads or this site. That's a school or company decision; AudioFetcher can't change it.
The bookmark does nothing. Click it on a YouTube video page, not on a channel or the home feed. If managed settings block code in bookmarks, use the address trick instead.
The download failed or expired. Files only stay on the server for a short time. Fetch the video again.
Storage is full. Delete old downloads in Files or move them to Google Drive, then download again.

Questions

Can I use AudioFetcher on a school Chromebook?

If your school allows the site and downloads, yes: it runs in a normal Chrome tab with nothing to install. Follow your school's rules, and only convert videos you own or have permission to download, such as your own projects or Creative Commons material.

Why isn't there a Chrome extension?

The Chrome Web Store doesn't allow extensions that download from YouTube, and managed Chromebooks often block extensions anyway. The website and the one-click bookmark do the same job without one.

Where do my downloads go?

To Files › My files › Downloads. Move anything you want to keep into Google Drive.

Do I need Linux or developer mode?

No. The conversion happens on AudioFetcher's servers; your Chromebook only needs Chrome.

Does it work offline?

Converting needs an internet connection. Once downloaded, the MP3 or MP4 plays offline from the Files app.

Can I save the video, not just the audio?

Yes. Choose MP4: up to 1080p, free for up to 50 videos a day, each up to 40 minutes.