The phrase describes the functionality of software or online services that facilitate the extraction of audio tracks from video content hosted on the YouTube platform, subsequently converting these audio tracks into the MP3 (MPEG-1 Audio Layer III) format. This process enables users to acquire audio-only versions of music, lectures, or other sound-based content found on YouTube. An instance of its use is downloading a song available on YouTube as a video and saving it as an MP3 file for offline listening.
This capability provides a convenient method for individuals to curate personalized audio libraries from a vast array of content freely accessible on YouTube. Historically, the desire to listen to audio content offline fueled the development of such tools. The popularity of MP3 as a widely compatible and relatively small file size audio format has further driven the demand for these conversion services. Benefits include the ability to listen to content without an internet connection, the conservation of mobile data usage, and the compatibility with numerous playback devices.