How to Download Entire YouTube Playlists as MP3 or MP4

Downloading entire YouTube playlists can save you hours — whether you're creating an offline podcast library, saving your favorite music mixes, or just ensuring you have your content available during travel. Batch downloading lets you avoid downloading videos one by one, making it perfect for long drives, workouts, or offline study sessions.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through safe, legal methods to download YouTube playlists as MP3 or MP4, step by step.  For an even more detailed breakdown, don’t miss our step-by-step guide to converting YouTube videos to MP3, and if you want fast results, try our YouTube to MP3 Converter for instant downloads.

Is It Legal to Download YouTube Playlists?

This is probably the biggest question people have — and it’s an important one.

The short answer is: it depends on what you’re downloading and how you use it.

YouTube’s Terms of Service clearly state that users are not allowed to "access, reproduce, download, distribute, transmit, broadcast, display, sell, license, alter, modify or otherwise use any part of the Service or any Content except as expressly authorized by the Service."

In simple terms: unless the video has a direct download button provided by YouTube (like with YouTube Premium), downloading videos or playlists is technically against YouTube’s rules.

However, there are some important nuances:

✅ When Is Downloading Playlists Generally Considered Legal?

• When the content is copyright-free or creative commons.Some creators publish their content under Creative Commons licenses, allowing free use and downloads. Educational materials, royalty-free music, and some podcasts fall into this category.

• If you have permission from the content creator.If you’re downloading your own playlists, or you’ve been given direct permission, you’re in the clear.

• When it’s for personal, non-commercial use (with caution).While technically still against YouTube’s terms, downloading for private offline use (e.g., watching during a flight) is a common practice. Still, it’s not strictly legal unless the creator allows it.

❌ When Downloading Playlists Becomes Risky

• Downloading copyrighted material without permission.This includes music videos, movies, or any copyrighted content. Downloading and especially redistributing this content is a violation of copyright law, which can lead to penalties.

• Using downloaded content for commercial purposes.For example, using music from YouTube playlists in promotional videos without proper licensing can result in legal action.

  
  

For a complete explanation of the legal risks, check out our full article: Is YouTube to MP3 Legal? What You Need to Know.

Best Tools to Download YouTube Playlists

With so many playlist downloaders available online, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Some focus on fast conversions, others on high-quality audio or video, and a few offer full control over advanced settings like bitrate and subtitles.

Here’s a clear breakdown of the best tools to help you choose the right one — starting with our recommended solution.

⭐️ Top Pick: CodeMasters YouTube to MP3 + MP4 Converter

Try our trusted desktop download tool for fast, high-quality playlist downloads.

No sign-ups, no software installations — just copy your playlist URL, paste it into the tool, select MP3 or MP4, and download. It's built for users who want simplicity and speed, making batch downloads as smooth as possible.

Best for: Fast, reliable downloads for both audio and video, especially when you need an easy browser-based tool.

4K Video Downloader

For those who want more control and higher-quality downloads, 4K Video Downloader is a strong contender. It supports entire playlists, channels, and even private videos if you log in.

One standout feature is Smart Mode — it lets you preset your preferences so you can download future playlists with just one click. Plus, it grabs subtitles automatically, which is great for language learners or accessibility.

Best for: Anyone who values high-definition video and wants advanced settings without much hassle.

SnapDownloader

SnapDownloader takes versatility to the next level. It doesn’t just work with YouTube — you can download playlists from over 900 websites. Even better, it supports ultra-HD resolutions up to 8K and comes with a built-in proxy for accessing region-locked videos.

While it’s a paid tool, the free trial gives you a taste of its powerful features. If you’re someone who downloads playlists regularly or from multiple platforms, SnapDownloader is a smart investment.

Best for: Heavy users and anyone looking for flexibility beyond YouTube.

YTD Video Downloader

If simplicity is your thing, YTD Video Downloader delivers. Its beginner-friendly interface means you don’t need to be tech-savvy to get started. Just copy, paste, choose your format (MP3, MP4, or even WMV), and download.

While the free version comes with ads and fewer features, it’s still a reliable option for occasional use.

Best for: Casual users looking for an easy, straightforward downloader.

Final Recommendation

For most users, the CodeMasters YouTube to MP3 + MP4 Converter will cover all your playlist downloading needs. It’s fast, free, and easy to use. If you’re looking for higher control or need to work with private videos and subtitles, 4K Video Downloader and SnapDownloader are excellent choices.

No matter which tool you choose, always download responsibly and stick with reputable platforms to avoid malware.

➡️ Pro tip: Want to stay safe? Downloading tools can sometimes stop working — Find out why and how to fix it in our full guide: Why Some YouTube to MP3 Tools Don’t Work Anymore (and How to Fix It).

➡️ Pro tip2: If you ever run into issues, check out our guide: Why Some YouTube to MP3 Tools Don’t Work Anymore (and How to Fix It).

Step-by-Step Guide: Download YouTube Playlists as MP3

Downloading playlists as MP3 files is perfect for creating offline music libraries, podcast queues, or audio learning playlists. Here’s exactly how to do it:

Step 1: Copy the Playlist URL

• Head over to YouTube and open the playlist you want to download.

• Click the playlist name to open the full view.

• Copy the URL from your browser’s address bar.

Example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cP2uVarXi1A&list=PLOVL_fPox2K83_36YgnGisn4rxNvgq1iR

📌 Tip: Make sure the playlist is public or unlisted. Private playlists won’t work with most tools.

Step 2: Paste into Your Tool

• Open your chosen downloader (We recommend using our online YouTube to MP3 Converter or the free YouTube to MP4 Converter for quick and reliable downloads.).

• Paste the copied URL into the input field.

💡 Tip: Some tools auto-detect the playlist once you paste the link, saving time.

Step 3: Select MP3 Format

• Once the playlist is detected, choose MP3 as your output format.

• If available, select your desired audio quality.

  • For music, aim for 320 kbps for best sound.

  • For podcasts or audiobooks, 128 kbps is usually sufficient to save space.

Step 4: Download and Save

• Click the Download button and let the tool process the playlist.

• Files will either download as a .zip folder or individual MP3s, depending on the tool.

📌 Tip: Save your files in a dedicated folder for easy access, especially for large playlists.

Bonus Tips for MP3 Playlist Downloads:

• Batch processing: If you’re downloading multiple playlists, consider using tools that support batch downloads to save time.

• Check metadata: Some advanced tools automatically save song titles, artist names, and even album covers!

• Keep it legal: Always make sure you have rights to the content you download, especially for commercial use.

  
  

FAQs: Downloading YouTube Playlists

Can I download private YouTube playlists?

Private playlists are restricted by YouTube's privacy settings, meaning most online tools cannot access them. Even tools that support private videos usually require you to log in and provide permissions. If you're the owner of the private playlist, some advanced desktop apps like 4K Video Downloader can help — provided you authenticate with your account. For public and unlisted playlists, you’re good to go with most free tools.

Is it safe to use online YouTube playlist downloaders?

Generally, yes — if you stick to reputable tools.Our recommended tool, the CodeMasters YouTube to MP3 + MP4 Converter, is safe, web-based, and does not require installing risky software. However, many shady downloaders bundle unwanted programs or malware. Always avoid tools that ask for suspicious permissions or flood you with pop-ups. Pro tip: keep your antivirus software active when trying new tools.

What’s the best format to download: MP3 or MP4?

It depends on how you plan to use the content.If you’re looking to save music or podcasts, MP3 is the way to go — it’s lightweight and compatible with almost any audio player. If you want to watch videos offline, especially with visuals (like tutorials or music videos), MP4 is better, offering both audio and video in a compressed format that's playable on most devices.

Why do some YouTube to MP3 tools stop working?

YouTube frequently updates its algorithm and security protocols to prevent unauthorized downloads, which causes many free tools to break. That’s why you might notice your go-to downloader suddenly failing. We explain why this happens in our guide: Why Some YouTube to MP3 Tools Don’t Work Anymore.

Can I convert entire playlists to other formats like WAV or AAC?

Yes, but it depends on the tool you’re using.Advanced downloaders like SnapDownloader and 4K Video Downloader support multiple output formats, including WAV, AAC, FLAC, and more. Keep in mind that high-resolution formats like FLAC or WAV are larger in size, but they preserve better audio quality, making them ideal for audiophiles.

Will my downloaded playlists stay forever?

Once you’ve downloaded your playlists to your device, they’re yours to keep — as long as you don’t accidentally delete them! However, keep in mind that if you’re relying on temporary download links (some tools offer this), they might expire. For permanent offline storage, save your files in a dedicated folder and consider backing them up to cloud storage or an external drive.

Final Thoughts

Downloading YouTube playlists doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right tools and a little know-how, you can save hours by grabbing entire collections of your favorite music, podcasts, or video lessons in one go. Whether you prefer MP3 for audio-only convenience or MP4 for full video playback, the process is straightforward and accessible.

Just remember: always use reliable tools, stay mindful of copyright rules, and make sure you’re downloading content responsibly. If you run into any issues, we’ve got you covered with our dedicated guides on why some tools stop working and the legality of YouTube to MP3 converters.

Ready to get started? Try our free YouTube Playlist Downloader today and enjoy your playlists anytime, anywhere — no internet required.