YouTube to WAV Converter

Y2WAV is the easiest and fastest way to save YouTube audio as a WAV file directly on your device. No account needed, no software to install, and no hidden charges. Just paste your link, click Convert, then use the red Download button when ready!

WAV stores audio without compression, so the file won't lose any more quality when you edit, cut or re-export it. That's why music producers, video editors and content creators prefer it. Keep in mind that YouTube's own audio is already compressed: WAV keeps it exactly as it is, it can't add back what YouTube removed.

By using Y2WAV, you agree to our Terms of Use.

How to convert a YouTube video to WAV?

Open YouTube and copy the link of the video you want to convert.
Paste the link above and click the red "Convert to WAV" button.
Once conversion completes, click the red "Download WAV File" button to save the file to your device.

Why WAV and not MP3?

MP3 throws away part of the sound to make the file small. That's fine for listening on your phone, but it becomes a problem once you start working with the audio. Every time an MP3 is edited and saved again, it loses a little more. A WAV file doesn't. You can cut it, loop it, pitch it or mix it as many times as you like without adding new damage.

That's also why audio software treats WAV as the safe default. DJ apps, music production software and video editors all open it straight away, with no extra codecs and no conversion inside the app.

Quality and file size

YouTube keeps music as compressed audio, usually Opus or AAC at around 128 to 160 kbps. Y2WAV decodes that into a plain, uncompressed WAV. The result sounds exactly like the video. The gain is that you start editing from one round of compression instead of stacking a second one on top.

WAV files are big. Expect roughly 10 to 11 MB for every minute of audio, so a four-minute song lands around 40 to 45 MB. If you only want to listen and don't plan to edit, MP3 will save a lot of space.

Who uses Y2WAV

DJs loading tracks into Rekordbox, Serato or Traktor in a format that loads instantly and stays smooth when you loop or scratch.
Producers pulling a sample, a vocal or a drum break into FL Studio, Ableton or Logic.
Video editors who need music in Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve or CapCut. Compressed audio can drift out of sync on long timelines, WAV doesn't.
Musicians and students slowing a song down in Audacity to learn a part by ear.
Podcasters grabbing an intro, a clip or a sound effect to edit.

Tips for better results

Use the official upload. Re-uploads are often recompressed or slightly sped up. The artist's own channel, or the auto-generated "Artist - Topic" channel, usually has the cleanest audio.
Any YouTube link works. Paste a youtu.be share link from the app, a Shorts link or a YouTube Music link. No need to open the video in a browser first.
Links from a mix are fine. If the link has extra parts like &list=, only the video you had open is converted.
Download straight away. Files are deleted from our server about 30 minutes after conversion. If the link has expired, just convert again.

Which format should you pick?

WAV if you're going to edit, mix or DJ with the file. Opens everywhere.
FLAC for the same quality in about half the space. Good for a music library on a drive, though some older editors and DJ setups can't open it.
MP3 for a phone, a car or an old player. Small and plays on anything.
M4A if you mostly use Apple devices. A little better than MP3 at the same size.
OGG for games, Android projects and open-source software that prefer it.

All YouTube Converters

Choose from any format below:

🎵 FLAC 🎵 MP3 🎵 M4A 🎵 OGG

Frequently asked questions

Is Y2WAV free?

Yes. There's no account, no trial and no limit on the number of files. The site is kept running by the ads on the page.

Will the WAV sound better than the video?

No, and any site that says otherwise isn't being straight with you. The WAV sounds exactly like the YouTube audio. The benefit is that it won't lose more quality when you edit or re-save it.

Why is the WAV file so large?

Because it isn't compressed. Every second of sound is stored in full, about 10 MB per minute. If size matters more than editing, choose FLAC (about half the size, same quality) or MP3 (much smaller).

Can I open the file in Audacity, FL Studio or Premiere?

Yes. WAV works in practically every audio and video editor, including Audacity, FL Studio, Ableton Live, Logic Pro, GarageBand, Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve and CapCut.

Why did a video fail to convert?

Usually because it's private, deleted, age-restricted, members-only or blocked in some countries. No converter can download those. If a normal public video fails, try again after a minute.

Is it legal to download audio from YouTube?

Stick to audio that's yours or that you're allowed to use, like your own uploads, royalty-free music or tracks under a Creative Commons licence. Please respect the rights of artists and creators.