yt-dlp can re-encode to a 320 kbps target with FFmpeg, but the actual quality is limited by the source stream (often Opus).

How to embed cover art and tags?

Use --embed-thumbnail and --embed-metadata. FFmpeg must be present to write artwork and ID3 tags.

How to keep original audio without re-encoding?

Use -f ba -x --audio-format best. This keeps the best audio stream (often Opus) without converting to MP3.

How to convert entire playlists to MP3?

Provide a playlist URL or add --yes-playlist. Combine with -o to set filenames, e.g. -o "%(playlist_index)02d-%(title)s.%(ext)s".

Where are files saved?

By default, files save to the current working folder. Use -o to change names or paths, e.g., -o "C:/Music/%(title)s.%(ext)s".

YouTube to MP3 on Windows (yt-dlp)

Convert YouTube videos or entire playlists to MP3 with best quality, embedded artwork, and proper tags. Requires FFmpeg for conversion and metadata.

⬇️ Download yt-dlp.exe

Quality note: YouTube often serves Opus audio. Converting to “320 kbps MP3” targets that bitrate but cannot exceed the source's true quality.

• Works on Windows 11/10

Best-quality MP3 (recommended)

Re-encode to MP3 at the highest variable bitrate and embed artwork + metadata (requires FFmpeg):

yt-dlp -x --audio-format mp3 --audio-quality 0 --embed-thumbnail --embed-metadata "VIDEO_URL"

--audio-quality 0: highest VBR quality for MP3 (LAME preset).
--embed-thumbnail and --embed-metadata: add cover art and ID3 tags when possible.
Use with playlists by passing a playlist URL (see below).

Constant bitrate (CBR) example

Target a specific bitrate (e.g., ~192 kbps):

yt-dlp -x --audio-format mp3 --audio-quality 192K --embed-thumbnail --embed-metadata "VIDEO_URL"

No re-encode (keep original)

Keep the best audio stream without converting to MP3 (often Opus):

yt-dlp -f ba -x --audio-format best "VIDEO_URL"

Convert an entire playlist to MP3

Supply a playlist URL directly or force playlist processing:

yt-dlp -x --audio-format mp3 --audio-quality 0 --embed-thumbnail --embed-metadata --yes-playlist -o "%(playlist_index)02d-%(title)s.%(ext)s" "PLAYLIST_URL"

-o uses an output template with zero‑padded indexes for proper sort order.
Add --download-archive downloaded.txt to skip previously converted items.

Filenames & folders

yt-dlp -x --audio-format mp3 -o "C:/Music/%(artist,channel)s/%(title)s.%(ext)s" "VIDEO_URL"

Build neat libraries using artist/channel and title. Windows paths use / or escaped \\.

Tags & artwork tips

Use --embed-thumbnail --embed-metadata for cover art and ID3.
Improve tags with --parse-metadata if your source has structured titles.
FFmpeg must be present for embedding to work.

FAQ

Is 320 kbps MP3 always better?

Not necessarily. YouTube often provides Opus around 160 kbps (but efficient). Re-encoding to "320 kbps" sets the MP3 bitrate target but cannot add detail beyond the source.

How do I batch multiple links?

Put URLs in a text file and use yt-dlp -a links.txt -x --audio-format mp3 --audio-quality 0.

My files have no artwork?

Ensure ffmpeg.exe is in the same folder as yt-dlp.exe and include --embed-thumbnail --embed-metadata.

Where do files save?

By default, to the current folder. Control it with -o, e.g., -o "C:/Music/%(title)s.%(ext)s".

Legal & safety

yt-dlp is open source and safe. Only download content you have rights to and follow each website's Terms of Service. We link to the official GitHub release.

More: Safe & Legal Gui • Need FFmpeg? FFmpeg setup