The process of acquiring audio files from online video platforms like YouTube in the compressed audio format MP3 allows for offline listening. This typically involves utilizing a third-party website or application that extracts the audio track from the video source and encodes it into the desired format. A common example is using an online converter by pasting a video URL and then downloading the resulting audio file.
The appeal of this method stems from its convenience for users who wish to listen to content without a constant internet connection or who prefer audio-only playback. It provides a means to access lectures, music, or podcasts independently from the original video. Early adoption was driven by the proliferation of portable music players and the desire to curate personalized audio libraries.