Transforming Live YouTube Broadcasts Into Recorded Soundtracks

How to Record Audio from YouTube

Max Wales

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

It happens several times when we are watching some videos on YouTube and the background music of the videos appeal us the most. We go online and start searching for that unknown but heart touching song. Unfortunately, the song is not available online. But it doesn’t mean that you cannot add that song to your playlist. The great news is that there are so many advanced audio recording software tools that allow users to record audios directly from YouTube videos.

Sometimes, we are interested to play our favorite music during a long hour journey, but the missing internet connectivity does not allow us to stream it online. In such a situation also, you can get your free music easily on your iPad, iPhone, or any handheld device and it can be later burnt into CD as well. Now you might be interested to know how all this can happen without the “Record Audio” button on YouTube. Don’t worry! Below we have highlighted three simple methods to do this task:

• Method 1: Capture Audio from YouTube with Online YouTube2MP3 Converter
• Method 2: Recording YouTube Audio with Audacity
• Method 3: Recording Sound with Streaming Audio Recorder
• Method 4: Record Audio with Filmora

Note: We resolutely oppose all forms of copyright-infringing downloads. This tutorial is only for downloading YouTube videos/audio materials from your own channel.

The All-in-One Screen Recorder & Video Editor

• Record desktop screen , voiceover, and webcam simultaneously
• Edit recorded clips quickly with a wide range of professional tools
• Built-in plentiful templates and effects
• Export to MP4, MOV, MKV, GIF and multiple formats

Try It Free

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Try It Free

For macOS 10.12 or later

Secure Download

Method 1: Capture Audio from YouTube with Online YouTube2MP3 Converter

The simplest technique to record audio from YouTube videos is to use a trustworthy online application that can perform the conversion from video to MP3 file . In this article, I am going to show you how to capture audio from YouTube with the assist of a free online convert tool named YouTube to MP3. To do this, simply follow these simple steps:

• Visit the YouTube video page and copy the URL of the video whose audio you want to get in form of an MP3
• Go to the internet and open the online YouTube to MP3 converter tool.
• Paste your video URL in the text field available at the top of the website page.
• Choose your output file format as mp3.
• Hit the Convert conversion button.
• When the conversion is done, you will get a download button on the screen. Hit the Download button and soon your file will be saved to your device.

If you think using YouTube to MP3 Converter to capture audio from YouTube meets your needs, you can visit this online converter: youtubetomp3music.com . While, if you find need a better solution, then keep reading.

Method 2: Recording Sound from YouTube with Audacity

In case if you are interested to record yourself or want to capture just a small portion of the video’s sound, it is good to start with the Audacity program. Following simple steps will assist you to complete your recording process with this handy tool:

• First, download the Audacity program on your system. Note that it is available for free, so anyone can get it easily from the internet.
• Run the setup to begin the installation process and follow on-screen guidelines to finish the process.
• Open Audacity software on your system and from the top menu bar hit the Edit option and then go to Preferences.

• In the Device section of Preferences window, switch to the Recording section.
• Choose Stereo Mix option. In case if it is disabled by default, you may need to enable it first. To do this, go to the control panel of your computer, go to Hardware and Sound section and then switch to Sound section. Now go to Recording tab and right click with the mouse on the blank space of the screen. From the drop-down menu choose Show Disabled Devices option. You will find Stereo Mix Device option on the screen; right click on this device and hit Enable option.

• Hit Ok to save the new sound settings. After these settings, you will have to open the Audacity program again to work with Stereo Mix option.
• It is time to open your YouTube video and hit the record button. Make sure the connection is fast enough to play video without any interruption, otherwise keep it loaded in advance. Play the video and when done, hit the stop button on Audacity program.
• This file can be exported and saved to a device with the MP3 file format.

Method 3: Recording Sound with Streaming Audio Recorder

The third choice for recording YouTube audios is using Streaming Audio Recorder . The great news is that this software cannot only record audios for you rather at the same time it is loaded with advanced editor tool that allows easy cutting and splicing of sounds for the creation of customized videos. With Streaming Audio Recorder, you can also convert your videos into various file formats.

You will be happy to hear that this recorder is not just dedicated to YouTube platform only rather it can also work perfectly with Grooveshark, Jango, and Spotify. Below are few simple steps that you can use to complete the audio recording task with Streaming Audio Recorder:

• Go to the internet and download Streaming Audio Recorder. Install and open the program.
• Hit gear icon on the main interface and then move to settings. Set source of the audio input as System Sound.
• Start playing your desired YouTube video and on recorder, hit the record button instantly.
• As soon as the recording task is complete, hit the Stop button and your recorded audio will be soon saved to the targeted folder.

Recommended: Record Audio and Save to MP3 Format with Wondershare Filmora

You can also use Filmora to record your YouTube audio and then save the recorded audio or the video to MP3 format at exporting and then you can listen to the recorded audio and music even when there is no network connection.

With these advanced tools, the audio recording task becomes quite simple and easy. Even beginners can handle with without any trouble. If you are interested to capture your favorite tracks from online videos, it is right time to choose any of the above suitable methods and start recording your audio.

You can change the voice in audio , or add fade in and fade out effects, or edit the recorded audio file with more tools. The recorded media files can be further customized as well as shared on other social media platforms. It is a great idea for today’s creative young generation. These handy tools can make your audio recording task quite easier and resultant files can be saved in a variety of file formats for further sharing.

If you want to edit the record audio further, like adjust the audio pitch, remove background noise, mix the audio balance, equalize the audio, you can also try Filmora. It allows you to record the audio, webcam and desktop screen automatically . And it works on 64-bit Windows7/8/10, and Mac OS X 10.11 El Capitan and late.

Max Wales

Max Wales is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Max Wales

Max Wales

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

It happens several times when we are watching some videos on YouTube and the background music of the videos appeal us the most. We go online and start searching for that unknown but heart touching song. Unfortunately, the song is not available online. But it doesn’t mean that you cannot add that song to your playlist. The great news is that there are so many advanced audio recording software tools that allow users to record audios directly from YouTube videos.

Sometimes, we are interested to play our favorite music during a long hour journey, but the missing internet connectivity does not allow us to stream it online. In such a situation also, you can get your free music easily on your iPad, iPhone, or any handheld device and it can be later burnt into CD as well. Now you might be interested to know how all this can happen without the “Record Audio” button on YouTube. Don’t worry! Below we have highlighted three simple methods to do this task:

• Method 1: Capture Audio from YouTube with Online YouTube2MP3 Converter
• Method 2: Recording YouTube Audio with Audacity
• Method 3: Recording Sound with Streaming Audio Recorder
• Method 4: Record Audio with Filmora

Note: We resolutely oppose all forms of copyright-infringing downloads. This tutorial is only for downloading YouTube videos/audio materials from your own channel.

The All-in-One Screen Recorder & Video Editor

• Record desktop screen , voiceover, and webcam simultaneously
• Edit recorded clips quickly with a wide range of professional tools
• Built-in plentiful templates and effects
• Export to MP4, MOV, MKV, GIF and multiple formats

Try It Free

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Try It Free

For macOS 10.12 or later

Secure Download

Method 1: Capture Audio from YouTube with Online YouTube2MP3 Converter

The simplest technique to record audio from YouTube videos is to use a trustworthy online application that can perform the conversion from video to MP3 file . In this article, I am going to show you how to capture audio from YouTube with the assist of a free online convert tool named YouTube to MP3. To do this, simply follow these simple steps:

• Visit the YouTube video page and copy the URL of the video whose audio you want to get in form of an MP3
• Go to the internet and open the online YouTube to MP3 converter tool.
• Paste your video URL in the text field available at the top of the website page.
• Choose your output file format as mp3.
• Hit the Convert conversion button.
• When the conversion is done, you will get a download button on the screen. Hit the Download button and soon your file will be saved to your device.

If you think using YouTube to MP3 Converter to capture audio from YouTube meets your needs, you can visit this online converter: youtubetomp3music.com . While, if you find need a better solution, then keep reading.

Method 2: Recording Sound from YouTube with Audacity

In case if you are interested to record yourself or want to capture just a small portion of the video’s sound, it is good to start with the Audacity program. Following simple steps will assist you to complete your recording process with this handy tool:

• First, download the Audacity program on your system. Note that it is available for free, so anyone can get it easily from the internet.
• Run the setup to begin the installation process and follow on-screen guidelines to finish the process.
• Open Audacity software on your system and from the top menu bar hit the Edit option and then go to Preferences.

• In the Device section of Preferences window, switch to the Recording section.
• Choose Stereo Mix option. In case if it is disabled by default, you may need to enable it first. To do this, go to the control panel of your computer, go to Hardware and Sound section and then switch to Sound section. Now go to Recording tab and right click with the mouse on the blank space of the screen. From the drop-down menu choose Show Disabled Devices option. You will find Stereo Mix Device option on the screen; right click on this device and hit Enable option.

• Hit Ok to save the new sound settings. After these settings, you will have to open the Audacity program again to work with Stereo Mix option.
• It is time to open your YouTube video and hit the record button. Make sure the connection is fast enough to play video without any interruption, otherwise keep it loaded in advance. Play the video and when done, hit the stop button on Audacity program.
• This file can be exported and saved to a device with the MP3 file format.

Method 3: Recording Sound with Streaming Audio Recorder

The third choice for recording YouTube audios is using Streaming Audio Recorder . The great news is that this software cannot only record audios for you rather at the same time it is loaded with advanced editor tool that allows easy cutting and splicing of sounds for the creation of customized videos. With Streaming Audio Recorder, you can also convert your videos into various file formats.

You will be happy to hear that this recorder is not just dedicated to YouTube platform only rather it can also work perfectly with Grooveshark, Jango, and Spotify. Below are few simple steps that you can use to complete the audio recording task with Streaming Audio Recorder:

• Go to the internet and download Streaming Audio Recorder. Install and open the program.
• Hit gear icon on the main interface and then move to settings. Set source of the audio input as System Sound.
• Start playing your desired YouTube video and on recorder, hit the record button instantly.
• As soon as the recording task is complete, hit the Stop button and your recorded audio will be soon saved to the targeted folder.

Recommended: Record Audio and Save to MP3 Format with Wondershare Filmora

You can also use Filmora to record your YouTube audio and then save the recorded audio or the video to MP3 format at exporting and then you can listen to the recorded audio and music even when there is no network connection.

With these advanced tools, the audio recording task becomes quite simple and easy. Even beginners can handle with without any trouble. If you are interested to capture your favorite tracks from online videos, it is right time to choose any of the above suitable methods and start recording your audio.

You can change the voice in audio , or add fade in and fade out effects, or edit the recorded audio file with more tools. The recorded media files can be further customized as well as shared on other social media platforms. It is a great idea for today’s creative young generation. These handy tools can make your audio recording task quite easier and resultant files can be saved in a variety of file formats for further sharing.

If you want to edit the record audio further, like adjust the audio pitch, remove background noise, mix the audio balance, equalize the audio, you can also try Filmora. It allows you to record the audio, webcam and desktop screen automatically . And it works on 64-bit Windows7/8/10, and Mac OS X 10.11 El Capitan and late.

Max Wales

Max Wales is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Max Wales

Max Wales

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

It happens several times when we are watching some videos on YouTube and the background music of the videos appeal us the most. We go online and start searching for that unknown but heart touching song. Unfortunately, the song is not available online. But it doesn’t mean that you cannot add that song to your playlist. The great news is that there are so many advanced audio recording software tools that allow users to record audios directly from YouTube videos.

Sometimes, we are interested to play our favorite music during a long hour journey, but the missing internet connectivity does not allow us to stream it online. In such a situation also, you can get your free music easily on your iPad, iPhone, or any handheld device and it can be later burnt into CD as well. Now you might be interested to know how all this can happen without the “Record Audio” button on YouTube. Don’t worry! Below we have highlighted three simple methods to do this task:

• Method 1: Capture Audio from YouTube with Online YouTube2MP3 Converter
• Method 2: Recording YouTube Audio with Audacity
• Method 3: Recording Sound with Streaming Audio Recorder
• Method 4: Record Audio with Filmora

Note: We resolutely oppose all forms of copyright-infringing downloads. This tutorial is only for downloading YouTube videos/audio materials from your own channel.

The All-in-One Screen Recorder & Video Editor

• Record desktop screen , voiceover, and webcam simultaneously
• Edit recorded clips quickly with a wide range of professional tools
• Built-in plentiful templates and effects
• Export to MP4, MOV, MKV, GIF and multiple formats

Try It Free

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Try It Free

For macOS 10.12 or later

Secure Download

Method 1: Capture Audio from YouTube with Online YouTube2MP3 Converter

The simplest technique to record audio from YouTube videos is to use a trustworthy online application that can perform the conversion from video to MP3 file . In this article, I am going to show you how to capture audio from YouTube with the assist of a free online convert tool named YouTube to MP3. To do this, simply follow these simple steps:

• Visit the YouTube video page and copy the URL of the video whose audio you want to get in form of an MP3
• Go to the internet and open the online YouTube to MP3 converter tool.
• Paste your video URL in the text field available at the top of the website page.
• Choose your output file format as mp3.
• Hit the Convert conversion button.
• When the conversion is done, you will get a download button on the screen. Hit the Download button and soon your file will be saved to your device.

If you think using YouTube to MP3 Converter to capture audio from YouTube meets your needs, you can visit this online converter: youtubetomp3music.com . While, if you find need a better solution, then keep reading.

Method 2: Recording Sound from YouTube with Audacity

In case if you are interested to record yourself or want to capture just a small portion of the video’s sound, it is good to start with the Audacity program. Following simple steps will assist you to complete your recording process with this handy tool:

• First, download the Audacity program on your system. Note that it is available for free, so anyone can get it easily from the internet.
• Run the setup to begin the installation process and follow on-screen guidelines to finish the process.
• Open Audacity software on your system and from the top menu bar hit the Edit option and then go to Preferences.

• In the Device section of Preferences window, switch to the Recording section.
• Choose Stereo Mix option. In case if it is disabled by default, you may need to enable it first. To do this, go to the control panel of your computer, go to Hardware and Sound section and then switch to Sound section. Now go to Recording tab and right click with the mouse on the blank space of the screen. From the drop-down menu choose Show Disabled Devices option. You will find Stereo Mix Device option on the screen; right click on this device and hit Enable option.

• Hit Ok to save the new sound settings. After these settings, you will have to open the Audacity program again to work with Stereo Mix option.
• It is time to open your YouTube video and hit the record button. Make sure the connection is fast enough to play video without any interruption, otherwise keep it loaded in advance. Play the video and when done, hit the stop button on Audacity program.
• This file can be exported and saved to a device with the MP3 file format.

Method 3: Recording Sound with Streaming Audio Recorder

The third choice for recording YouTube audios is using Streaming Audio Recorder . The great news is that this software cannot only record audios for you rather at the same time it is loaded with advanced editor tool that allows easy cutting and splicing of sounds for the creation of customized videos. With Streaming Audio Recorder, you can also convert your videos into various file formats.

You will be happy to hear that this recorder is not just dedicated to YouTube platform only rather it can also work perfectly with Grooveshark, Jango, and Spotify. Below are few simple steps that you can use to complete the audio recording task with Streaming Audio Recorder:

• Go to the internet and download Streaming Audio Recorder. Install and open the program.
• Hit gear icon on the main interface and then move to settings. Set source of the audio input as System Sound.
• Start playing your desired YouTube video and on recorder, hit the record button instantly.
• As soon as the recording task is complete, hit the Stop button and your recorded audio will be soon saved to the targeted folder.

Recommended: Record Audio and Save to MP3 Format with Wondershare Filmora

You can also use Filmora to record your YouTube audio and then save the recorded audio or the video to MP3 format at exporting and then you can listen to the recorded audio and music even when there is no network connection.

With these advanced tools, the audio recording task becomes quite simple and easy. Even beginners can handle with without any trouble. If you are interested to capture your favorite tracks from online videos, it is right time to choose any of the above suitable methods and start recording your audio.

You can change the voice in audio , or add fade in and fade out effects, or edit the recorded audio file with more tools. The recorded media files can be further customized as well as shared on other social media platforms. It is a great idea for today’s creative young generation. These handy tools can make your audio recording task quite easier and resultant files can be saved in a variety of file formats for further sharing.

If you want to edit the record audio further, like adjust the audio pitch, remove background noise, mix the audio balance, equalize the audio, you can also try Filmora. It allows you to record the audio, webcam and desktop screen automatically . And it works on 64-bit Windows7/8/10, and Mac OS X 10.11 El Capitan and late.

Max Wales

Max Wales is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Max Wales

Max Wales

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

It happens several times when we are watching some videos on YouTube and the background music of the videos appeal us the most. We go online and start searching for that unknown but heart touching song. Unfortunately, the song is not available online. But it doesn’t mean that you cannot add that song to your playlist. The great news is that there are so many advanced audio recording software tools that allow users to record audios directly from YouTube videos.

Sometimes, we are interested to play our favorite music during a long hour journey, but the missing internet connectivity does not allow us to stream it online. In such a situation also, you can get your free music easily on your iPad, iPhone, or any handheld device and it can be later burnt into CD as well. Now you might be interested to know how all this can happen without the “Record Audio” button on YouTube. Don’t worry! Below we have highlighted three simple methods to do this task:

• Method 1: Capture Audio from YouTube with Online YouTube2MP3 Converter
• Method 2: Recording YouTube Audio with Audacity
• Method 3: Recording Sound with Streaming Audio Recorder
• Method 4: Record Audio with Filmora

Note: We resolutely oppose all forms of copyright-infringing downloads. This tutorial is only for downloading YouTube videos/audio materials from your own channel.

The All-in-One Screen Recorder & Video Editor

• Record desktop screen , voiceover, and webcam simultaneously
• Edit recorded clips quickly with a wide range of professional tools
• Built-in plentiful templates and effects
• Export to MP4, MOV, MKV, GIF and multiple formats

Try It Free

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Try It Free

For macOS 10.12 or later

Secure Download

Method 1: Capture Audio from YouTube with Online YouTube2MP3 Converter

The simplest technique to record audio from YouTube videos is to use a trustworthy online application that can perform the conversion from video to MP3 file . In this article, I am going to show you how to capture audio from YouTube with the assist of a free online convert tool named YouTube to MP3. To do this, simply follow these simple steps:

• Visit the YouTube video page and copy the URL of the video whose audio you want to get in form of an MP3
• Go to the internet and open the online YouTube to MP3 converter tool.
• Paste your video URL in the text field available at the top of the website page.
• Choose your output file format as mp3.
• Hit the Convert conversion button.
• When the conversion is done, you will get a download button on the screen. Hit the Download button and soon your file will be saved to your device.

If you think using YouTube to MP3 Converter to capture audio from YouTube meets your needs, you can visit this online converter: youtubetomp3music.com . While, if you find need a better solution, then keep reading.

Method 2: Recording Sound from YouTube with Audacity

In case if you are interested to record yourself or want to capture just a small portion of the video’s sound, it is good to start with the Audacity program. Following simple steps will assist you to complete your recording process with this handy tool:

• First, download the Audacity program on your system. Note that it is available for free, so anyone can get it easily from the internet.
• Run the setup to begin the installation process and follow on-screen guidelines to finish the process.
• Open Audacity software on your system and from the top menu bar hit the Edit option and then go to Preferences.

• In the Device section of Preferences window, switch to the Recording section.
• Choose Stereo Mix option. In case if it is disabled by default, you may need to enable it first. To do this, go to the control panel of your computer, go to Hardware and Sound section and then switch to Sound section. Now go to Recording tab and right click with the mouse on the blank space of the screen. From the drop-down menu choose Show Disabled Devices option. You will find Stereo Mix Device option on the screen; right click on this device and hit Enable option.

• Hit Ok to save the new sound settings. After these settings, you will have to open the Audacity program again to work with Stereo Mix option.
• It is time to open your YouTube video and hit the record button. Make sure the connection is fast enough to play video without any interruption, otherwise keep it loaded in advance. Play the video and when done, hit the stop button on Audacity program.
• This file can be exported and saved to a device with the MP3 file format.

Method 3: Recording Sound with Streaming Audio Recorder

The third choice for recording YouTube audios is using Streaming Audio Recorder . The great news is that this software cannot only record audios for you rather at the same time it is loaded with advanced editor tool that allows easy cutting and splicing of sounds for the creation of customized videos. With Streaming Audio Recorder, you can also convert your videos into various file formats.

You will be happy to hear that this recorder is not just dedicated to YouTube platform only rather it can also work perfectly with Grooveshark, Jango, and Spotify. Below are few simple steps that you can use to complete the audio recording task with Streaming Audio Recorder:

• Go to the internet and download Streaming Audio Recorder. Install and open the program.
• Hit gear icon on the main interface and then move to settings. Set source of the audio input as System Sound.
• Start playing your desired YouTube video and on recorder, hit the record button instantly.
• As soon as the recording task is complete, hit the Stop button and your recorded audio will be soon saved to the targeted folder.

Recommended: Record Audio and Save to MP3 Format with Wondershare Filmora

You can also use Filmora to record your YouTube audio and then save the recorded audio or the video to MP3 format at exporting and then you can listen to the recorded audio and music even when there is no network connection.

With these advanced tools, the audio recording task becomes quite simple and easy. Even beginners can handle with without any trouble. If you are interested to capture your favorite tracks from online videos, it is right time to choose any of the above suitable methods and start recording your audio.

You can change the voice in audio , or add fade in and fade out effects, or edit the recorded audio file with more tools. The recorded media files can be further customized as well as shared on other social media platforms. It is a great idea for today’s creative young generation. These handy tools can make your audio recording task quite easier and resultant files can be saved in a variety of file formats for further sharing.

If you want to edit the record audio further, like adjust the audio pitch, remove background noise, mix the audio balance, equalize the audio, you can also try Filmora. It allows you to record the audio, webcam and desktop screen automatically . And it works on 64-bit Windows7/8/10, and Mac OS X 10.11 El Capitan and late.

Max Wales

Max Wales is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Max Wales

The Journey of a YouTube Video From Creation to Live Streaming

How Does YouTube Work After a Video Is Uploaded

Richard Bennett

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

You use YouTube to watch videos, post your own content, and build up a following. That is how YouTube works for you. This article is about how YouTube works technically. There are a lot of steps which occur between you clicking ‘upload’ and a viewer clicking ‘play’. Understanding this process can be useful to YouTubers because it can help shed light on where problems may be occurring when you have issues uploading or watching videos. Generally when there is a problem it is on your end and there are multiple simple things you can do to fix it.

This article will explain what goes on behind the scenes when you upload a video, where that video really goes, and what happens when somebody clicks play.

How Does YouTube Work

1. What Happens When You Upload?

When you upload a video your computer or device packages it into IP packets. Packets are fragments of information containing both data from your video and the address you are sending it to, in this case YouTube. The packets are encoded into radio signals which are sent through a wifi or cellular network. Your video travels through switches and routers on the internet until they reach YouTube’s servers. Your video is then reassembled and stored.

If uploading takes a long time for you it probably has nothing to do with YouTube; there is a lot that needs to happen for your video to even get there. How long the upload process takes depends on a number of factors including how many devices share your internet connection, how strong your wifi signal is, and the age of your router. If your uploads are taking too long consider compressing your videos before you upload them. You can also try uploading from your college campus or public libraries as institutions like these tend to have fast internet speeds.

2. Where is Your Video Stored?

As it is owned by Google YouTube uses Google’s ‘Bigtable’, a compressed data storage system which allows it to store the 500+ hours of video uploaded to its servers every minute. Bigtable is software, though, not hardware. YouTube and Google both have massive amounts of data and it needs to be physically housed somewhere.

Google has Modular Data Centers all over the world where it keeps its servers. These centers could cost as much as $600 million dollars each and consume huge amounts of electricity. There are six of them in the United States, three in Europe, two in Asia, and one is South America.

3. What Happens When Someone Watches Your Video?

When a viewer clicks on your video their computer sends an encoded request through the internet to YouTube’s servers. After YouTube receives the play request it chooses which format to play the video in based on the viewer’s browser. Your video is again turned into packets, which are again sent as radio signals over the internet to your viewer. Your viewer’s computer or device reforms the packets into your video and their browser plays it.

If videos take a long time to load for you then there are a few things you can do to speed them up. First, consider changing the channel of your wifi router. Most people stay on the channel their router was set to when they first got it and so there is a good chance you and your neighbors are all on the same channel. This causes your networks to interfere with each other. You can also delete the temporary files on your computer. Besides helping you stream video faster this will free up storage space. Another thing you can do is make sure there are as few devices connected to your network as possible while you are watching videos. Besides mobile phones and laptops you may have appliances, like coffee machines and refrigerators, which are wifi enabled. Disconnect them temporarily and it will help your videos to load faster.

Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

You use YouTube to watch videos, post your own content, and build up a following. That is how YouTube works for you. This article is about how YouTube works technically. There are a lot of steps which occur between you clicking ‘upload’ and a viewer clicking ‘play’. Understanding this process can be useful to YouTubers because it can help shed light on where problems may be occurring when you have issues uploading or watching videos. Generally when there is a problem it is on your end and there are multiple simple things you can do to fix it.

This article will explain what goes on behind the scenes when you upload a video, where that video really goes, and what happens when somebody clicks play.

How Does YouTube Work

1. What Happens When You Upload?

When you upload a video your computer or device packages it into IP packets. Packets are fragments of information containing both data from your video and the address you are sending it to, in this case YouTube. The packets are encoded into radio signals which are sent through a wifi or cellular network. Your video travels through switches and routers on the internet until they reach YouTube’s servers. Your video is then reassembled and stored.

If uploading takes a long time for you it probably has nothing to do with YouTube; there is a lot that needs to happen for your video to even get there. How long the upload process takes depends on a number of factors including how many devices share your internet connection, how strong your wifi signal is, and the age of your router. If your uploads are taking too long consider compressing your videos before you upload them. You can also try uploading from your college campus or public libraries as institutions like these tend to have fast internet speeds.

2. Where is Your Video Stored?

As it is owned by Google YouTube uses Google’s ‘Bigtable’, a compressed data storage system which allows it to store the 500+ hours of video uploaded to its servers every minute. Bigtable is software, though, not hardware. YouTube and Google both have massive amounts of data and it needs to be physically housed somewhere.

Google has Modular Data Centers all over the world where it keeps its servers. These centers could cost as much as $600 million dollars each and consume huge amounts of electricity. There are six of them in the United States, three in Europe, two in Asia, and one is South America.

3. What Happens When Someone Watches Your Video?

When a viewer clicks on your video their computer sends an encoded request through the internet to YouTube’s servers. After YouTube receives the play request it chooses which format to play the video in based on the viewer’s browser. Your video is again turned into packets, which are again sent as radio signals over the internet to your viewer. Your viewer’s computer or device reforms the packets into your video and their browser plays it.

If videos take a long time to load for you then there are a few things you can do to speed them up. First, consider changing the channel of your wifi router. Most people stay on the channel their router was set to when they first got it and so there is a good chance you and your neighbors are all on the same channel. This causes your networks to interfere with each other. You can also delete the temporary files on your computer. Besides helping you stream video faster this will free up storage space. Another thing you can do is make sure there are as few devices connected to your network as possible while you are watching videos. Besides mobile phones and laptops you may have appliances, like coffee machines and refrigerators, which are wifi enabled. Disconnect them temporarily and it will help your videos to load faster.

Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

You use YouTube to watch videos, post your own content, and build up a following. That is how YouTube works for you. This article is about how YouTube works technically. There are a lot of steps which occur between you clicking ‘upload’ and a viewer clicking ‘play’. Understanding this process can be useful to YouTubers because it can help shed light on where problems may be occurring when you have issues uploading or watching videos. Generally when there is a problem it is on your end and there are multiple simple things you can do to fix it.

This article will explain what goes on behind the scenes when you upload a video, where that video really goes, and what happens when somebody clicks play.

How Does YouTube Work

1. What Happens When You Upload?

When you upload a video your computer or device packages it into IP packets. Packets are fragments of information containing both data from your video and the address you are sending it to, in this case YouTube. The packets are encoded into radio signals which are sent through a wifi or cellular network. Your video travels through switches and routers on the internet until they reach YouTube’s servers. Your video is then reassembled and stored.

If uploading takes a long time for you it probably has nothing to do with YouTube; there is a lot that needs to happen for your video to even get there. How long the upload process takes depends on a number of factors including how many devices share your internet connection, how strong your wifi signal is, and the age of your router. If your uploads are taking too long consider compressing your videos before you upload them. You can also try uploading from your college campus or public libraries as institutions like these tend to have fast internet speeds.

2. Where is Your Video Stored?

As it is owned by Google YouTube uses Google’s ‘Bigtable’, a compressed data storage system which allows it to store the 500+ hours of video uploaded to its servers every minute. Bigtable is software, though, not hardware. YouTube and Google both have massive amounts of data and it needs to be physically housed somewhere.

Google has Modular Data Centers all over the world where it keeps its servers. These centers could cost as much as $600 million dollars each and consume huge amounts of electricity. There are six of them in the United States, three in Europe, two in Asia, and one is South America.

3. What Happens When Someone Watches Your Video?

When a viewer clicks on your video their computer sends an encoded request through the internet to YouTube’s servers. After YouTube receives the play request it chooses which format to play the video in based on the viewer’s browser. Your video is again turned into packets, which are again sent as radio signals over the internet to your viewer. Your viewer’s computer or device reforms the packets into your video and their browser plays it.

If videos take a long time to load for you then there are a few things you can do to speed them up. First, consider changing the channel of your wifi router. Most people stay on the channel their router was set to when they first got it and so there is a good chance you and your neighbors are all on the same channel. This causes your networks to interfere with each other. You can also delete the temporary files on your computer. Besides helping you stream video faster this will free up storage space. Another thing you can do is make sure there are as few devices connected to your network as possible while you are watching videos. Besides mobile phones and laptops you may have appliances, like coffee machines and refrigerators, which are wifi enabled. Disconnect them temporarily and it will help your videos to load faster.

Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

You use YouTube to watch videos, post your own content, and build up a following. That is how YouTube works for you. This article is about how YouTube works technically. There are a lot of steps which occur between you clicking ‘upload’ and a viewer clicking ‘play’. Understanding this process can be useful to YouTubers because it can help shed light on where problems may be occurring when you have issues uploading or watching videos. Generally when there is a problem it is on your end and there are multiple simple things you can do to fix it.

This article will explain what goes on behind the scenes when you upload a video, where that video really goes, and what happens when somebody clicks play.

How Does YouTube Work

1. What Happens When You Upload?

When you upload a video your computer or device packages it into IP packets. Packets are fragments of information containing both data from your video and the address you are sending it to, in this case YouTube. The packets are encoded into radio signals which are sent through a wifi or cellular network. Your video travels through switches and routers on the internet until they reach YouTube’s servers. Your video is then reassembled and stored.

If uploading takes a long time for you it probably has nothing to do with YouTube; there is a lot that needs to happen for your video to even get there. How long the upload process takes depends on a number of factors including how many devices share your internet connection, how strong your wifi signal is, and the age of your router. If your uploads are taking too long consider compressing your videos before you upload them. You can also try uploading from your college campus or public libraries as institutions like these tend to have fast internet speeds.

2. Where is Your Video Stored?

As it is owned by Google YouTube uses Google’s ‘Bigtable’, a compressed data storage system which allows it to store the 500+ hours of video uploaded to its servers every minute. Bigtable is software, though, not hardware. YouTube and Google both have massive amounts of data and it needs to be physically housed somewhere.

Google has Modular Data Centers all over the world where it keeps its servers. These centers could cost as much as $600 million dollars each and consume huge amounts of electricity. There are six of them in the United States, three in Europe, two in Asia, and one is South America.

3. What Happens When Someone Watches Your Video?

When a viewer clicks on your video their computer sends an encoded request through the internet to YouTube’s servers. After YouTube receives the play request it chooses which format to play the video in based on the viewer’s browser. Your video is again turned into packets, which are again sent as radio signals over the internet to your viewer. Your viewer’s computer or device reforms the packets into your video and their browser plays it.

If videos take a long time to load for you then there are a few things you can do to speed them up. First, consider changing the channel of your wifi router. Most people stay on the channel their router was set to when they first got it and so there is a good chance you and your neighbors are all on the same channel. This causes your networks to interfere with each other. You can also delete the temporary files on your computer. Besides helping you stream video faster this will free up storage space. Another thing you can do is make sure there are as few devices connected to your network as possible while you are watching videos. Besides mobile phones and laptops you may have appliances, like coffee machines and refrigerators, which are wifi enabled. Disconnect them temporarily and it will help your videos to load faster.

Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Richard Bennett

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