The phrase refers to the practice of acquiring audio files in MP3 format from the YouTube platform, specifically targeting musical content. This involves extracting the audio track from a YouTube video containing a song and saving it as a separate MP3 file. For example, if an individual enjoys a particular piece of music hosted on YouTube, they might seek to save it locally as an MP3 for offline listening.
The popularity of this activity stems from several factors. It provides access to a vast library of music content available on YouTube, allows for offline enjoyment without requiring an internet connection, and enables the creation of personalized music collections. Historically, the availability of tools and platforms facilitating this conversion has contributed to its widespread adoption, despite potential copyright implications that vary by jurisdiction and the terms of use of both YouTube and the specific music.