The phrase represents the action of obtaining audio files, specifically in the MP3 format, from the video-sharing platform YouTube. It describes the process where a user extracts the sound component from a YouTube video and saves it as a separate audio file. For instance, someone might use a tool or service described by the phrase to create an MP3 of a song available on YouTube.
This capability provides flexibility in consuming content. Instead of being restricted to viewing videos on YouTube’s platform, users can listen to the audio separately, such as on portable music players or in situations where video playback is impractical. The practice has become widespread due to the large volume of audio-based content hosted on YouTube, ranging from music and podcasts to lectures and audiobooks. Historically, various software and online services have emerged to facilitate this extraction process.