Download Bilibili Music & Audio: Free & Fast Methods

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Okay, here’s a very detailed article (approximately 5000 words) about downloading Bilibili music and audio, covering various methods, legal considerations, and troubleshooting:

Download Bilibili Music & Audio: Free & Fast Methods (A Comprehensive Guide)

Introduction

Bilibili, often dubbed the “Chinese YouTube,” is a massive video-sharing platform immensely popular in China and gaining traction worldwide. While primarily known for its anime, comics, and games (ACG) content, Bilibili also hosts a vast library of music, including original soundtracks, fan-made covers, vocaloid compositions, live performances, and much more. Many users find themselves wanting to download this audio content for offline listening, creating playlists, or using it in their own projects (with proper attribution, of course).

This comprehensive guide will explore various methods for downloading music and audio from Bilibili, ranging from browser extensions and dedicated software to online converters and even more technical approaches. We’ll cover both free and (potentially) paid options, discuss their pros and cons, and address the crucial legal and ethical considerations involved. Finally, we’ll troubleshoot common issues and provide tips for optimizing your downloads.

Important Disclaimer: Copyright and Fair Use

Before we delve into the methods, it’s absolutely essential to address the legal aspects of downloading content from Bilibili. Copyright law protects the vast majority of music and audio on the platform. Downloading and distributing copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder is illegal in most jurisdictions.

This guide is for informational purposes only and should not be used to infringe on copyright. We strongly encourage you to:

  • Prioritize legally downloading music: If the music is available for purchase or through legitimate streaming services (like Spotify, Apple Music, etc.), supporting the artists and creators by using those platforms is the best approach.
  • Understand Fair Use: In some limited circumstances, “fair use” may apply. This generally allows for the use of copyrighted material for purposes like criticism, commentary, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research. However, fair use is a complex legal concept, and it’s often determined on a case-by-case basis. Using downloaded audio for personal, non-commercial listening is more likely to fall under fair use than redistributing it or using it in a commercial project.
  • Seek Permission: If you intend to use downloaded audio in a way that might not be considered fair use (e.g., in a YouTube video, a game, a podcast), always try to obtain explicit permission from the copyright holder. Bilibili often provides contact information for uploaders or links to official sources.
  • Respect Uploader Restrictions: Some Bilibili uploaders explicitly state whether or not they allow downloads. Always respect their wishes.

We are not responsible for any legal consequences resulting from the misuse of the information provided in this guide.

Methods for Downloading Bilibili Music & Audio

Now, let’s explore the various methods for downloading audio from Bilibili. We’ll categorize them for clarity:

1. Browser Extensions (Easiest & Often Free)

Browser extensions are generally the most user-friendly way to download Bilibili content. They integrate directly into your web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc.) and often provide a simple download button or menu option on Bilibili video pages.

  • Pros:

    • Easy to install and use.
    • Often free.
    • Seamless integration with the browser.
    • Can often download videos as well as audio.
    • May support multiple quality options.

  • Cons:

    • Extension availability and functionality can change frequently (due to Bilibili updates or browser policies).
    • Some extensions may collect user data (read the privacy policy carefully).
    • Reliability can vary.
    • May not support all Bilibili video types or features.

Popular Browser Extensions (Examples – Availability May Vary):

  • Bilibili Evolved (Highly Recommended): This is a powerful, open-source extension specifically designed for enhancing the Bilibili experience. It’s available for Chrome and Firefox (and potentially other Chromium-based browsers). It offers a wide range of features, including:

    • Audio-only Download: Allows you to directly download the audio track of a video in various formats (like MP3, M4A).
    • High-Quality Downloads: Often supports downloading audio in the highest available quality.
    • Batch Downloads: Can download multiple videos or audio tracks from a playlist or user’s uploads.
    • Customizable Settings: Offers extensive options for configuring download behavior, file naming, and more.
    • Other Enhancements: Provides many other features beyond downloading, such as improved video player controls, comment filtering, and theme customization.

    How to Use Bilibili Evolved (General Steps):
    1. Install the Extension: Find the extension in your browser’s extension store (Chrome Web Store, Firefox Add-ons). Search for “Bilibili Evolved.”
    2. Navigate to a Bilibili Video: Go to the Bilibili video page containing the audio you want.
    3. Locate the Download Button: Bilibili Evolved usually adds a download button or menu near the video player. Look for an audio-specific download option (e.g., “Download Audio,” “音频下载”).
    4. Choose Format and Quality: Select your desired audio format (MP3, M4A, etc.) and quality level (if available).
    5. Start the Download: Click the download button to begin.

  • Video DownloadHelper (General Purpose): This is a popular, general-purpose video download extension that often works with Bilibili. It’s available for Chrome and Firefox. While not specifically tailored for Bilibili, it can often detect and download audio streams.

    How to Use Video DownloadHelper (General Steps):
    1. Install the Extension: Find it in your browser’s extension store.
    2. Navigate to a Bilibili Video: Go to the video page.
    3. Click the Extension Icon: Click the Video DownloadHelper icon in your browser’s toolbar.
    4. Select the Audio Stream: The extension will list available video and audio streams. Look for an audio-only stream (often labeled with an audio icon or file extension like .m4a or .mp3).
    5. Choose Download Options: Select any available quality or format options.
    6. Start the Download: Click the download button or arrow next to the desired stream.

  • Other Extensions: Search your browser’s extension store for terms like “Bilibili downloader,” “video downloader,” or “Bilibili helper.” Read reviews and check the permissions carefully before installing any extension.

Important Notes on Browser Extensions:

  • Keep Extensions Updated: Browser extensions are frequently updated to maintain compatibility with Bilibili and address security concerns. Make sure your extensions are up-to-date.
  • Check Permissions: Before installing any extension, carefully review the permissions it requests. Some extensions may request access to your browsing history, data on all websites, or other sensitive information. Only grant permissions to extensions you trust.
  • Beware of Malicious Extensions: Unfortunately, some extensions can be malicious and may contain malware or steal your data. Stick to well-known and reputable extensions with positive reviews.
  • Extension Conflicts: If you have multiple video download extensions installed, they may conflict with each other. Try disabling other extensions if you’re having trouble.

2. Dedicated Download Software (More Features & Control)

Dedicated download software provides more advanced features and control compared to browser extensions. These programs are typically installed on your computer (Windows, macOS, Linux) and offer a separate interface for managing downloads.

  • Pros:

    • More robust and reliable than browser extensions.
    • Often support batch downloads, download queues, and scheduling.
    • May offer advanced features like format conversion, video editing, and subtitle downloading.
    • Less likely to be affected by browser updates.

  • Cons:

    • Require installation on your computer.
    • Some software may be paid or have limitations in the free version.
    • Can be more complex to use than browser extensions.

Popular Download Software (Examples):

  • JDownloader 2 (Highly Recommended): This is a powerful, free, and open-source download manager that supports a wide range of websites, including Bilibili. It’s highly configurable and offers excellent features for managing downloads.

    How to Use JDownloader 2 (General Steps):
    1. Download and Install: Download JDownloader 2 from its official website and install it on your computer.
    2. Copy the Bilibili Video URL: Copy the URL of the Bilibili video page.
    3. Add the Link to JDownloader: JDownloader 2 often automatically detects copied links. If not, click the “Add New Links” button and paste the URL.
    4. Link Grabber: JDownloader will analyze the link and display available download options (video and audio).
    5. Select Audio: Choose the audio stream you want to download (look for .m4a, .mp3, or similar).
    6. Start the Download: Right-click on the selected audio stream and choose “Start Downloads.”

  • youtube-dl (Command-Line Tool – Advanced): This is a powerful, command-line tool that can download videos and audio from a vast number of websites, including Bilibili. It’s highly versatile and customizable, but it requires some familiarity with the command line. It’s available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

    • Note: While the name includes “youtube,” it works with many other sites, including Bilibili.
    • Note: youtube-dl is no longer actively maintained. A fork called yt-dlp is recommended as a more up-to-date alternative. The instructions below apply to both, but you should replace youtube-dl with yt-dlp when using the latter.

    How to Use youtube-dl/yt-dlp (General Steps):
    1. Install youtube-dl/yt-dlp: Follow the installation instructions for your operating system (usually involves using a package manager like pip for Python or brew for macOS).
    2. Open a Command Prompt/Terminal: Open a command prompt (Windows) or terminal window (macOS, Linux).
    3. Use the Command: Use the following command structure:
    bash
    youtube-dl -x --audio-format mp3 <Bilibili_Video_URL>
    * -x: Extracts the audio.
    * --audio-format mp3: Specifies the desired audio format (you can use other formats like m4a, opus, etc.).
    * <Bilibili_Video_URL>: Replace this with the actual URL of the Bilibili video.

    **Example:**
```bash
yt-dlp -x --audio-format mp3 https://www.bilibili.com/video/BVxxxxxxxxxx
```
    1. Download: The audio will be downloaded to your current directory.

    Advanced youtube-dl/yt-dlp Options:

    • -f bestaudio: Downloads the best available audio quality.
    • --audio-quality <quality>: Specifies the audio quality (e.g., --audio-quality 0 for best, --audio-quality 9 for worst).
    • --output <filename>: Specifies the output filename (e.g., --output "my_song.mp3").
    • --playlist-start <number> and --playlist-end <number>: Downloads a specific range of videos from a playlist.

  • 4K Video Downloader (Paid with Free Trial): This is a commercial video downloader that supports Bilibili and offers a user-friendly interface. It has a free trial with limitations (e.g., number of downloads, playlist support).

  • Other Download Software: Explore other video download managers and see if they support Bilibili. Always download software from reputable sources.

3. Online Converters (Convenient but with Limitations)

Online converters are web-based tools that allow you to paste a Bilibili video URL and download the audio (or video). They don’t require any software installation.

  • Pros:

    • No software installation required.
    • Accessible from any device with a web browser.
    • Often free (but may have limitations).

  • Cons:

    • Can be less reliable than dedicated software or extensions.
    • Often have download limits (file size, number of downloads).
    • May have intrusive ads or pop-ups.
    • Privacy concerns: Your download requests are processed on their servers.
    • May not support high-quality downloads.
    • Slower download speeds compared to other methods.

How to Use Online Converters (General Steps):

  1. Find a Bilibili Online Converter: Search online for “Bilibili audio downloader” or “Bilibili to MP3 converter.” Be cautious and choose a reputable site (read reviews if possible).
  2. Copy the Bilibili Video URL: Copy the URL of the Bilibili video.
  3. Paste the URL: Paste the URL into the converter’s input field.
  4. Choose Format and Quality: Select your desired audio format (usually MP3) and quality (if available).
  5. Start the Conversion/Download: Click the “Convert” or “Download” button.
  6. Download the File: Once the conversion is complete, you’ll usually be provided with a download link.

Important Notes on Online Converters:

  • Be Very Cautious: Online converters can be risky. Some may contain malware or redirect you to malicious websites. Stick to well-known and reputable sites.
  • Check for Ads and Pop-ups: Be prepared for ads and pop-ups. Avoid clicking on anything suspicious.
  • Read the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy: Understand how the site handles your data.
  • Don’t Expect High Quality: Online converters often compress audio, resulting in lower quality.

4. Mobile Apps (for Android and iOS)

Several mobile apps claim to download Bilibili videos and audio. However, the availability and functionality of these apps can vary greatly, and they often face restrictions from app stores.

  • Pros:

    • Convenient for downloading on mobile devices.

  • Cons:

    • App availability and functionality can change frequently.
    • Many apps may be unreliable or contain ads.
    • May require granting extensive permissions.
    • Can be difficult to find trustworthy apps.
    • iOS apps are generally more restricted than Android apps.

General Tips for Mobile Apps:

  • Android: You may be able to find APK files (Android application packages) for Bilibili downloaders online. However, be extremely cautious when downloading APKs from sources outside the Google Play Store, as they can contain malware. Only download from trusted sources. You might need to enable “Install unknown apps” in your Android settings.
  • iOS: Finding reliable Bilibili downloaders on iOS is more challenging due to Apple’s stricter app policies. You may need to use a workaround like a file manager app that supports downloading from URLs. Jailbreaking your device is not recommended as it voids your warranty and can expose your device to security risks.

5. Screen Recording (Last Resort)

If all other methods fail, you can use screen recording software to capture the audio playing on your computer. This is a last resort because:

  • Lower Quality: The audio quality will be limited by your system’s audio recording capabilities.
  • Requires Real-Time Playback: You need to play the entire audio track while recording.
  • May Capture Other Sounds: You need to ensure that no other sounds are playing on your computer during the recording.

How to Screen Record Audio:

  1. Use Screen Recording Software: Windows has a built-in Game Bar (Win + G) that can record audio. macOS has QuickTime Player, which can record audio from your screen. There are also many third-party screen recording applications available.
  2. Configure Audio Input: Make sure your screen recording software is set to record system audio (not microphone input).
  3. Play the Bilibili Audio: Start playing the audio on Bilibili.
  4. Start Recording: Start the screen recording.
  5. Stop Recording: Stop the recording when the audio is finished.
  6. Edit (Optional): You may need to use audio editing software (like Audacity) to trim the beginning and end of the recording and remove any unwanted sounds.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • Download Fails or Errors:

    • Check Your Internet Connection: Make sure you have a stable internet connection.
    • Try a Different Method: If one method doesn’t work, try another.
    • Update Software/Extensions: Ensure your browser, extensions, and download software are up-to-date.
    • Clear Browser Cache and Cookies: Sometimes cached data can interfere with downloads.
    • Disable VPN or Proxy (Temporarily): VPNs or proxies can sometimes cause issues with downloading.
    • Check Bilibili’s Status: Bilibili may be experiencing temporary downtime or issues.
    • Firewall/Antivirus: Your firewall or antivirus software might be blocking the download. Temporarily disable them (with caution) to see if it resolves the issue.

  • Low Audio Quality:

    • Choose a Higher Quality Option: If available, select a higher quality setting in the download options.
    • Use a Different Method: Some methods (like online converters) may compress audio more than others.
    • Check the Source Quality: The original audio on Bilibili may be low quality.

  • Downloaded File Doesn’t Play:

    • Check the File Format: Make sure your media player supports the downloaded file format (e.g., MP3, M4A).
    • Try a Different Media Player: Some media players may have better compatibility with certain file formats.
    • Re-download the File: The file may have been corrupted during download.

  • Bilibili Blocks Downloads:

    • Use a Different Method: Bilibili may be actively blocking certain download methods.
    • Wait and try later: Sometimes, Bilibili’s anti-download measures might be temporarily disabled.

  • Extension/Software not working:

    • Check for updates: The extension/software provider might have released an update to fix the issues with Bilibili’s latest changes.
    • Look for alternative: There are many alternative extensions and software available. Try a few different options until you find one that works reliably.
    • Contact the developer: The extension or software developer might be able to provide support or information about known issues.

Advanced Tips

  • Use a Download Manager: A download manager (like JDownloader 2) can help you manage multiple downloads, resume interrupted downloads, and schedule downloads.
  • Download Playlists: Many downloaders support downloading entire Bilibili playlists. Look for a “playlist download” option.
  • Convert Audio Formats: If you need to convert the downloaded audio to a different format, you can use audio editing software (like Audacity) or online converters.
  • Organize Your Downloads: Create folders to organize your downloaded audio files.
  • Use a VPN (with caution): A VPN might help bypass regional restrictions, but it could also slow down your download speeds. Be aware that using a VPN to circumvent copyright restrictions is still illegal.

Conclusion

Downloading music and audio from Bilibili can be achieved through various methods, each with its own pros and cons. Browser extensions like Bilibili Evolved offer a convenient and often free solution, while dedicated download software like JDownloader 2 provides more advanced features. Online converters are an option for quick downloads, but they come with limitations and potential risks. Remember to always prioritize legal and ethical considerations, respect copyright laws, and seek permission when necessary. This guide has provided you with the tools and knowledge to download Bilibili audio responsibly and efficiently. Choose the method that best suits your needs and technical skills, and always be mindful of the legal implications.

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