Okay, here is the detailed article on the best ways to get MP3 files from Bilibili, aiming for approximately 5000 words.

The Comprehensive Guide: Best Ways to Get MP3 Files from Bilibili

Bilibili (often affectionately nicknamed “B站” or “B Site” by its users) has exploded in popularity, evolving from a niche ACG (Anime, Comic, and Game) focused platform into a vast universe of user-generated content. It hosts everything from professional animations and documentaries to fan-made music covers, original compositions, podcasts, lectures, audio dramas, and captivating background music (BGM) within videos. Given this rich audio landscape, it’s no surprise that many users find themselves wanting to extract just the audio track from Bilibili videos, saving them as MP3 files for offline listening, personal compilations, or study purposes.

However, Bilibili is primarily a video streaming platform. It doesn’t offer a native, built-in function to directly download content, let alone extract audio into MP3 format. This necessitates exploring third-party methods and tools. This guide provides a detailed exploration of the various techniques available, ranging from simple online converters to more sophisticated desktop software and even advanced command-line tools.

We will delve into the pros and cons of each method, provide step-by-step instructions where applicable, and crucially, discuss the essential safety, ethical, and legal considerations involved. Extracting audio content requires navigating a landscape potentially fraught with security risks and copyright issues, so proceeding with caution and awareness is paramount.

Before We Begin: A Crucial Disclaimer on Legality and Ethics

It is absolutely essential to address the legal and ethical implications before diving into the methods.

Copyright Law: Most content on Bilibili, including the audio tracks within videos, is protected by copyright. The creators (uploaders, musicians, voice actors, etc.) hold the rights to their work. Downloading or extracting this audio without explicit permission from the copyright holder can constitute copyright infringement, which is illegal in most countries.
Bilibili’s Terms of Service: Like most online platforms, Bilibili’s Terms of Service generally prohibit downloading content through unauthorized means. Using third-party tools to circumvent their streaming-only model technically violates these terms. While enforcement against individual users for personal downloading is rare, it’s important to be aware of this violation.
Respect for Creators: Creators invest significant time, effort, and often money into producing content. Downloading their audio without permission deprives them of potential views, engagement (likes, comments, shares), and potentially monetization opportunities on the platform. Whenever possible, support creators through official channels – watch their videos on Bilibili, subscribe, like, comment, share, and support any official merchandise or music releases they might have.
Permitted Use: This guide is provided for informational purposes only. Any downloading or audio extraction should strictly be for personal, private, offline use. Never re-upload, distribute, share, monetize, or publicly perform downloaded audio content without obtaining explicit licenses or permissions from the copyright holders. Assume all content is copyrighted unless explicitly stated otherwise (e.g., under a Creative Commons license that permits such use).

By proceeding with any of the methods described below, you acknowledge these risks and responsibilities and agree to use these techniques ethically and legally, respecting copyright and Bilibili’s terms.

Why Extract MP3s from Bilibili? Common Use Cases

Understanding why users seek MP3s helps contextualize the various methods:

Music: Bilibili is a treasure trove for music lovers. This includes:
- Fan Covers: Talented users covering popular songs (J-Pop, K-Pop, C-Pop, Anime OPs/EDs, game soundtracks).
- Original Music: Independent musicians and bands uploading their original compositions.
- Vocaloid/UTAU: A huge community creating music using synthesized vocal software.
- Background Music (BGM): Identifying and saving catchy BGM from vlogs, tutorials, or gaming videos.
- Live Performance Recordings: Capturing audio from live music streams or concert recordings uploaded by fans or official channels.
Educational Content:
- Lectures & Talks: Saving academic lectures, language learning lessons, or informative talks for offline study.
- Podcasts & Interviews: Extracting audio from video podcasts or interviews hosted on the platform.
Audio Dramas & Storytelling: Listening to serialized audio dramas or narrated stories without needing the video component.
Sound Effects & Ambiance: Content creators might want specific sound effects or ambient tracks used in videos for their own projects (though licensing is crucial here).
Language Learning: Saving dialogues, pronunciation guides, or listening comprehension exercises.
Convenience: Listening to audio content on the go, during commutes, or while exercising, without needing the Bilibili app open or consuming mobile data for video streaming.

Now, let’s explore the methods available to achieve this.

Method 1: Online Bilibili to MP3 Converters (Web-Based Tools)

These are often the first port of call for many users due to their apparent simplicity. These websites allow you to paste a Bilibili video URL, and they process the video on their servers to extract the audio and offer it as an MP3 download.

How They Work (Conceptually):
You provide the URL. The website’s server accesses the Bilibili video page, identifies the underlying video stream(s), downloads the video data (or just the audio stream if possible), converts the audio track to MP3 format (often re-encoding it), and then provides you with a download link for the resulting MP3 file.

Pros:

Accessibility: Can be used from any device with a web browser (Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS).
No Installation Required: No need to install any software on your computer or phone.
Simplicity (Superficial): The core process (paste URL, click convert) seems straightforward.
Free (Usually): Most of these services are free to use, supported by advertising.

Cons:

Security Risks (Major Concern): This is the biggest drawback. These websites are often riddled with:
- Aggressive Advertising: Intrusive pop-ups, banner ads, and potentially malicious ads (malvertising).
- Misleading Buttons: Fake “Download” or “Start” buttons that lead to unrelated software, scams, or malware installers.
- Redirects: Automatically redirecting you to phishing sites, adult content, or scam pages.
- Potential Malware: The downloaded file itself could theoretically be compromised, although the primary risk is often from the ads and redirects on the site.
Reliability Issues: Bilibili frequently updates its site structure and video delivery methods. Online converters often break and may take time to be updated (if ever). A tool that works today might not work tomorrow.
Quality Limitations:
- Re-encoding: Most online tools re-encode the audio, which can lead to a loss of quality compared to the original source.
- Limited Bitrate Options: You might not be able to choose the desired audio quality (e.g., 128kbps, 192kbps, 320kbps), often defaulting to a lower quality.
- Variable Source Quality: Bilibili itself hosts videos with varying audio quality. The converter cannot improve upon the source.
Privacy Concerns: You are trusting a third-party website with the URLs you are accessing. Some sites might log user activity.
Limited Features: Usually lack batch downloading, playlist support, or advanced format/quality controls.
Server Load & Speed: Conversion speed can be slow depending on the website’s server load and the length/size of the Bilibili video.
File Size Limits: Some sites may impose limits on the duration or file size of the videos they can process.

Step-by-Step Guide (General Process for Online Converters):

Find a Bilibili Video: Open Bilibili in your web browser and navigate to the video page you want the audio from.
Copy the URL: Select the full URL from your browser’s address bar (it should look something like https://www.bilibili.com/video/BVxxxxxxxxx/). Right-click and choose “Copy” or use Ctrl+C (Cmd+C on Mac).
Find an Online Converter: Search cautiously (e.g., “Bilibili to MP3 converter online”). Be extremely critical of the search results. Look for reviews or recommendations from trusted tech sources if possible, but be aware that many review sites promote questionable tools. Exercise extreme caution when visiting these sites.
Paste the URL: On the converter website, find the input box (usually prominently displayed) and paste the copied Bilibili URL (Right-click > Paste or Ctrl+V / Cmd+V).
Select Output Format (MP3): Ensure MP3 is selected as the desired output format. Some sites might offer other audio formats (M4A, AAC, WAV, etc.).
Choose Quality (If Available): If the site offers quality options (e.g., 128kbps, 256kbps, 320kbps), select the highest available quality if you trust the site and need better fidelity. Be aware that higher quality means larger file sizes.
Initiate Conversion: Click the “Convert,” “Download,” “Start,” or similar button. Be very careful here! Ensure you are clicking the correct button and not an advertisement disguised as one. Hover over buttons to see the link destination in your browser’s status bar if possible. Close any pop-up windows or new tabs that open unexpectedly.
Wait for Processing: The website will process the video. This might take a few seconds to several minutes depending on the video length and server load. You might see a progress bar.
Download the MP3: Once processing is complete, a download link or button for the MP3 file should appear. Again, click carefully, avoiding ads. The MP3 file should start downloading to your computer or device.
Scan the Downloaded File: It’s highly recommended to scan the downloaded MP3 file with reputable antivirus/antimalware software before opening it, just in case.

Verdict on Online Converters: Use with extreme caution and only as a last resort or for occasional, non-critical downloads. The security risks are significant. Never download any executable files (.exe, .dmg, .apk) offered by these sites. Stick strictly to the MP3 download link if you choose to proceed.

Method 2: Desktop Software (Download Managers & Converters)

Dedicated desktop applications offer a more robust, feature-rich, and potentially safer way to download Bilibili videos and convert them to MP3. These programs are installed directly onto your Windows PC or Mac.

How They Work (Conceptually):
These applications often integrate more sophisticated downloading engines capable of handling various streaming protocols and site structures. They download the video file (or sometimes directly the audio stream if the site structure allows) to your computer locally. Many include built-in conversion tools that allow you to extract the audio and save it as MP3 or other formats, often with more control over quality settings.

Pros:

Enhanced Features: Often support:
- Batch Downloading: Queue multiple videos for download and conversion.
- Playlist/Channel Downloading: Download entire playlists or multiple videos from a user’s channel (use responsibly!).
- Higher Quality Options: More control over MP3 bitrate (up to 320kbps or even lossless formats if available in the source), sample rate, etc.
- Format Variety: Convert to various audio and video formats beyond MP3.
- Subtitle Downloads: Some can also download available subtitles.
- Built-in Browser/Search: Some apps let you search for Bilibili videos directly within the interface.
- Speed Acceleration: May use multiple connections to speed up downloads.
Potentially Safer: If downloaded from a reputable source (official website of a well-known developer), the risk of malware bundled with the installer is lower than navigating ad-filled online converter sites. However, vigilance is still required.
Reliability: Dedicated software is often updated more frequently to keep pace with changes on Bilibili, making it more reliable long-term than online tools.
Offline Conversion: The conversion process happens locally on your machine, not relying on potentially slow or overloaded web servers.
No Browser Clutter: Avoids the intrusive ads and redirects common with online tools.

Cons:

Installation Required: Needs to be installed on your computer, taking up disk space.
Platform Specific: Usually designed for either Windows or macOS, not universally accessible like web tools.
Potential Cost: While some good free options exist (often open-source), many feature-rich desktop downloaders are paid software (either one-time purchase or subscription).
Learning Curve: Can be slightly more complex to use initially compared to the simple paste-and-click of online converters.
Resource Usage: Can consume CPU and RAM during download and conversion processes.
Finding Reputable Software: It’s crucial to download from trusted sources. Searching for “Bilibili downloader software” can lead to unsafe programs bundled with adware or malware. Avoid cracked software versions, which are illegal and often contain viruses.

Examples of Desktop Software Categories:

Dedicated Video Downloaders: Software specifically designed for downloading videos from various sites, including Bilibili (e.g., 4K Video Downloader, Freemake Video Downloader, YTD Video Downloader – research current reputation and safety before installing any). Many of these have built-in conversion to MP3.
Video Converters with Download Functionality: Programs primarily designed for video format conversion that also include a module for downloading online videos (e.g., Any Video Converter, Freemake Video Converter).
Open Source Command-Line Tools (Advanced): Tools like yt-dlp (a fork and successor to youtube-dl) are extremely powerful and versatile but require using the command line interface (Terminal on Mac/Linux, Command Prompt/PowerShell on Windows). We’ll cover this in the Advanced Methods section.

Step-by-Step Guide (General Process for Desktop Software):

Research and Choose Software: Carefully research reputable desktop downloaders that explicitly state support for Bilibili. Look for reviews on trustworthy tech websites. Prioritize well-known software or actively maintained open-source projects. Avoid downloading from unofficial sources, download portals known for bundling software, or sites offering cracked versions.
Download and Install: Download the installer only from the official developer’s website. During installation, pay close attention to each step. Opt for “Custom” or “Advanced” installation if available, and deselect any bundled extra software, toolbars, or adware that might be offered.
Launch the Application: Open the installed software.
Copy Bilibili URL: Go to the Bilibili video page and copy the URL from your browser’s address bar.
Paste URL into Software: Most desktop downloaders have a prominent “Paste URL,” “Add Link,” or similar button. Click it, and the software should automatically detect the URL from your clipboard or provide a field to paste it into.
Analyze Video: The software will likely analyze the URL to detect available video resolutions and audio streams. This might take a few moments.
Configure Download Settings: This is where desktop apps shine. Look for options to:
- Select “Download Audio” or “Convert to MP3.”
- Choose the desired audio quality (bitrate, e.g., 128kbps, 192kbps, 256kbps, 320kbps). Select the highest quality needed, keeping file size in mind.
- Select the output folder where the MP3 file will be saved.
- Check if there are options for metadata (like adding track title or artist information, though this might need manual editing later).
Start Download/Conversion: Click the “Download,” “Convert,” or similar button to begin the process.
Monitor Progress: The software should show download and conversion progress. Batch downloads will appear in a queue.
Access the File: Once complete, navigate to the output folder you specified to find your MP3 file.

Verdict on Desktop Software: A generally better option than online converters, offering more features, control, and potentially better safety if sourced correctly. Requires installation and may involve a cost or a learning curve. Ideal for users who need to download/convert frequently or require higher quality and features like batch processing.

Method 3: Browser Extensions (Download Helpers)

Browser extensions integrate directly into your web browser (like Chrome, Firefox, Edge) and often add a download button directly onto the Bilibili video page itself or provide an option in the extension’s toolbar menu.

How They Work (Conceptually):
These extensions run scripts within your browser when you visit a Bilibili page. They analyze the page’s code to find the video/audio stream URLs that Bilibili’s player uses. They then provide an interface (like a button) to initiate the download of that stream or pass the URL to a companion application or an online service for conversion/download. Some extensions might perform simple audio extraction locally within the browser.

Pros:

Convenience: Often the most seamless method, with download options appearing directly on the Bilibili page.
Easy to Use: Usually involves just clicking a button that the extension adds.
Quick Access: No need to copy/paste URLs to another site or application.

Cons:

Security Risks (Significant): Browser extensions require permissions to run. Malicious extensions can:
- Read your browsing history.
- Steal login credentials or personal information.
- Inject ads into web pages.
- Redirect your searches.
- Be part of a botnet.
  It is crucial to install extensions only from official browser web stores (Chrome Web Store, Firefox Add-ons) AND carefully review the permissions requested. Even extensions on official stores can sometimes be malicious or become compromised later. Check reviews and developer reputation.
Reliability: Like online converters, extensions are very susceptible to breaking when Bilibili updates its website. Maintenance can be inconsistent.
Limited Features: Usually less feature-rich than desktop software. Batch downloading or advanced quality settings might be absent.
Performance Impact: Some extensions can slow down your browser.
Detection and Blocking: Bilibili might actively try to detect and block such extensions.
Availability: Finding reliable extensions that specifically work well with Bilibili and offer direct MP3 conversion can be challenging. Many focus on general video downloading, not audio extraction. Extensions might also be removed from web stores due to policy violations (like facilitating copyright infringement).

Step-by-Step Guide (General Process for Browser Extensions):

Search for an Extension: Open your browser’s official extension store (Chrome Web Store, Firefox Add-ons, Microsoft Edge Add-ons). Search for terms like “Bilibili downloader,” “video download helper,” or similar. Be extremely critical of search results.
Evaluate Carefully: Before installing:
- Read the extension’s description thoroughly. Does it explicitly mention Bilibili support and MP3 conversion?
- Check the user reviews and ratings. Look for recent reviews indicating it still works and is safe.
- Check the number of users (popular extensions might be safer, but not always).
- Crucially, review the permissions it requests. Does it need access to “all data on all websites,” or just specific sites? Be wary of extensions asking for overly broad permissions.
Install the Extension: If you decide it’s trustworthy, click “Add to [Browser Name]”. Review the final permission request prompt carefully before confirming.
Navigate to Bilibili: Go to the Bilibili video page you’re interested in.
Find the Download Option: The extension might add:
- A download button directly near the video player.
- An icon in your browser’s toolbar that becomes active or shows a number when downloadable media is detected. Click this icon.
Select MP3 Format/Quality: The extension’s interface (either on the page or in a pop-up from the toolbar icon) should present download options. Look specifically for an MP3 audio option. Quality selection might be limited or absent.
Initiate Download: Click the appropriate download link or button for the MP3 file.
File Download: The MP3 file should download via your browser’s standard download mechanism.

Verdict on Browser Extensions: Offer high convenience but come with significant security risks and reliability concerns. Finding a safe, effective, and well-maintained extension specifically for Bilibili MP3s can be difficult. Proceed with extreme caution, prioritize security, and be prepared for them to stop working.

Method 4: Mobile Solutions (Android & iOS)

Getting MP3s from Bilibili directly onto a smartphone presents unique challenges, especially on iOS due to Apple’s stricter ecosystem.

Android:

Third-Party Downloader Apps (APKs): The Google Play Store generally prohibits apps that download videos from services like YouTube or Bilibili due to policy restrictions. Therefore, most effective downloader apps for Android need to be found outside the Play Store as APK files (Android Package Kit).
- How it works: You find an APK from a developer’s website or a third-party app repository, enable installation from “Unknown Sources” in your Android settings (this itself is a security risk), and manually install the app. These apps often function similarly to desktop software, allowing URL pasting and format selection.
- Pros: Can be very effective, offering features similar to desktop apps directly on your phone.
- Cons: MAJOR SECURITY RISK. Downloading and installing APKs from untrusted sources is one of the easiest ways to get malware, spyware, or ransomware on your Android device. Extreme caution and research are needed to find potentially safe APKs. Enabling “Unknown Sources” makes your device generally more vulnerable. Apps might stop working after Bilibili updates.
Using Online Converters via Mobile Browser: You can use the online converter method (Method 1) described earlier directly within your phone’s web browser (Chrome, Firefox for Android, etc.). The same pros and cons apply, especially the security risks from ads and redirects on mobile. Downloading files directly from a mobile browser can sometimes be less straightforward than on desktop.
File Transfer from Computer: Often the safest approach. Use one of the desktop methods (Software or yt-dlp) to download and convert the MP3 on your computer, then transfer the file to your Android phone via USB cable, Bluetooth, or cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox).

iOS (iPhone/iPad):

App Store Restrictions: Apple’s App Store is even more restrictive than Google Play regarding video downloaders. Finding an app that reliably downloads from Bilibili and converts to MP3 directly on iOS is highly unlikely. Any apps claiming to do so might be scams or quickly removed.
Using Online Converters via Safari: Similar to Android, you can try using online converter websites (Method 1) through the Safari browser. The risks remain the same. Downloading and managing files can be slightly more cumbersome on iOS depending on the version. The downloaded MP3 might end up in the “Files” app.
Shortcuts App Workarounds (Complex/Unreliable): It’s sometimes possible to find or create complex workflows using Apple’s Shortcuts app that attempt to interact with web services or APIs to download content. These are often highly technical, prone to breaking, and may rely on external services that could disappear.
File Transfer from Computer (Recommended Method for iOS): The most reliable and safest method for iOS users. Download and convert the MP3 on a Mac or Windows PC using desktop software or yt-dlp. Then, transfer the MP3 file to your iPhone/iPad using:
- Finder (macOS Catalina and later) or iTunes (older macOS/Windows): Sync the MP3 file to the Music app.
- AirDrop: Wirelessly transfer the file from a Mac or another Apple device.
- Cloud Storage: Upload the MP3 to iCloud Drive, Dropbox, Google Drive, etc., and access it via the respective app on your iOS device.
- Third-Party File Management Apps: Apps like VLC for Mobile can sometimes access network shares or cloud services to play media files.

Verdict on Mobile Solutions: Direct downloading/conversion on mobile is risky (especially via APKs on Android) or highly restricted (iOS). Using online converters in a mobile browser shares the same dangers as on desktop. The safest and most reliable approach for both Android and iOS is usually to perform the download/conversion on a computer and then transfer the resulting MP3 file to the mobile device.

Method 5: Advanced Technique – Command-Line Tools (yt-dlp)

For users comfortable with the command line (Terminal on macOS/Linux, Command Prompt/PowerShell on Windows), yt-dlp offers the most powerful, flexible, and often most reliable way to download video and audio content from a vast number of websites, including Bilibili. yt-dlp is an open-source project actively maintained by the community, a fork and improvement upon the now less frequently updated youtube-dl.

How It Works:
You run yt-dlp from a command-line interface, providing the Bilibili video URL and specific options (flags) to tell it what to do. It analyzes the page, figures out how to access the media streams (even complex ones like DASH/HLS used by many platforms), downloads the necessary data, and can mux (combine) video/audio or extract specific streams. For MP3 extraction, you typically tell it to download the best audio stream and convert it to MP3 format using FFmpeg (a required companion tool).

Pros:

Extremely Powerful & Versatile: Supports thousands of websites, not just Bilibili. Offers fine-grained control over the download process.
High Reliability: Often the first tool to be updated when websites change their structure, thanks to an active community. Can often handle complex streaming formats that break simpler tools.
Best Quality Potential: Can download the audio stream directly without unnecessary re-encoding if a suitable format is available. When conversion to MP3 is needed, it uses FFmpeg, providing high-quality conversion with bitrate control.
Scriptable: Can be easily integrated into scripts for automated downloading or batch processing.
Ad-Free & Generally Safe: Being open-source and command-line based, it contains no ads, spyware, or bundled software (assuming you download it and FFmpeg from their official sources).
Cross-Platform: Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Playlist & Batch Support: Excellent support for downloading entire playlists or lists of URLs from a file.

Cons:

Steep Learning Curve: Requires familiarity with using the command line. Not user-friendly for beginners.
Installation Process: Requires installing yt-dlp itself (often via Python’s package manager, pip) and usually FFmpeg (for audio conversion), which can be intimidating for non-technical users.
No Graphical Interface (Usually): Interaction is purely text-based, although some third-party graphical front-ends exist (their quality and maintenance vary).
Troubleshooting: If something goes wrong, requires reading command-line output and potentially searching online forums for solutions.

Basic Steps (Conceptual – Actual commands might vary slightly):

Install Python: yt-dlp is typically installed using pip, Python’s package manager. You’ll need Python installed on your system (download from python.org).
Install yt-dlp: Open your command line (Terminal, Command Prompt) and usually run a command like pip install -U yt-dlp.
Install FFmpeg: Download FFmpeg from its official website (ffmpeg.org). You need to either place the ffmpeg executable in the same directory as yt-dlp or add its location to your system’s PATH environment variable so yt-dlp can find it. This step is often the trickiest for beginners.
Copy Bilibili URL: Get the URL of the Bilibili video.
Open Command Line: Navigate to the directory where you want to save the MP3 file using the cd (change directory) command.
Run the Command: Execute yt-dlp with appropriate options. A common command for extracting audio as MP3 is:
bash yt-dlp -x --audio-format mp3 --audio-quality 0 "YOUR_BILIBILI_URL_HERE"
- -x or --extract-audio: Tells yt-dlp to only download the audio.
- --audio-format mp3: Specifies that you want the output converted to MP3 format (requires FFmpeg).
- --audio-quality 0: Requests the best audio quality available (0 is best, 9 is worst for variable bitrate formats like MP3). You can also specify a bitrate like --audio-quality 320K.
- "YOUR_BILIBILI_URL_HERE": Replace this with the actual Bilibili video URL (enclose in quotes if it contains special characters).
Wait for Download/Conversion: yt-dlp will show progress information in the command line.
Find the File: The MP3 file will be saved in the directory where you ran the command.

Verdict on yt-dlp: The best option for technically proficient users who prioritize power, flexibility, quality, and reliability. It bypasses the security risks of online tools and extensions and offers more control than most graphical desktop apps. However, it’s not suitable for users uncomfortable with the command line.

Method 6: Screen Recording / Audio Capture (Last Resort)

If all other methods fail, or if you need to capture audio from a live stream that cannot be downloaded after the fact, you can resort to recording the audio directly as it plays on your computer.

How It Works:
You use software that can capture the audio output of your system (what you hear through your speakers/headphones) while the Bilibili video is playing. This audio is then saved as a file, which might need further editing or conversion to MP3.

Software Options:

Audacity (Free, Open Source, Cross-Platform): A powerful audio editor that can also record computer playback (often called “Stereo Mix,” “WASAPI loopback,” or similar, depending on your OS and audio drivers).
OBS Studio (Free, Open Source, Cross-Platform): Primarily streaming/screen recording software, but can be configured to capture desktop audio only.
Built-in Tools:
- Windows: Voice Recorder (simple), or the Xbox Game Bar (Win+G) has recording features that might capture system audio. Configuration can be tricky.
- macOS: QuickTime Player can do screen recordings with audio, or dedicated audio routing tools like Soundflower (requires setup) or Loopback (paid) can capture system audio for recording in apps like QuickTime or Audacity.

Pros:

Universally Applicable: Can theoretically record audio from any source playing on your computer, including live streams or protected content that downloaders can’t access.
Simple Concept: Just play and record.

Cons:

Real-Time Recording: You must play the entire video/audio segment in real time to capture it.
Lower Quality: Captures the audio after it has been processed by your system’s audio engine and potentially re-encoded by the recording software. This almost always results in lower quality than directly downloading the original audio stream.
Potential for Background Noise: If not configured correctly, might pick up microphone input or system notification sounds. Needs careful setup to record only the application’s or system’s output.
Manual Process: Requires manually starting and stopping the recording.
Requires Editing: The recording might contain silence at the beginning/end or unwanted sections that need to be trimmed using an audio editor like Audacity.
Format Issues: The initial recording might be in a format like WAV or M4A, requiring an extra step to convert it to MP3 using Audacity or another converter.

Step-by-Step Guide (Using Audacity – General Idea):

Install and Launch Audacity: Download from the official Audacity website and install it.
Configure Audio Host and Recording Device:
- In Audacity’s toolbar, find the audio setup options.
- Set the “Audio Host” (e.g., WASAPI on Windows, Core Audio on Mac).
- Set the “Recording Device.” This is crucial. Look for an option like “Speakers (loopback),” “Stereo Mix,” or whatever corresponds to your system’s audio output. Do not select your microphone. This setup can vary significantly based on your operating system and audio hardware/drivers. You might need to enable “Stereo Mix” in your Windows sound settings first.
Prepare Bilibili Video: Open the Bilibili video in your browser, pause it just before the desired audio starts. Set the volume on the Bilibili player and your system to appropriate levels.
Start Recording in Audacity: Click the red “Record” button in Audacity.
Play Bilibili Video: Immediately switch to your browser and play the Bilibili video. Let it play through the entire section you want to capture. Avoid making other noises on your computer (like notification sounds).
Stop Recording: Once the desired audio segment is finished, stop playback in Bilibili and then click the yellow “Stop” button in Audacity.
Edit (Optional but Recommended): Zoom in on the waveform in Audacity. Select and delete any leading or trailing silence or unwanted parts. You can also use Effects > Amplify or Normalize if the volume is too low.
Export as MP3: Go to File > Export > Export as MP3. Choose a filename, location, and select the desired MP3 quality options (bitrate, etc.). Click Save. You might be prompted to edit metadata (artist, track title) before the final export. (Audacity might require the LAME MP3 encoder library, often prompting you to download it the first time you export as MP3).

Verdict on Audio Recording: A fallback method best suited for live streams or when downloaders fail. It’s generally lower quality and more cumbersome than direct downloading/conversion methods. Requires careful setup and often post-processing.

Choosing the Right Method: A Summary

Method	Ease of Use	Safety Risk	Features	Quality Potential	Reliability	Notes
Online Converters	Very Easy	Very High	Low	Low to Medium	Low	Ad-filled, potential malware/scams. Use with extreme caution.
Desktop Software	Medium	Medium (if sourced carefully)	High	High	Medium to High	Requires installation. Find reputable software. Good balance of features/safety.
Browser Extensions	Easy	High	Medium	Medium	Low to Medium	Convenience vs. security/privacy risks. Check permissions carefully.
Mobile (APK/Direct)	Medium	Very High	Medium	Medium	Low to Medium	Risky (APKs), limited (iOS). Not generally recommended.
`yt-dlp` (CLI)	Difficult	Low (if sourced correctly)	Very High	Very High	Very High	Best for tech-savvy users. Powerful, flexible, reliable.
Audio Recording	Medium	Low	Low (Capture Only)	Low	High (Works always)	Last resort. Real-time, lower quality, requires setup/editing.

Recommendations Based on User Needs:

For Occasional Use & Simplicity (Willing to Risk It): Online Converter (proceed with maximum caution, use ad-blockers, scan downloads).
For Frequent Use & Features (Safety Conscious): Reputable Desktop Software (research carefully, download from official site).
For Maximum Power, Quality & Reliability (Tech-Savvy): yt-dlp command-line tool.
For Highest Convenience (Security Aware): Browser Extension (vet thoroughly, check permissions, accept reliability issues).
For Mobile Users: Download on Computer (Desktop Software or yt-dlp) and Transfer File.
For Live Streams or Un-downloadable Content: Audio Recording (Audacity, OBS).

Final Security and Ethical Reminders:

Antivirus/Antimalware: Keep reputable security software installed and updated on your computer and phone. Scan any downloaded files, especially executables or APKs.
Source Verification: Only download software, extensions, or APKs from official, trusted sources. Avoid third-party download sites, cracked software, or suspicious links.
Permissions: Pay close attention to permissions requested by browser extensions or mobile apps. Deny overly broad or unnecessary permissions.
Ads and Redirects: Be extremely wary of ads, pop-ups, and redirects on online converter sites or sites offering download tools. Never click suspicious buttons or links. Use a good ad-blocker (like uBlock Origin), but know it might not catch everything.
Copyright and Terms of Service: Remember that downloading copyrighted material without permission is illegal and violates Bilibili’s ToS. Use downloaded audio strictly for personal, private offline listening.
Support Creators: If you enjoy the audio content, support the creators through Bilibili’s platform (views, likes, comments, subscriptions) or any official channels they provide (e.g., official music releases on streaming platforms, merchandise).

Conclusion

Bilibili offers a vibrant world of audio content embedded within its videos, and the desire to save these sounds as MP3s for offline enjoyment is understandable. While the platform doesn’t provide a native download feature, several third-party methods exist, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Online converters offer quick access but pose significant security risks. Desktop software provides a more robust and feature-rich experience, provided you choose reputable programs. Browser extensions promise convenience but share many of the security and reliability concerns of online tools. Mobile solutions are generally hampered by restrictions and risks, making file transfer from a computer the safer bet. For those comfortable with the command line, yt-dlp stands out as the most powerful and reliable option. Finally, audio recording serves as a universal fallback, albeit with quality and convenience trade-offs.

Ultimately, the “best” method depends on your technical comfort level, frequency of need, tolerance for risk, and desired features. Regardless of the method chosen, it is absolutely crucial to prioritize safety by being vigilant against malware and scams, and to act ethically and legally by respecting copyright holders and Bilibili’s terms of service. Downloaded audio should remain for your personal use only. Enjoy the sounds of Bilibili responsibly!

The Comprehensive Guide: Best Ways to Get MP3 Files from Bilibili

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