How to Convert YouTube to MIDI (2 Ways, Free Included)

Key Takeaways

• There are two main ways to convert YouTube to MIDI: AI-based tools and a two-step workflow
• AI tools are faster and easier, offering a one-stop process
• The two-step workflow provides more control and access to free tools
• Accuracy is not always perfect, especially with complex or multi-layered audio

This process is not a one-click task. It either relies on AI systems that analyze audio automatically or a workflow that separates audio extraction from note generation.

In general, you can use a YouTube to MIDI converter to complete the process depending on their needs for speed, control, and cost.

 Cisdem VideoPaw

Fast YouTube Audio Downloader App

• Download from 10000+ sites (YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo, etc.)
• Download entire YouTube playlists or channels with one click
• Convert YouTube to MP3, WAV, FLAC, MP4, or more formats
• Support batch music downloading and conversion
• Adjust audio encoder, sample rate, channel, and quality settings
• Merge, trim, compress, add chapters to audio
• No file size limits or intrusive ads
• All-in-one tool: Rip DVDs/Blu-rays to any devices; record screen

Free Download   Free Download

Method 1: Use a Direct YouTube to MIDI Converter (AI Tools)

Use this method if:

- You need an accurate, playable MIDI file for music production, education, or arranging

- The song has multiple instruments or complex chords

- You want to save time by avoiding multiple tools

- You are willing to pay for higher-quality results

Some online AI-powered platforms can analyze a YouTube video link and automatically generate a MIDI file by detecting musical elements such as melody, rhythm, and harmony. I compared the following 3 commonly used YouTube to MIDI converters.

These tools handle both audio extraction and MIDI conversion in one step. Let’s take Klangio Studio as an example to see how it works.

1. Go to studio.klang.io and create an account.

2. Paste the copied YouTube link into the designated field. Klangio will automatically load the video.

3. Click "Transcribe from Link".

4. Select your transcription mode based on your audio:

Multi-Instrument - Full songs with multiple instruments

Single-Instrument - Solo piano or guitar

Rock - Distorted band music with guitar techniques

Ensemble & Orchestral - Strings, wind, brass ensembles

Arrangement - Simplified single-instrument output

5. Choose your instruments. You can let Klangio auto-detect the instruments, or select them manually. Note: Manual selection usually gives more accurate results.

6. (Optional) Add advanced details such as tempo or key, though Klangio can auto-detect these.

7. Enter the song title and composer name which will appear on the final sheet music. Also confirm you have the rights to transcribe the piece.

8. Click “Start Demo” to begin transcription. Processing time depends on the song length and complexity.

9. Once finished, you'll see the transcription with notation. Download the file.

Note:

The free plan only allows transcription of up to 20 seconds and exports in PDF format. To convert YouTube videos to MIDI, you need a paid plan starting at $8.49/month (billed annually) or $19.99/month on a monthly subscription.

Method 2. Two-Step YouTube to MIDI Workflow (Download Audio First)

Use this method if:

- Your song is simple like a solo piano or single vocal

- You only need a rough MIDI and don't mind spending extra time

- You're just experimenting and don't need professional accuracy

- You prefer free tools (use online downloader + converter, e.g. CutYT + Bear File Converter)

Step 1. Download YouTube to MP3, WAV, M4A, etc.

This method starts by extracting audio from the YouTube video. While YouTube usually provides audio in M4A format, converting it to WAV can improve the accuracy of MIDI conversion. The tools below can be used for this step:

• ytmp3.gg (online)
• cutyt.com (online)
• toolesh.com (online)
• Cisdem VideoPaw (app)

All the converters mentioned here both enable you to convert YouTube to WAV. The online way is definitely cost-effective, but it doesn’t support batch conversion and can’t enable the high quality of output WAV format. So here take VideoPaw as an example to download YouTube audio to WAV:

1. Download Cisdem VideoPaw on Mac or Windows and install it.

2. Open the software and go to the “Video Downloader” interface.

3. Copy link of YouTube video, and paste it to the URL field of VideoPaw.

4. Parse the YouTube link, choose M4A format, then click the "Download" button.

5. Once finished, click the button to find your downloaded YouTube video, and drag it to the “Video Converter” interface.

6. Click the Format button > Go to “Audio” > choose an output audio format, such as WAV.

Step 7. Click the "Convert" button.

Step 2. Convert Downloaded YouTube Audio to MIDI

Bear file converter is a free, easy-to-use YouTube to MIDI conversion tool that can transfer a laundry list of audio formats to MIDI, including WAV, MP3, OGG, AAC, WMA, etc. to MIDI. Just upload YouTube files by dragging & dropping them or paste URL to add the file. And then click Convert > Download All button. The whole YouTube to MIDI conversion process only takes 3 clicks.

Pros:

• No account is needed! Easy and fast!
• Batch converting and downloading are surely supported
• Supports other input audio formats

Cons:

• The upload file size can’t surpass 50M
• Ads on the page are quite annoying

1. Go to Bear File Converter’s audio-to-MIDI page: https://www.ofoct.com/audio-converter/convert-wav-or-mp3-ogg-aac-wma-to-midi.html.
2. Click the upload area and select the downloaded YouTube audio file from your computer.
3. Click the “Convert” button to start processing.
4. Once finished, click “Download” or “Download All” to save the MIDI file to your device.

More Audio to MIDI Converters

#1 AmazingMIDI (Windows)

AmazingMIDI is a clever program that voluntarily transcribes music, converting WAV files into MIDI files. It converts Input File (.wav) to Output File (.mid) with musical data, and converts Tone File (.wav) with monotone data. Meanwhile, the program is able to recognize artificially produced music and assist you to transcribe music, practice musical instruments.

Pros:

• Totally hassle-free for Windows users
• The simple and uncluttered operation interface
• Apply to analyze the precise-frequency attenuating sounds

Cons：

• Offers poor results on unstable pitch sounds like vocals
• Not possible to reproduce original WAV to MIDI file exactly

#2 WIDI Recognition System (Mac and Windows)

WIDI Recognition System, a solution for automated and computer-assisted music transcription, will commendably help you in converting YouTube to MIDI. It can save the input MP3 and WAV as MIDI and be useful for musicians, conductors, composers, musical teachers, etc. In short, basic technical music knowledge is a must to use WIDI Recognition System.

Pros:

• Create MIDI files from audio files
• Batch convert tool for transcribing multiple files
• Various customizable parameters

Cons:

• Tough to get nice results with complex files
• Do not integrate a MIDI file editor

#3 JNIZ music notation audio to midi (Mac and Windows)

Jniz is a piece of de facto software designed for musical composition. But it also works as a sound/audio-to-MIDI converter. Main features of YouTube to MIDI program contains:

• The interface of musical notation that lets you create, edit, save a score
• Convert audio/ sound to MIDI files
• LillyPond, Jnz, MusicXml, MIDI, PDF export
• Possibility to change of Key at any time

Pros:

• Come with many features
• A free and professional tool for musicians
• Upgraded a new version recently

Cons:

• Too complicated to use
• Not a real sense of audio to MIDI converter

Which method to pick? For accurate, ready-to-use MIDI, go with Method 1 (a AI-based YouTube to MIDI converter like Klangio or La Touche Musicale). For a free, basic MIDI of a simple melody, Method 2 (download audio + Bear File Converter) is a good choice.