Downloading Music from YouTube
Question
I’d like to ask about a new album that the artist uploaded to YouTube. I can watch it there for free, but at the same time he’s selling the album for full price on his website for download, or as a physical CD in stores.There are plenty of websites that let you download from YouTube, which is well known. So, my question is, is it allowed to download such an album when, on one hand, the artist is selling it, but on the other hand, he put it on a platform that can be downloaded via a third-party?What about an album that’s no longer sold in stores, and can only be purchased online?Just to clarify, I’m only asking about downloading for personal use, not for commercial purposes.Thank you very much.
Answer
Shalom uVracha,
It’s not allowed to download a song if the artist is still selling it.
If the artist himself uploaded it somewhere for free distribution, then it’s fine to download and copy.
Just because you can copy from a site doesn’t mean it’s allowed, what matters is whether the artist gave permission.
If a song or other work is no longer available for purchase, then it may be copied.