Converting Youtube to Mp3 and similar styles posts

Over the last few months we have seen an increase in posts to the Microsoft Tech Community requesting help to extract or convert media hosted on 3rd party sites to mp3 files. 

To help keep the Microsoft Tech Community focused, secure, and compliant, we want to clarify our position on posts that request help or advice on extracting audio or video content from commercial or third‑party websites.

🚫 Why these requests are not allowed

Many commercial websites explicitly prohibit the downloading, extraction, or reuse of their audio and video content without permission. Requests for assistance with bypassing, avoiding, or undermining these restrictions typically violate the Terms of Use of those services.

Examples of such terms can be found here:

• YouTube – Terms of Service: https://www.youtube.com/t/terms
• Netflix – Terms of Use: https://help.netflix.com/legal/termsofuse
• BBC Sounds / iPlayer – Terms of Use: https://www.bbc.co.uk/terms

(This list is not exhaustive; most commercial streaming and media platforms have similar restrictions.)

🧹 How these posts are handled in Microsoft Tech Community

As a result:

• Posts requesting guidance on extracting, downloading, or reusing audio or video from commercial sites are considered off topic.
• Such posts will be removed and treated as spam.
• Repeated or serious misuse may result in further action, including restrictions or removal of access to the Microsoft Tech Community.

✅ What is in scope for the Microsoft Tech Community

The Microsoft Tech Community exists to help members:

• Share best practices, technical examples, and real‑world experience
• Learn and collaborate around Microsoft products and services
• Discuss supported APIs, tools, and features within the bounds of applicable terms, licences, and policies

If you have questions about legitimate media handling scenarios using Microsoft technologies (for example, working with content you own rights to, or using supported Microsoft services such as Azure Media Services, Stream, or Graph APIs), those discussions are welcome.

🙏 Thank you

Thank you for helping keep the Microsoft Tech Community a safe, focused, and trusted place for technical collaboration.

If you are unsure whether your question is appropriate, please review the community guidelines or contact a moderator before posting.