How Can I Download Music Files From the Internet?

The Internet is considered a powerhouse source for music by industry heads, musicians, artists, and listening consumers. With more than approximately one billion music downloads available, the Internet offers downloads of purchased MP3s and full albums as well as freebies, such as promo songs and mixtapes. No matter what music file(s) you are searching for, you're probably sure to find it on the Internet. Most music file downloads are Web-based, which means they require no additional software to save music to your hard drive.

Instructions

Downloading from Internet Mixtapes

1. Visit an online single/mixtape promotional site such as DatPiff.com, MixtapeTorrent.com, MixtapePass.com, or LiveMixtapes.com.

2. Type the name of the artist you desire to listen to. Several search results may appear, as mixtapes are often hosted by various DJs.

3. Click on the single or mixtape cover thumbnail image of your choice to view the playlist of that particular mixtape.

4. Select the "Download Now" action that will be displayed near the mixtape cover art image, or scroll to the playlist, and click the "Download" icon next to the track of your choice.

Purchase MP3 Downloads

1. Access a reputable music vendor or distribution site where MP3s are sold. (See Tips for websites where MP3 singles and albums can be purchased.)

2. Type the song title or artist name of your choice in the site's search bar. Click the "Search" or "Go" button or link to the right of the site's search bar data form.

3. Select the artist album cover that is comparable to the music files you are looking for. Browse through the list of tracks that will be categorized under the album.

4. Click the "Buy," "Download" or "Buy MP3" action next to the listed song of your choice. You will then be redirected to a secure purchase screen to complete the payment transaction.

5. Enter your debit or credit card and billing information to complete the transaction. A music download link will be provided once the payment has been processed.

Downloading Promo Singles

1. Direct your Internet browser to a music promotional site. In most cases, music promo site homepages will display links for various songs by both indie and major artists (see Resources).

2. Browse through the available song titles by scrolling down the site pages. You can also click the genre of your choice to break down the search options, and narrow down what you're looking for.

3. Double-click the link to the artist name and song title of your choice. A pop-up window will most likely appear and redirect your browser to a file sharing/uploading site.

4. Click the "Play" button in the Web-based media player application to play the song back. Select the "Download" or "Download Now" link that will be displayed within the same region of the media player application.

5. Select the "Save" option in the pop-up window to store and download the music file to your computer's hard drive.

Tips & Warnings

• There are several mixtape sites, but Datpiff.com, MixtapeTorrent.com, and LiveMixtapes.com are the popular as they are current and updated daily with new music file downloads.

• It is always beneficial to play the song's preview if one is available. Some songs may have several different variations and remixed versions, so it is best to listen to the music file before purchasing.

• Music files, such as promos and mixtapes are usually free to download. If a charge is being attached, make sure you aren't being taken advantage of. In most cases, MP3 singles and digital albums should be purchased from reputable sites, such as iTunes or Amazon. If you decide to purchase elsewhere, make sure the site is reputable.

• Some mixtape downloads may be listed as torrent files which will require a bit-torrent client application to download the music file ( see Resources for bit-torrent client application options).

References

• MixtapeTorrent: How to Download and Playback Mixtape Music Files
• Amazon.com Help: Downloading MP3s

Resources

• DatPiff: The Authority in Free Mixtapes
• MzHipHop.com: R&B and Hip Hop Promo Downloads
• MixtapeTorrent: Downloading Bit-Torrent Clients for Mixtape Downloads