IFPI Shuts Down 12 Major YouTube-Ripping Websites
The record industry has seized control of twelve domains that enabled the unauthorized conversion of YouTube videos to MP3.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Music — General
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The IFPI has successfully shut down twelve prominent websites, including Y2Mate.com, that facilitated the illicit conversion of YouTube links into MP3 downloads. These sites, operated from Vietnam, collectively recorded 620 million visits over the past year.
Why it matters
These platforms infringed upon record label rights by bypassing legal streaming services. Their closure represents a major enforcement victory for copyright holders seeking to curb unauthorized music distribution.
The twelve shuttered domains received 620 million visits over the past 12 months. Y2Mate, one of the primary domains, had previously faced website blocking measures in 13 separate countries.
The players
IFPI
This is the representative organization for the recording industry worldwide that works to promote the value of recorded music and expand its commercial use.
Y2Mate.com
This was a highly trafficked website that allowed users to download audio or video content from YouTube for offline use.
USTR
The Office of the United States Trade Representative is a government agency responsible for developing and coordinating U.S. international trade policy.
The details
The site operators have agreed to cease all activities infringing on IFPI member rights and have transferred ownership of the twelve domains to the organization. These platforms previously appeared on the USTR Notorious Markets Report and the EU Counterfeit and Piracy Watchlist.
Timeline
In 2002, record industry revenues began to decline.
In 2014, record industry revenue growth began, rising from a low of US$12.9 billion.
In 2017, industry action shuttered the site YouTube-MP3.
In 2022, a court issued an $83 million judgment in RIAA favor against 2conv.com and FLVTO.biz.
On October 14, 2026, the IFPI confirmed the shutdown of the twelve websites.
Industry Dynamics
The closure of these twelve domains marks a continuation of the industry's aggressive legal strategy against sites that circumvent digital streaming protections. This action mirrors the 2017 shuttering of the site YouTube-MP3, signaling a persistent focus on eliminating stream-ripping as an alternative to licensed music access.
Users who previously relied on these twelve domains for offline music will no longer be able to access them for MP3 conversions. This effectively forces listeners to shift toward authorized streaming platforms to consume content.
The takeaway
The removal of these high-traffic sites limits the availability of unauthorized download tools for global music consumers. Users should prioritize legitimate streaming services to ensure consistent access to music and support copyright compliance.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in the industry on the Music — General page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Torrentfreak.
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