Where to get content for Yoto MYO Cards
After learning how easy it is to make a MYO card for Yoto, the next question I always get asked how folks can get audio content!
One important thing to note is that typically you need to purchase content in some form, or otherwise be given access by a copyright holder. Depending on your local laws some grey areas become either unallowed or allowed (i.e. I have heard in the UK you are not supposed to rip CDs). In this article I'll share some of my favourite legal audio sources!
Buying content
You can find many sites that let you buy content, but a LOT of audio book sellers these days (like Audible) will only allow you to play back in their apps. That's why for audio books I recommend libro.fm - all of their audio books can be downloaded as mp3s to upload to MYO cards!
As well, if you head to Google Play Books, you can purchase audio books but make sure that when you click "about this audiobook" the Export Option Section reads AVAILABLE.
For music, iTunes is still the leader after all of these years. Not Apple Music, the subscription service, but iTunes - the OG massive online music store. If you purchase songs or albums there you can download them as mp3s legally!
Converting digital content you own to mp3
A lot of folks online will ask how to convert things like Audible books to mp3 to upload, and this is likely against TOS at minimum. Lots of people would mention apps like Openaudible (paid) or Libation (free and preferred, but Techy), but make sure you understand if you can legally use software like this in your country.
Likewise, there are apps (some just in browser) that allow you to rip audio from youtube or Spotify. Dastardly apps like https://ezmp3.cc/ -If you don't have the rights to the audio tracks, though, you likely are not supposed to download. Again, know your local regulations and Youtube TOS. No free software can download audiobooks/podcasts from Spotify.
Other sources of audio files
Don't forget about CDs or even Cassette Tapes!
In this age of digital media you can find some great children's books on tape or CD for super cheap at thrift stores, online, or when your local library is clearing things out! Get the CDs into a CD drive (you can buy a USB one on Amazon for $20 if needed, I had to buy one) and use some software to download the mp3s, iTunes will do this!
For cassettes, grab a device that converts cassette to digital by plugging into your computer. My only tip there is that most of the ones on Amazon are just from Alibaba, so save your money and get one from Aliexpress or Temu.
You also can just have family members read your little one's favorite books to them into your phone's default audio recorder! This is an easy way to get that book they ask for over-and-over again onto your Yoto player.
Audio Editing or Splitting Chapters
The gold standard for free audio editing tools is Audacity. If you need to split a long mp3 into a bunch of tracks, raise the volume, or even get advanced and add some background music to a book you read yourself, you can try Audacity out!
If you have an audio book that was downloaded in m4a format, it might have chapter information hidden in it - you don't want to upload one 2 hour long audiobook to a yoto card! You can use the fre:ac app to read that m4a and split it into mp3s by chapter in about 3 clicks!
Don't forget
Get icons from https://yotoicons.com and share ones you make there! As well, if you want some great matching cover art custom made for your MYO cards, I sell those!