Guide · Audio Extractor
How to extract audio from a video
Updated · 6 min read
Sometimes the video is not what you need. You want the music from a clip, the audio of an interview, a lecture to listen to on a walk or the voice track for editing. Extracting audio from a video takes a minute and does not need an app or an upload. This guide shows how, and how to choose a format.
Try the audio extractor nowFree, runs in your browser, nothing uploaded.Extract audio in four steps
The free audio extractor separates the soundtrack on your device.
- Drop the video file on the extractor, or tap the box to choose one.
- Choose MP3, WAV or M4A.
- Press Extract audio. Longer videos take longer, so keep the tab open.
- Play the audio to check it, then download it.
MP3, WAV or M4A?
Choose MP3 when you want the most compatible file for phones, cars and websites. Choose M4A for slightly better quality at the same size, especially on Apple devices. Choose WAV when you plan to edit the audio, because it is lossless, but expect a large file of about 10 MB per minute.
For speech, 128 kbps is plenty. For music, use 192 kbps or higher. The source video sets the ceiling, so a low quality video cannot give a high quality track.
Why extract audio from video?
Audio-only files are smaller, easier to share and useful in many workflows.
- Listen to a lecture, talk or webinar as a podcast.
- Send a voice recording without a heavy video attachment.
- Clean up and edit dialogue in an audio editor.
- Create a transcript. Extracted audio goes straight into the audio transcript tool.
Stay private and legal
Extraction runs in your browser, so a private interview, family video or work recording is never uploaded. Only extract audio from videos you own or have permission to use. Music and films are usually protected by copyright, so check the licence before you share or republish them.
What to do next
If you need a different format, run the file through the audio converter. If the recording sounds quiet or noisy, the cause is usually the original microphone, so check yours with the mic test before your next recording.
Tips and common problems
If the extracted audio is silent, the video may have no audio track, so play the video first to check. If you plan to edit the audio, save as WAV. If you need a smaller file, choose MP3 at 128 kbps. Very large videos are easier to handle on a computer than on a phone.
FAQ
Common questions
How do I extract MP3 from an MP4 video?
Open the audio extractor, drop the MP4, choose MP3 and press Extract audio.
Does extracting audio reduce quality?
Saving as WAV keeps the full quality of the soundtrack. MP3 and M4A are compressed, so choose a higher bitrate for music.
Is my video uploaded?
No. The extraction runs in your browser and the file stays on your device.
Can I extract audio on an iPhone?
Yes. Use Safari, choose the video from your library and save the audio. Long videos are easier on a computer.
Can I extract audio from a video on my computer?
Yes. Open the audio extractor in any current browser, drop the video and choose a format.
How do I extract audio from a screen recording?
Drop the recording, choose MP3 or WAV and press Extract audio.
Which format is best for music?
Use M4A or MP3 at 192 kbps or higher, or WAV if you plan to edit.