Extract MP3 from Video

What this tool does

This tool extracts the audio from a video file and saves it as MP3. It's handy for listening to recorded lectures or meetings, or reusing the sound from a vlog.

Choose 96, 128, 192 or 320 kbps (128 is the default), then play the result right on the page and download it. Audio files can be converted to MP3 too.

Your browser reads the soundtrack, and an MP3 encoder (lamejs) builds the file on your own device. The video is never uploaded, and the MP3 keeps the original file name with a .mp3 extension.

When it comes in handy

Turning a recorded course or webinar into a lighter MP3 you can listen to on your phone during the commute.

Pulling the audio out of a meeting recording so it's easier to write up notes or feed into a transcription tool. If you want timed captions, 'Video to Subtitles' can work from the video directly.

Keeping the ambient sound from a clip you filmed, or the music from a rehearsal recording, as a separate file.

Converting audio files such as M4A from a voice recorder app for a site that only takes MP3 — as long as your browser can read the format.

Choosing the bitrate

The MP3 is encoded at a constant bitrate, so you can estimate the size in advance. Per minute, 96 kbps is about 0.7 MB, 128 kbps about 1 MB, 192 kbps about 1.4 MB and 320 kbps about 2.4 MB. An hour-long lecture at 128 kbps comes to nearly 60 MB.

If the video's audio is low quality to begin with, choosing 320 kbps won't make it sound better — it just makes the file bigger. There's no need to go above the quality of the source.

Audio is saved at 44.1 kHz, a standard sample rate for music and speech that plays back fine on practically any device or app.

How it compares to other options

Video editors and converter apps can extract audio as well, but they need installing and a bit of hunting through menus. Here you add the file, pick a bitrate and get an MP3.

Playing the video while recording it with a voice recorder takes as long as the video itself and can pick up background noise. This tool takes the sound straight from the file, so there's no waiting for playback.

Things to keep in mind

There's no option to pick a section — the whole soundtrack becomes the MP3. If you only need part of it, cut it first with 'Trim Video'.

Formats or codecs your browser can't decode (some MKV or AVI files, for example) show a 'Couldn't read audio' message. Convert the video to MP4 with 'Convert Video', then try again.

No tags such as title or artist are added to the MP3. Add them afterwards if you organize files in a music app.

Files are converted one at a time. For more, click 'Another video' when the first one finishes.

How to use

1. Add the video you want the audio from.
2. Choose the quality (128 kbps is usually plenty).
3. Download the MP3 when it's done.

FAQ

Tips

• 96–128 kbps is fine for speech; use 192 kbps or higher for music.
• Output is up to stereo — videos with more channels keep the first two.
• Long videos are decoded into memory at once and may be slow. Close other apps if needed.