The simplest way to convert MP4 to MP3

You can convert an MP4 file to MP3 by using a free online converter, downloading free software to your computer, or using a tool built into your phone. The online route is fastest if you only have one or two files — you upload the MP4, the site extracts the audio and converts it to MP3, and you read the result. The software route works better if you convert files regularly, because you keep everything on your own computer and don't have to upload anything to the internet.

The reason you might want to do this: MP4 files contain both video and audio, but MP3 files contain only audio. If you have a video you want to listen to as music — a concert recording, a podcast video, a song with a music video — converting it to MP3 lets you play just the audio on any device, use less storage space, and skip the video part entirely.

Key Takeaways

  • Online converters like CloudConvert, Zamzar, or Online-Convert let you upload an MP4 and read an MP3 without installing anything, though uploading large files can be slow.
  • Desktop software like VLC (free, available for Windows, Mac, and Linux) or Audacity (free, audio-focused) stays on your computer and works offline once installed.
  • Phone apps like Documents by Readdle (iPhone) or VidCompressor (Android) convert files directly on your device without uploading to the internet.
  • The conversion itself takes seconds to a few minutes depending on the video length and your computer speed — the longest part is usually the upload or read.
  • The MP3 file will be much smaller than the MP4 because it contains only audio, typically one-tenth the size or less.

Using a free online converter

Online converters are the fastest option if you have just one or two files and don't want to install software. Go to CloudConvert.com, Zamzar.com, or Online-Convert.com. Each site works slightly differently, but the basic steps are the same: click the button to select or upload your MP4 file, choose MP3 as the output format, and click the convert button. The site extracts the audio from the video and converts it to MP3 format.

After conversion finishes (usually within a minute or two), you'll see a read button. Click it and the MP3 file saves to your computer's Downloads folder. The file size will be much smaller than the original MP4 — a 100 MB video might become a 10 MB audio file.

The main drawback of online converters is that you're uploading your file to someone else's server. If the video is large (over 500 MB) or if your internet connection is slow, the upload can take a long time. Also, some converters limit how many files you can convert per day or how large each file can be. Check the site's limits before you start.

Using VLC media player on Windows or Mac

VLC is free software you can read from VideoLAN.org. It plays videos and audio, but it also converts between formats. Once you install VLC, open it and click the Media menu at the top, then select Convert / Save. A window opens where you can click Browse to find your MP4 file on your computer.

After you select the file, click the dropdown menu next to the Convert button and choose Audio - MP3. Then click Browse again to choose where you want to save the MP3 file and what to name it. Click Convert and VLC extracts the audio and converts it to MP3. The conversion happens in the background — you'll see a progress bar, and when it finishes, the MP3 file is ready to use.

VLC is reliable and works offline once installed, so there's no uploading to the internet. The downside is that VLC's conversion interface is less intuitive than an online converter, and the process takes a few more clicks. But if you convert files regularly, installing VLC once saves you time in the long run.

Using Audacity on any computer

Audacity is free audio editing software available from Audacity.com for Windows, Mac, and Linux. It's designed for editing audio, but it can also open an MP4 file, extract the audio, and export it as MP3. Open Audacity, click File, then Open, and select your MP4 file. Audacity loads the audio track from the video and displays it as a waveform on screen.

Once the audio is loaded, click File again, then Export, then Export as MP3. A dialog box opens where you can name the file and choose where to save it. Click Export and Audacity converts the audio to MP3 format. If Audacity asks about MP3 settings, the default options work fine for most uses.

Audacity gives you more control than VLC if you want to edit the audio — trim the beginning or end, adjust volume, or remove sections. But if you just want to convert without editing, VLC is simpler. Audacity is worth learning if you plan to do audio work beyond just converting.

Converting on your phone

If your MP4 file is on your phone and you want to convert it there, you can use an app. On iPhone, Documents by Readdle is free and handles MP4 to MP3 conversion. On Android, VidCompressor or Media Converter are free options. read the app from the App Store or Google Play, open it, select your MP4 file from your phone's storage, choose MP3 as the output format, and tap convert.

Phone conversion is convenient if you're on the go, but it's slower than using a computer because phones have less processing power. Large video files may take several minutes to convert. Also, the app will use your phone's storage space for both the original MP4 and the new MP3 until you delete one of them.

What quality settings mean

When you convert MP4 to MP3, you might see options for bitrate or quality. Bitrate is measured in kbps (kilobits per second). Higher bitrate means better audio quality but a larger file size. For music or podcasts, 128 kbps is acceptable, 192 kbps is good, and 320 kbps is high quality. Most converters default to 192 kbps, which is a good balance between quality and file size.

If you're converting a concert or live performance where sound quality matters, choose 256 kbps or 320 kbps. If it's a podcast or spoken word, 128 kbps is usually fine. The original MP4 file's audio quality sets a ceiling — converting a low-quality video won't make the audio better, no matter what bitrate you choose.

Troubleshooting common problems

If the converter says the file is too large, try an online converter with a higher file limit, or split the video into smaller pieces using video editing software first. If the read fails, try a different converter or check that your internet connection is stable. If the MP3 file plays but has no sound, the original MP4 may have had corrupted audio — try converting a different file to test.

If you're using desktop software and the conversion seems stuck, wait at least five minutes before closing it. Large files take time. If it's still stuck after that, restart the software and try again. If you keep getting errors with one specific file, that file may be damaged. Try converting a different MP4 to confirm the software works.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the MP3 sound as good as the video's audio?

Yes, assuming you choose a reasonable bitrate. The MP3 will contain the exact same audio that was in the MP4 video. The only difference is the format and file size. A 192 kbps MP3 sounds nearly identical to the original audio to most listeners.

Can I convert an MP3 back to MP4?

Technically yes, but you'd need to add video back to it. Most people don't do this because the MP3 contains only audio — you'd have to create or find video to pair with it. It's easier to keep the original MP4 if you think you might need the video later.

Is it legal to convert videos I find online?

That depends on the video's copyright. If you own the video or have permission from the copyright holder, converting it is fine. If it's a copyrighted song or movie you found online, converting it without permission violates copyright law. Always check the source and the video's license before converting.

How long does conversion usually take?

A few seconds to a few minutes, depending on the video length and your computer speed. A five-minute video typically converts in under a minute on a modern computer. Large files or slower computers may take longer. Online converters are sometimes slower because of upload and read time.

What if my MP4 file has multiple audio tracks?

Most converters extract the first audio track by default. If your video has multiple languages or audio options, check whether the converter lets you choose which track to extract before converting. VLC and Audacity both let you select a specific audio track if the file has more than one.