Getting the audio out of a video file
You have a video. You want just the sound. This tool separates the audio stream from the video container and gives you an MP3. It works on MP4, WebM, MOV, AVI, and most formats your browser can decode.
The process is called demuxing. A video file contains separate audio and video streams wrapped together in a container. The tool reads the container, pulls out the audio stream, and writes it as a standalone MP3. The video data gets discarded. This is not re-encoding the audio from scratch (not exactly). The tool tries to extract the audio in its original encoded form and remux it into an MP3 container. When that's not possible (due to codec mismatch), it re-encodes.
Processing happens in your browser. Nothing gets uploaded. File size limits depend on your browser's memory, not our servers. A 500 MB video file might work. A 5 GB one probably won't.
Scenarios where extraction saves you time
You found a lecture recording on your computer but it's a massive video file. You just want to listen to it on your commute like a podcast. Extract the audio, delete the video, save 90% of the storage space. A 500 MB lecture video might yield a 30 MB MP3. Same information, much smaller file.
A musician recorded a live performance on their phone. The video is shaky and the lighting is terrible, but the audio is surprisingly good. Extract the audio, throw away the video, and you have a usable live recording. No need to re-record in a studio just to get a decent take.
A podcaster records their episodes as video for YouTube but also distributes an audio-only version. Instead of recording twice or bouncing from a video editor, they extract the audio from the video file and upload it to their podcast host. One recording, two distribution formats.
A content creator repurposing video content for audio platforms. The interview that went on YouTube last month becomes a podcast episode this month. Extract, trim the intro, done.
Someone making a ringtone from a video clip. They have a 30-second video of a funny moment but they just want the audio for a notification sound. Extract, trim with the clip maker, set as ringtone.
Limitations you should know about
The output is the entire audio track. If your video is 2 hours long, you get a 2-hour MP3. The tool doesn't let you extract a segment. Trim the video first or use the audio trimmer on the result.
Audio quality is limited by the source. If the video has a 64 kbps AAC audio track, your extracted MP3 will sound like 64 kbps audio. You can't extract quality that wasn't there. Most phone videos record at 128-192 kbps AAC, which is decent. YouTube downloads (where legal) typically give you 128 kbps Opus or AAC.
This requires you to upload a file. It doesn't extract audio from YouTube URLs or streaming video links. If you have a local file, it works. If you have a URL, you need a different kind of tool (and potentially a different set of legal considerations).
Some video codecs and containers don't play well with browser-based extraction. MKV containers with certain codecs might fail. DRM-protected content will definitely fail. Test with a short clip first if you're unsure about a specific file.
FAQ
What video formats can I use?
MP4, WebM, MOV, AVI, and most formats your browser supports. If your browser can play the video, the tool can probably extract the audio. MKV support varies by browser.
Why is the extracted MP3 low quality?
Check the source video's audio specs. Many online videos use 96-128 kbps audio to save bandwidth. The extractor preserves whatever quality the source has. A low-bitrate source produces a low-bitrate result.
Can I extract audio from a YouTube video with this?
Not directly. The tool works with files on your device, not URLs. You'd need to have the video file saved locally. For URL extraction, you need a downloader tool first.
Is the audio in sync after extraction?
Yes. The tool preserves the original timing. Since there's no video to fall out of sync with, timing is a non-issue. The audio plays at the same speed and duration as it did in the video.
Why is my video file rejected?
Most likely a codec your browser doesn't support, or the file is too large for your browser's memory allocation. Try a different browser. Chrome handles more video codecs than Firefox or Safari. If it still fails, the file might use an uncommon or DRM-protected codec.