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Extract Audio from Video

Save the soundtrack of a video as an audio file.

Your files never leave your device.

Uses FFmpeg compiled to WebAssembly (ffmpeg.wasm, core 0.12.10), licensed under the GNU GPL v2 or later. Source code. The first use downloads about 32 MB, which your browser keeps for next time.

When to use it

Use this tool to save the sound from a video as an audio file. It is handy for keeping the audio of a recorded lecture or meeting, turning a video podcast into something you can listen to on a walk, saving a voice memo you filmed by mistake, or getting a soundtrack ready for editing.

How to use it

  1. Click Choose video or drop a file. MP4, MOV, WebM, MKV, AVI and more work, up to 2 GB.
  2. Wait while the tools load and the file is read. You will see the size, length and details of the sound.
  3. Choose an Audio format:
    • Original saves the sound exactly as it is in the video. The button shows the format, such as M4A.
    • MP3 plays everywhere. Choose an MP3 quality of 128, 192 or 320 kbps.
    • WAV is uncompressed, for editing.
  4. Click Extract audio, listen to the result, then click Download.

Worked example

You recorded a 45-minute lecture on your phone as an MP4 file of 900 MB. Load it and choose Original. Because the sound is AAC, it is copied as an M4A file in seconds, usually 45 to 90 MB depending on the phone, with the same quality as the video.

If your car stereo only plays MP3, choose MP3 at 128 kbps instead. Speech sounds clear at that quality, and the file is around 43 MB.

When the Original option converts

A few soundtrack types, such as some used by older cameras, have no common audio file of their own. In that case the hint under the format choice tells you, and the tool converts the sound to MP3 instead.

Tips

  • Start with Original. It is the fastest and loses nothing. Only convert if you need a specific format.
  • Use 128 kbps for speech. Lectures, meetings and podcasts sound fine and the files are smaller.
  • Use 192 kbps or higher for music. It keeps more detail in songs and instruments.
  • Edit afterwards. Use Cut Audio to keep only the part you need, or the MP3 Converter to convert other audio files.

Common mistakes

  • Choosing WAV for listening. WAV files are about ten times larger than MP3 and offer no benefit for everyday listening.
  • Converting to MP3 at 320 kbps from low-quality sound. A higher bit rate cannot add detail that was not there. It only makes the file bigger.
  • Using a video with no sound. If the video has no soundtrack, the tool will tell you there is nothing to extract.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Original format do?

It copies the soundtrack exactly as it is stored in the video, with no quality loss. Most phone and web videos use AAC sound, which is saved as an M4A file. It is the fastest option.

Which format should I choose?

Choose Original for the best quality and speed. Choose MP3 if you need a file that plays on every device and app. Choose WAV if you will edit the audio in a sound editor.

Is my video uploaded?

No. The audio is extracted inside your browser and saved straight to your device.

Can I extract just part of the soundtrack?

This tool saves the whole soundtrack. To keep just a section, extract the audio first, then open the result in Cut Audio.

Does it work with videos from YouTube or other sites?

It works with video files that are already on your device. It does not download videos from websites. Only extract audio from videos you own or have permission to use.

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