How to Extract Audio from Video in Easy Ways

ByJim Miller

Have you ever stumbled upon a video with flawless background music, only to realize it's nowhere to be found elsewhere? Or perhaps you're looking to preserve a memorable speech or audio clip from a video for future reference. These are just a few instances where extracting audio from a video proves to be incredibly valuable.

The good news is, it's easier than you might think. All you need is the tool that can convert files and a bit of know-how. And here we've got you covered! With this step-by-step guide, you'll learn different ways to extract audio from MP4 and other formats effortlessly.

Why Extracting Audio from Video is Useful

Repurpose content

Sometimes, you might want to use the audio portion of a video for your own purposes without including the visuals. For example, you have a video presentation with voiceover and need that audio separately for a podcast or some other project.

Find hard-to-find music

Isn't that annoying? You find a video with an amazing background music, but have no idea what it's called or where to find it. Instead of endlessly searching for the name, trying to get the lyrics right, or using a music recognition app to identify the song, knowing how to extract audio from video and convert it to a music file is the solution.

Get quotes and soundbites

If there's a part of a video that you find particularly inspiring or thought-provoking, you can easily extract it and use it as a quote or soundbite in your own work. This saves time and ensures accuracy compared to manually transcribing the audio.

Create mashups

First there were remixes. Now we also have mashups. If you want to mix and match different audio clips from different videos, extracting them is the easiest way to do it. This is especially useful for DJs, music producers, or anyone looking to create unique audio content.

Save space

Storing videos takes up a lot of space, especially if you have a large collection. If you don't need the video portion and are only interested in the audio, extracting it can save you a significant amount of storage space. This is especially helpful if you have much lower storage options, such as on a phone or tablet.

How to Choose an Audio Extractor

Yes, not all programs have the same capabilities and some might not fit your needs. When deciding on an audio extractor, consider these factors:

  1. Supported file formats

Make sure the audio extractor you choose can handle the file format of your video. Most extractors support popular formats like MP4, AVI, and WMV, but double check just in case.

  1. Ease of use

It's not worth it if the tool is too complicated to use. Look for extractors with intuitive interfaces and straightforward extraction processes. Bonus points if they offer a drag-and-drop feature.

  1. Quality of extraction

Of course, you want the audio to sound just as good as it did in the video. Some extractors might cause quality loss or produce distorted audio, so be sure to read reviews and test out a few options before committing to one.

  1. Speed

Some tools may take longer than others to extract the audio. If you need to extract multiple videos or are working on a tight deadline, consider picking the one with faster extraction speeds. Additionally, some extractors may offer batch extraction options for even more efficiency.

  1. Extra features

Tested out a few options and still can't decide? Look for any additional features that may sway your decision. It may be some audio effects, advanced editing features, an option to extract subtitles, etc.

3 Ways to Extract Audio from Video

Now that we've discussed the benefits and factors to consider, let's get into the actual process.

Method 1: Online Tools

The same as with converting videos online, there are various online tools that allow you to extract audio from videos. Most of the time, they're free and easy to use. Simply upload your video, select the output format (usually MP3), and click extract.

Some popular options include:

  • Audio Extractor — A simple online tool with a straightforward process and no advanced options.  It supports a couple of popular output formats like MP3 and WAV. No registration required.
  • Kapwing — A versatile online tool that extracts audio and allows you to edit your video. You can trim, translate audio, clone voice, and add sound effects. Moreover, you can either upload your video or paste a URL.

Method 2: Desktop Programs

Need to extract audio frequently or prefer a more robust extraction process? PC-based audio extractor software is the way to go. They often provide more advanced editing like noise reduction, audio effects, mixing, and more. Some popular choices are:

  • VLC — a free and open-source option, that’s more than a media player. It supports almost all audio and video formats, including DVDs.  Besides, you can trim your audio and add subtitles if needed.
  • Audacity — another free and open-source software with advanced editing features such as noise reduction, equalization, and audio effects. It also supports multiple tracks, making it a great tool for audio mixing.

Method 3: Mobile Apps

For those who need to extract audio on-the-go or don't have access to a computer, you can quickly extract audio using your smartphone or tablet. Such apps are usually very similar to online tools and offer basic editing options as well. The only downside that the free versions may have limited features or include ads. Some popular apps include:

  • Audio Converter – Extract MP3 — a simple and easy-to-use app that supports various input video formats. You can also cut or trim your audio within the app.
  • Audio Extractor: Extract, Tri — the app is clean and easy to use.  You can extract audio in one click and choose between 3 output formats. The only downside is the number of ads.

No matter which tool you choose, the process of extracting audio from video is typically simple. Make sure to follow the instructions provided by the tool and enjoy your newly extracted audio for whatever purpose you need.

Conclusion

Extracting audio from video can be a useful skill to have, especially if you frequently work with media files. Whether it's for personal or professional purposes, having the ability to easily extract audio from videos opens up a world of possibilities.

With the various tools available, it has never been easier to separate, rip, pull or detach sound from videos and save it in a format of your choice. So go ahead and try out one of the methods mentioned above and see which one works best for you.

Author Bio

Ben Jacklin

Ben is a writer from the UK with qualifications in Media and Music Technology, he specializes in software reviews and tutorials. Ben has been blogging about media and tech subjects since he was a teenager from his base in the East of England.