Before you start
- VLC, Audacity or FFmpeg (all free)
Method 1 VLC (Windows, Mac, Linux)
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Step 1: Open Convert
In VLC, choose Media > Convert / Save (Mac: File > Convert / Stream).
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Step 2: Add the video
Click Add, choose your MP4, then Convert / Save.
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Step 3: Pick MP3
Under Profile, choose Audio – MP3.
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Step 4: Choose output
Click Browse, enter a file name ending in .mp3, and click Start.
Method 2 Audacity (edit and export)
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Step 1: Import
Open Audacity and choose File > Import > Audio, selecting the MP4 (Audacity uses FFmpeg support for video files).
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Step 2: Trim if needed
Cut parts you don’t want.
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Step 3: Export
File > Export Audio, choose MP3 and a quality (192–320 kbps).
Method 3 Mac: QuickTime (M4A)
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Step 1: Export audio only
Open the video in QuickTime Player and choose File > Export As > Audio Only. It saves an M4A file, which plays almost everywhere.
Method 4 FFmpeg (fastest for many files)
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Step 1: Install FFmpeg
Download from ffmpeg.org (or winget install ffmpeg on Windows, brew install ffmpeg on Mac).
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Step 2: Run the command
Use the command below in Terminal in the video’s folder.
ffmpeg -i video.mp4 -vn -q:a 2 audio.mp3Troubleshooting
The MP3 has no sound
The video may have no audio track, or VLC’s profile used the wrong codec. Try the FFmpeg command or Audacity.
Audacity can’t open MP4
Install the FFmpeg library via Edit > Preferences > Libraries.
Frequently asked questions
What bitrate should I use?
192 kbps is good for most listening; 320 kbps for music where quality matters.
Can I do it on my phone?
Some video editors export audio; on iPhone, Shortcuts can extract audio. Desktop tools are more reliable.
Summary
Use VLC’s Convert / Save with the Audio – MP3 profile, Audacity to edit then export, or ffmpeg -i video.mp4 -vn -q:a 2 audio.mp3 for speed. Only convert content you have the right to use.
