How often does it happen that you see a YouTube video you’d gladly turn to a podcast or save it as an audio lesson? If such thoughts cross your mind from time to time, this guide is for you as here; we’ll cover all free working ways to convert a video (not necessarily a YouTube one) to an audio file.

How to Convert Video to Audio Online

Let’s start with the obvious and cover online tools that help you do the job.

FreeConvert

FreeConvert is an online solution that lets you save videos as audio files. In addition to simply converting a clip to MP3, it allows you to adjust the conversion settings; namely, select the audio codec, adjust the volume of the audio file, and add audio effects such as fade in, fade out, and or reverse it. You can also trim the audio, so this tool isn’t just a converter but an editing tool with basic functionality.

Here’s how to convert a video to audio.

Download the video you want to convert with 4K Video Downloader Plus or record it. Additionally, you can upload a video from the URL, but it doesn’t work well.

Visit the FreeConvert website.
Upload your video file. If your file size is too large (larger than 1GB), sign up to unlock more options.
Click on "Start" to initiate the conversion.
Once done, download the converted audio file.

Restream

Restream is also an easy solution to convert videos to MP3. The course of action is pretty much like with the previous tool: simply visit their website and upload your file. The conversion will take seconds. Apart from MP3, Restream can also convert your videos to WAV, M4A, WMA, MP4, and MOV formats. No software is required to be installed on your device; you can easily turn your iPhone or Android video file to audio with Restream.

How to Convert Video to Audio on a PC or Mac

Depending on the operating system in use, there are various methods available for converting video data to audio on a PC. For users on a Windows PC, there are several software options that support video-to-audio conversion, with popular programs such as Audacity, VLC, or a native solution—Windows Media Player. Let’s start with the latter.

How to Convert Video to Audio with Windows Media Player

Windows Media Player is a media player and media library application developed by Microsoft. It comes pre-installed with Microsoft Windows operating systems, providing users with a convenient way to play audio and video files on their computers. The player supports a wide range of multimedia formats, including audio and video files, as well as streaming protocols. Apart from just converting files into various formats, you can also organize your media files into libraries, making it easier to navigate and find specific content, rip audio CDs to your computer, and convert the tracks into digital files. It also supports burning audio CDs from digital audio files.

But here’s how to convert a video to MP3 with Windows Media Player:

Open Windows Media Player.
Go to the "Organize" menu and select "Options."
Under the "Rip Music" tab, set the format to MP3 or another preferred audio format.
Insert the video file into the library and use the "Rip CD" option to extract audio.

How to Convert Video to Audio with 4K Video Downloader Plus

Don’t let the app’s name confuse you. 4K Video Downloader Plus is a cross-platform app that allows you to save videos in different formats, audio formats included. The peculiar feature of this app is that it can convert not just single videos to audio files but the entire YouTube playlists and channels, so you can convert a batch of videos to MP3, M4A, or WAV.

Here’s how to use 4K VIdeo Downloader Plus for this task:

Install 4K Video Downloader Plus on your desktop. It’s compatible with Mac, Windows, and even Ubuntu computers.
In the Smart Mode menu, set the desired parameters: Download — Audio, Format — MP3.

Copy the video URL and paste it into the app by pressing the green Paste Link button. It can be a YouTube, Facebook, Dailymotion, Twitch, Vimeo, Bilibili, Tumblr, BitChute, Flickr, Rumble, Niconico, Naver TV, or an Xvideos video.

Alternatively, you can search for the video in an in-app browser and download it right through it without leaving the app.

Now, wait for the app to download your file in the desired format.

If you want to play it, just click on it. If you want to find the file on your device, click on the folder icon next to the file’s name in 4K Video Downloader Plus.

Nice to know: 4K Video Downloader Plus has an Android version.

How to Convert Video to Audio with Audacity

Audacity is a free, open-source audio editing and recording software application. It’s a legendary app because it’s been free for a long time and is stuffed with features for various use cases, from podcasting to sound production. And though it has a multitude of features that are helpful for audio pros and enthusiasts of all levels, it can also do simple tasks such as video to MP3 conversion. Here’s how:

Download and install the Audacity application on your device.
Navigate to 'File,' then 'Open,' and select the video file from which you want to extract audio.
Go to 'File' again, choose 'Export,' and use the file format drop-down menu to select 'MP3.' Click 'Save.'
Ensure that you save your extracted audio file in a location that is easily accessible on your computer.

Another option for Windows users is VLC.

How to Convert Video to Audio with VLC

To convert video to audio using your VLC player, adhere to the following steps:

Download and install the VLC Media Player on your device.
Choose 'Media,' followed by 'Convert/Save.'
Click 'Add,' and open the video file you wish to convert.
Click 'Convert/Save.' Navigate to 'Profile,' then 'Settings,' and opt for 'Audio - MP3.'
Select 'Browse,' choose a destination file name with an extension ending in '.mp3,' and click 'Start.'

Mac users can also use these ways, but here’s an additional option.

How to Convert Video to Audio with QuickTime Player

In addition to VLC and Audacity, Mac users can also find QuickTime helpful when it comes to video-to-audio conversion. QuickTime players are installed on every Mac, so here’s how to use it to convert video to an audio file.

Begin by opening the QuickTime player on your device.
In QuickTime, access your video file by selecting 'File' and then choosing 'Open File.'

Navigate to 'File,' proceed to 'Export As,' and select 'Audio Only.'

Utilize the file save dialogue box to name your audio file and choose a destination.
Click 'Save' to store your file in the audio format of your preference.

And there you have it—these are the best and safest ways to convert a video to audio both online and on your desktop! You can use online methods to convert a video file to MP3 on your smartphones, too.

FAQs on How to Convert Video to Audio

How to convert video into MP3?

There are a multitude of apps and online tools that can help you with that! If you want an easy, quick, one-time conversion, opt for an online website, such as Restream or FreeConvert. If you intend to convert more videos to MP3 and want to do that in bulk, opt for safe desktop solutions, such as 4K Video Downloader Plus.

How do I turn a video into an audio file for free?

Pretty much all online tools are free. Desktop software can be free as well, though. All the methods we provided above are free.

What is the best free video-to-MP3 converter?

Determining the "best" free video-to-MP3 converter can depend on individual preferences and requirements. Some popular options include FreeConvert, 4K Video Downloader Plus, and Restream for online conversions. For desktop solutions, Audacity and VLC Media Player are versatile choices. The best converter for you may depend on factors such as ease of use, additional features, and compatibility with your operating system.