An MP4 file usually holds a video track and an audio track. Converting it to MP3 keeps only the sound and encodes it in the most widely supported audio format there is. The result is a fraction of the size of the video.
Which bitrate should I pick?
The bitrate sets how much data each second of audio gets, and with it the size and the quality.
- 128 kbps is plenty for speech: lectures, meetings, interviews. About 1 MB per minute.
- 192 kbps, the default, is good for music and mixed content. About 1.4 MB per minute.
- 256 or 320 kbps are for music you care about. 320 kbps is the highest MP3 allows, at about 2.4 MB per minute.
The audio inside an MP4 is normally AAC, which is already compressed. Converting to MP3 compresses it again, so going above the quality of the source adds size without adding detail. For a phone video, 192 kbps is as good as it gets. If you plan to edit the audio, use Extract Audio with WAV instead.
What happens to the video?
It is dropped. The MP3 contains sound only. Your original MP4 is not changed.
Does it work with other video formats?
Yes. Despite the name, the tool also accepts M4V, MOV, MKV and WebM files. For AVI, WMV and older formats, use Extract Audio.
Is my file stored?
The conversion runs on our server. The MP4 is uploaded over an encrypted connection, converted in Germany and deleted with the MP3 automatically within two hours. Upload only files you have the right to use; converting a music video does not change who owns the song.
What are the limits?
This is a video job, so the free tier includes 3 per day without an account and 5 with a free account, for files up to 50 MB. Pro covers files up to 500 MB with no daily cap, and one credit pays for a single job over the limit. Converting a season of recorded lectures is quicker in the pipeline builder, where you can also rename the MP3s by pattern.
How to convert MP4 to MP3
- Drop your MP4 onto the drop zone.
- Pick the bitrate, or keep 192 kbps.
- Click Convert to MP3.
- Download the MP3 when it is ready.
FAQ
What if the video has no sound?
You get an error saying the video has no audio track, since there is nothing to convert.
Will the MP3 have the video's title and artwork?
Tags from the video may not be carried over. Add them in your music player or tag editor.
Does it work on a phone?
Yes. The page works in mobile browsers; pick the video from your gallery or files.
Which bitrate for a podcast?
128 kbps for speech-only shows, 192 kbps if there is music.