You can extract audio from a video using free software on Windows, Mac, or Linux, or online tools that require no installation

The simplest method depends on what you already have. If you use Windows, the built-in Photos app can export audio from a video file. On Mac, QuickTime Player combined with a free audio converter handles the job. If you want to avoid installing anything, several free websites let you upload a video and download the audio — though this means your file travels to someone else's server.

The audio quality in the extracted file matches the audio that was already in the video. You are not improving or degrading it, just separating it from the video track. The file size of the audio alone is typically much smaller than the original video.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can export audio directly from the Photos app without installing additional software.
  • Mac users can use QuickTime Player to export audio, or use free tools like HandBrake or FFmpeg if QuickTime does not support the video format.
  • Free online converters like CloudConvert, Online-Convert, or Convertio let you upload a video and download the audio file without installing anything.
  • The audio quality stays the same as what was in the original video — extraction does not improve or reduce quality.
  • Common audio formats are MP3 (smallest file size, plays everywhere), WAV (larger, higher quality), and M4A (Apple's format, good quality and smaller than WAV).

Using Windows Photos app

Open the video file in the Photos app (the default video player on Windows 10 and later). Click the three dots menu in the top right corner, then select Edit. At the top of the editing window, you will see Audio as one of the options. Click it, then click Extract audio. The app will save the audio as an MP3 file in your Music folder.

This method works for MP4, MOV, AVI, and WMV files. If your video is in a less common format (like MKV or FLV), the Photos app may not recognize it, and you will need to use a different tool.

Using Mac QuickTime Player or free converters

QuickTime Player on Mac can open most video files, but it does not have a built-in export-to-audio function. Instead, use a free tool like HandBrake (available at handbrake.fr) or FFmpeg (a command-line tool, more technical). HandBrake has a graphical interface: open your video, choose an audio format like MP3 or M4A from the Audio tab, and click Start.

If you prefer not to install software, the online converters listed below work on Mac the same way they work on any computer — just upload and download.

Using free online converters

CloudConvert (cloudconvert.com), Online-Convert (online-convert.com), and Convertio (convertio.com) all let you upload a video file and choose an audio format. You download the audio file when it is ready. No account is required on most of them, though creating one lets you save your conversion history.

The trade-off is that your video file is uploaded to their server. If the video contains private or sensitive content, this is a reason to use local software instead. These services are free for files under a certain size (usually 100 MB to 1 GB, depending on the site). Larger files may require payment.

Processing time varies. A 5-minute video usually converts in under a minute. Longer videos or busy servers may take several minutes.

Choosing an audio format

MP3 is the most widely compatible format. Nearly every device and app can play it. File sizes are small because MP3 uses compression that removes some audio data. For speech or music from a video, most people cannot hear the difference.

WAV is uncompressed, so it preserves every bit of audio data from the original. Files are much larger — a 10-minute video might produce a 100 MB WAV file versus a 10 MB MP3. Use WAV only if you plan to edit the audio further or need the highest possible quality.

M4A (also called AAC) is Apple's format. It compresses audio like MP3 does, but often produces better quality at the same file size. It plays on most modern devices, though older phones and media players may not support it.

What to do if the tool does not recognize your video format

Video formats like MKV, FLV, WebM, and some older AVI files are not supported by every tool. If the Photos app or an online converter rejects your file, try HandBrake or FFmpeg, which handle a wider range of formats.

You can also convert the video to MP4 first using a free tool like HandBrake, then extract the audio from the MP4. This takes an extra step but works when nothing else does.

Checking the audio before you extract

Open the video in your media player and listen to the audio. If it sounds distorted, too quiet, or has problems, those problems will be in the extracted audio file too. Extraction does not fix audio issues — it only separates the audio from the video.

If the audio quality is poor, you may want to edit it after extraction using free software like Audacity (audacityteam.org). Audacity can amplify quiet audio, remove background noise, and adjust other properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will extracting audio reduce the quality?

No. The audio quality stays exactly as it was in the video. Extraction just separates the audio track from the video track. If you choose MP3 format, the compression happens during extraction, but that is the same compression that would happen if you converted the audio any other way.

Can I extract audio from a video I found online?

Technically yes, but legally it depends on the video's copyright. If you own the video or have permission from the copyright holder, extraction is fine. If the video is copyrighted and you do not have permission, extracting the audio may violate copyright law. Always check the video's license or terms of use first.

What if the video has multiple audio tracks?

Most tools extract the first audio track by default. If the video has multiple languages or audio versions, HandBrake and FFmpeg let you choose which track to extract. Online converters usually extract only the default track.

How long does extraction take?

Local software (Photos app, HandBrake) usually finishes in seconds to a few minutes, depending on video length and your computer speed. Online converters depend on file size and server load — typically a few minutes for videos under 100 MB.

Can I extract audio from a video on my phone?

On iPhone, the built-in Shortcuts app can extract audio, though it requires some setup. On Android, apps like VidCutter or MediaConverter from the Google Play Store can do this. Online converters work on phones too — just upload from your phone's browser.