How to Convert MP4 to MP3 Free

Why Convert MP4 to MP3?

MP4 is a container format that holds both video and audio tracks, which makes files large and awkward to share when you only need the sound. Converting MP4 to MP3 gives you a compact audio file that:

• Shrinks file size — MP3 audio is a fraction of the size of a full video.
• Works everywhere — Play MP3 on any device, car stereo, or music app.
• Easier to edit — Audio editors and transcribers work best with plain audio.
• Saves storage — Keep only the audio you actually need.

How to Convert MP4 to MP3

Step 1: Choose a free converter

You have several free options. Online web tools need no installation, and desktop apps like Audacity or VLC also convert MP4 to MP3 with just the free MP3 encoder enabled.

Step 2: Upload or open your MP4 file

Drag your MP4 file into the converter (most support files up to 200MB on free plans) or open it in your desktop editor.

Step 3: Set MP3 as the output format

Choose MP3 and pick a bitrate. 128 kbps is fine for spoken audio and podcasts, while 256–320 kbps keeps more detail for music.

Step 4: Convert and download

Click convert, wait a few seconds, then download your MP3. That's it — your video's audio is now a lightweight, shareable MP3 file.

How to Choose a Converter

• Free with clear limits — Avoid tools that hide fees behind watermarks.
• Fast and private — Look for automatic file deletion and no signup friction.
• Batch support — Convert multiple videos at once when you need it.

Once your MP3 is ready, you can take it further: turn it into text with free audio transcription to get transcripts, notes, or SRT subtitles. It's an easy way to repurpose old videos into articles, captions, and show notes.

Pro Tips

• Keep bitrate low for speech — You rarely need more than 128 kbps for podcasts or interviews.
• Rename cleanly — Use a clear title so transcripts, tags, and playlists stay organized.
• Back up originals — Never overwrite your original video file.