Converting video files into MP3 audio files is a great way to listen to the audio from videos on your phone, MP3 player, or other device that supports the MP3 format. MP3 files take up much less space than video files, allowing you to store more audio on your devices. Converting videos to MP3 is also useful if you just want to listen to the audio without the video part. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to convert video files to MP3 using free software.
What You’ll Need
- A video file you want to convert to MP3. Common video formats like MP4, AVI, MKV, FLV, MOV, and many more are supported.
- A computer with Windows, Mac or Linux operating system.
- Free video to MP3 converter software installed on your computer. Recommended options:
- Windows: Freemake Video Converter, Any Video Converter, VLC Media Player
- Mac: iMovie, ffmpeg, Handbrake
- Linux: FFmpeg, VLC Media Player
Step 1: Install Video to MP3 Converter Software
The first step is to download and install a free video to MP3 converter on your computer. Here are some top options:
Windows
- Freemake Video Converter – Supports over 500 input video and audio formats. Easy to use interface.
- Any Video Converter – Fast converter that keeps original quality. Batch conversion available.
- VLC Media Player – Open source, cross-platform player. Has basic video to MP3 capability.
Mac
- iMovie – Apple’s free video editing app has a Export Audio option.
- ffmpeg – Command line tool needs some technical skill but is very versatile.
- Handbrake – Open source video transcoder with MP3 export support.
Linux
- FFmpeg – Command line tool ideal for Linux. Requires command line skills.
- VLC Media Player – Cross-platform open source player that can convert to MP3.
Follow the download instructions for the software you choose to install it on your computer before proceeding further.
Step 2: Add Video File to Convert
Once you have installed the video to MP3 converter software, open the program on your computer. Most converters will have an “Add File” or similarly labeled button to select your video file. Navigate to the video you want to convert and select it.
The supported video formats vary across different converter software. Common options include MP4, AVI, FLV, WMV, MKV, MOV, and many more. The video file will appear in the converter program’s queue once added.
Step 3: Select MP3 as Output Format
After adding the video file, you need to specify the output format you want – in this case MP3 audio. Look for an “Output Format” or similarly named option in the converter program.
Select MP3 as the output format. Other output options like WAV, FLAC, AAC may also be available. MP3 is the most widely supported audio format.
Step 4: Customize MP3 Settings (Optional)
Some converter tools will allow customizing the settings for the output MP3 file. This allows you to tweak the audio quality, file size, and other options. Here are some settings you can optimize:
- Bitrate – Higher bitrates like 256 or 320 kbps produce better quality audio in large MP3 files. Lower bitrates like 128 or 96 kbps have lower quality but smaller file sizes.
- Sample Rate – CD quality sample rate is 44,100 Hz. You can choose lower rates for smaller files.
- Channels – Stereo or 2 channels is standard. Mono has a single channel and smaller file size.
The default MP3 settings selected by the converter software work fine for most cases. Adjust the settings only if you need specific quality or file sizes.
Step 5: Start MP3 Conversion Process
You are now ready to convert the video to MP3 format. Look for a Convert, Encode, Rip, or similarly named button in the program interface to start the process. Some converters may have additional options like deleting source files after conversion that you can enable as needed.
The conversion speed depends on the video length, quality, and your computer hardware. On modern PCs or Macs, converting audio from videos only takes a few minutes.
Step 6: Save Converted MP3
Once the conversion process completes, you can save the output MP3 audio file. Most video converter tools will save the MP3 in the same folder as the input video by default. You can choose a different save location if needed.
The MP3 audio will have the same file name as the original video but with the .mp3 extension. You can rename it as needed before saving the file.
That completes the process of converting a video file to MP3 audio. You can now enjoy the audio in your favorite MP3 compatible devices and apps.
Top Tips for Converting Video to MP3
Here are some additional tips to get the most out of converting videos to MP3:
- Use the highest quality MP3 settings when file size is not a constraint.
- Lower MP3 bitrates significantly reduce file sizes but sacrifice some audio quality.
- Convert multiple files together using batch conversion to save time.
- Trim unwanted sections of the video before conversion for better MP3 audio.
- Use MP3 joint software to merge multiple MP3 clips into one file.
- Add ID3 metadata tags like song title, artist, album to the MP3 file.
Why Convert Videos to MP3 Format?
Here are some of the top reasons why you may want to extract the audio from videos and convert to MP3 format:
- Listen on more devices – MP3 is supported by all phones, tablets, computers, and MP3 players.
- Save disk space – MP3 files take up much less space than video files.
- Faster sharing – Smaller sized MP3s are quicker to download and email.
- Better performance – MP3 puts lower strain on processors when playing audio.
- More organization – Only keep relevant audio and discard video component.
- Enhanced accessibility – Listen to just the audio from videos if you have visual impairments.
Common Video Files and Their MP3 Equivalents
Here is a comparison of approximate file sizes when converting some popular video formats to MP3 audio:
Video Format | Video Size | MP3 Size | Space Savings |
---|---|---|---|
MP4 | 165 MB | 5 MB | 97% |
AVI | 250 MB | 5 MB | 98% |
WMV | 180 MB | 5 MB | 97% |
MOV | 110 MB | 5 MB | 95% |
FLV | 100 MB | 5 MB | 95% |
MKV | 200 MB | 5 MB | 98% |
As you can see, converting to MP3 provides huge savings in file size, between 95% to 98% smaller. This allows fitting over 30 times more audio on a device in MP3 format compared to the video files.
Troubleshooting Guide
In most cases, converting videos to MP3 goes smoothly. But if you face any issues, here are some troubleshooting tips:
Problem: Audio is out of sync
Try setting the output sample rate in the converter to match the video. Also check if the video itself plays properly in media players before conversion.
Problem: MP3 quality is bad
Increase the bitrate to 256 or 320 kbps for better quality. Check the input video for audio issues before converting to MP3.
Problem: Conversion takes long time
This is normal for large, high resolution video files. Try reducing video quality or resolution before converting to MP3 to speed things up.
Problem: Output MP3 does not play
The MP3 may be corrupted. Re-convert the file and ensure proper playlists or software is used to play the MP3 after conversion.
Problem: Audio is muted
Check the volume settings and mixer levels before conversion. Also try re-encoding the MP3 file from the original video.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is converting video to MP3 legal?
Converting videos you own for personal use is generally legal under fair use copyright principles in most countries. However, redistributing the MP3 or using it commercially may have copyright implications.
Does video to MP3 conversion reduce audio quality?
MP3 is a lossy format and discards some audio data to achieve compression. However, with proper encoder settings, the loss in perceptible quality is negligible in most cases.
What are the best MP3 encoder settings?
For optimal quality MP3s, use a constant bitrate of 256 kbps or 320 kbps, 44.1 kHz sampling, and standard stereo channels. This provides excellent quality comparable to the original audio.
Is MP3 better than ACC or other formats?
MP3 is the most widely compatible format. ACC and other lossy formats may offer better compression but are not supported on all devices. MP3 strikes the best balance.
Can I convert and watch videos during flights?
Many airlines prohibit use of electronics during takeoff and landing. You can convert videos to MP3 beforehand and listen during the allowed times mid-flight.
Conclusion
Converting video files to MP3 audio format is a straightforward process that can be done for free using standard tools found on Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems. The benefits are huge – you save disk space, can listen to just the audio component, and enjoy the media on more devices.
Follow the simple step-by-step instructions outlined in this guide to convert your own video files to MP3. Customize the encoder settings for optimal quality and file size. With this knowledge, you can now get the most out of converting your video library into portable MP3 format.