How to Extract Audio from MP4: A Friendly Guide

Have you ever watched a video and thought, ‘Wow, the audio alone would be perfect for my playlist!’? Maybe it’s an inspirational speech, a catchy song, or an interview you want to listen to on the go. If so, you’re not alone. Extracting audio from MP4 videos is more common than you think, and luckily, it’s easier than ever to do.

On this page, we will show you three super-easy ways to do it: using ArkThinker Video Converter Ultimate, VLC Media Player, and Movavi. By the end, you’ll know exactly which method suits your needs best.

GUIDE LIST

Part 1: Why People Need to Extract Audio from MP4

Part 2: 3 Ways to Extract Audio from MP4

Part 3: Which Method Is the Best?

Part 1: Why People Need to Extract Audio from MP4

First off, let's talk about the basics: why would someone want to pull audio from an MP4 video? Here are a few typical reasons.

1. Listening on the Go

Videos can use a significant amount of storage on your phone or device. If you're mainly interested in the audio, such as for a podcast or a lecture, extracting the audio can help save space and make it easier to listen to.

2. Music and Soundtracks

Ever heard a killer soundtrack or a catchy tune in a video? Extracting the audio lets you enjoy the music without needing to rewatch the video.

3. Audio Editing Projects

If you’re into audio editing or creating mashups, having the audio file separately is a must. It’s easier to work with and edit compared to extracting it during the editing process.

4. Learning and Transcribing

Extracting audio can help students or professionals transcribe interviews, lectures, or speeches more efficiently. You can even use transcription software on the extracted audio for faster results.

5. Creating Ringtones

Want a custom ringtone? Extract audio from an MP4, crop your favorite part, and set it as your ringtone. Simple and fun!

Now that you know why this is so useful, let’s dive into how to do it.

Part 2: 3 Ways to Extract Audio from MP4

Method 1: ArkThinker Video Converter Ultimate

ArkThinker Video Converter Ultimate is a top-notch tool for extracting audio from MP4 files, offering a perfect balance of user-friendliness and professional-grade performance. This software can handle many audio formats like MP3, WAV, AAC, and others, so it works well with different devices and platforms. Its batch-processing feature lets you extract audio from several MP4 files simultaneously without losing quality. Plus, it offers video editing, compression, and the ability to convert video to audio, making it a great all-in-one tool for your multimedia projects.

Steps to extract Audio from MP4 with ArkThinker Video Converter Ultimate:

Want to customize things? No problem! Click the Custom Profile button to adjust the bitrate, sample rate, or other audio settings to fit your needs.

Verdict:

I’ve used ArkThinker for a few months, and it’s a game-changer. The interface is clean, and the results are top-notch. Plus, the batch processing feature saves so much time when working with multiple files. Before you start purchasing it, 30 30-day free trial is enough to make the MP4 to audio conversion.

Method 2: VLC Media Player

VLC is a totally free and super handy media player that can even pull audio from MP4 files. It’s open-source, so there are no ads or hidden fees, and it works on pretty much any device-Windows, Mac, or Linux. Plus, it’s got a simple feature that lets you turn MP4 videos into audio files like MP3, making it perfect for grabbing just the sound from your favorite videos.

Steps to extract audio from MP4 using VLC:

No worries-just grab it from the official VLC website. Once you’ve got it installed, open VLC.

To find the Media button, check the top-left corner of your screen. Click on it, and then choose Convert/Save from the menu that appears. If you prefer using shortcuts, you can also just press Ctrl + R on Windows.

Once you’re ready, hit Start to begin the conversion. VLC will take care of extracting the audio and save it as the audio format in the folder you picked.

VLC also offers simple editing features like trimming and merging a video in VLC if you do not want to pay any cost.

Verdict:

VLC might not be the easiest tool to use at first, but it’s free and gets the job done once you figure it out. The interface isn’t super beginner-friendly, but it’s reliable for things like pulling audio from videos. Give it a shot!

Method 3: Movavi Video Converter

Movavi Video Converter is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for something easy to use that still packs plenty of features. The interface is really easy to use, making it perfect for beginners who won’t feel lost. It also converts audio quickly while maintaining great quality. The coolest thing? It supports a wide range of audio formats, so you can handle just about anything you need.

Steps to get audio from MP4 in Movavi Video Converter:

Look at the bottom part of the program window where it says Output Format. Then click the Audio tab (yep, it’s labeled Audio to pick the audio format you want, like MP3 (it’s the most popular, so it’s a safe bet). If you’re not sure, just stick with MP3.

Finally, click the Convert button. It’s big and impossible to miss so that you won’t mess this up.

Verdict:

Movavi is super user-friendly and fast. It’s great for beginners, but some features are locked behind a paywall. But it’s a solid choice if you value simplicity.

Part 3: Which Method Is the Best?

Conclusion