How to Convert Video to Audio on Desktop or Phone

If you’ve got an archive of great YouTube videos and video content, those can easily be repurposed into new podcast episodes. But you’ll need to convert video files to audio.

This can also be useful if you’ve happened to capture great clips on video, but want to just use the sound in your podcast. 

Converting video to audio lets you repurpose your great content on audio-only platforms and RSS feeds. And the good news is converting these files is pretty easy.

Here’s how to convert video to audio on a desktop or phone. 

So, you can convert video to audio?

Definitely! It turns out it’s fairly simple and opens up tons of possibilities for creators to repurpose old content or work across video and audio podcast formats.

How does converting video to audio work?

You’ll have to separate the two tracks of the video content and the audio content into a new or existing recording. This means the content is intact, but each element can run independently from one another. 

Separate video and audio tracks can be really helpful in editing as well. Even if you export a video file, separating the tracks allows you to work on both tracks individually to enhance quality.

Once they are separate, you’ll be able to export either video or audio only.

How to Convert Video to Audio on a Mac

Converting your video to audio may look a little different depending on what system you are using. While Mac users can easily use Audacity and VLC, two applications we will explore below, you can also use the application QuickTime to convert video to audio. This means you won’t have to download any further software. 

Here’s how to do it:

• Open up QuickTime

• In QuickTime, in the top left menu, select “File” and then “Open File” to select the video you want to convert.

• When the video file is up and loaded, select “File” again, and scroll down to “Export As”, and “Audio Only”.

• A pop-up window will prompt you to name the file, then by clicking “Save” you will be able to select the audio format you prefer. 

As you can see, converting video to audio on a desktop is fairly straightforward, but sometimes you may need to convert on the go. Let’s see how you can convert video to audio with a phone.

How to convert video to audio with a Windows PC

For Windows, there are two great software options to help you: Audacity and VLC. Both are totally free to use. But if you prefer to stick online, Veed.io lets you upload a video file and download the audio in seconds. 

How to Convert Video to Audio on Audacity

Here’s how you can use the free Audacity to convert your video files. 

• Make sure you have Audacity downloaded and installed.

• Open Audacity and head to “File” then “Open” in the top left menu. Select the video you’d like to convert, and let it load.

• Once your video is uploaded, you can then click “File” again, and choose “Export”. You’ll see a dropdown menu where you can select the “File Format”, choose “MP3”, then “Save”. 

You’re all set, your audio file is now saved and ready to be used for your podcast.

Using VLC to convert video to audio

If you prefer VLC, here’s how to convert your video files: 

• Make sure you have the VLC Media Player installed on your device.

• Open the Player and click “ Media” in the top menu. On the dropdown you can choose “Convert/Save”

• Here you can choose  “Add”, and select the video file you want to upload and convert. 

• There will be a button to click: “Convert/Save”. Then you can select “Profile”, and “Settings”, and you’ll want to click “audio - MP3”. 

• Now you can select where to save the file as an MP3 file, from there you’ll click the button “Start”.

Let VLC do its work and shortly it will be ready in your files. 

How to convert a video to audio on your phone

Whether you are using an iPhone or Android, there are plenty of apps to help you convert your video files to audio.

A free app for iPhone users is  Media Converter - video to mp3, while Android Users prefer the Video to MP3 application. Both can use the popular CapCut app as well.

These apps will have an option to upload your video file, then “Export As” and select the preferred format.

Just remember to transfer your files to a desktop and save them in a secure location.

FAQs on how to convert video to audio

In most cases converting your video to an MP3 is simple, but of course, you might still have a few questions. Here’s a bit extra information to help put you at ease.

Is it better to record and convert, or record separate tracks?

As mentioned above you can also separate your audio and video tracks in order to edit each individual track for optimum content. Is it better than converting? That’s really up to your preferences.

When you make the primary edits for clarity, such as cutting clips or moving sections, it’s best to work on one combined track so everything syncs. However, when you are ready, it can be good to separate these tracks in your editing software in order to make any final touches. That way you can export in video or audio only.

Some software, like Descript, allows you to create another “composition” under one project, meaning you can save the original file, and then create a composition for audio-only or video. This means you can make additional edits while retaining your original files. 

How can I convert video into MP3?

In order to convert video into MP3 files, you’ll need additional software. Mac users will have the built-in QuickTime, but Windows or Mobile users will need to download an additional program. Each will allow you to upload your video, and follow the steps to export your video as an audio-only MP3 format.

How do I turn a video into an audio file for free?

The most popular video conversion tools are all free. Those mentioned in this article are all free, so luckily you won’t have to hesitate when converting your files. 

Final Thoughts on Converting Video to Audio

Learning how to convert video to audio can be very helpful if you are looking to convert old video content into new podcast episodes, or grab audio clips. Luckily it’s a simple process that will only take you a few minutes. 

Aside from the apps we’ve mentioned, you may find your preferred editing software allows you to convert or export as audio only, so don’t be afraid to use other software!
If all the work behind podcasting is getting to be daunting, Lower Street’s team is here to help you editing and publishing your brand podcast, be it in video or audio format. Get in touch to learn more about our services.