Introduction
MP4 (MPEG-4 Part 14) and MP3 (MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3) are two of the most widely used audio and video formats respectively. While MP4 is primarily used for video content, it may also contain audio tracks, whereas MP3 is generally used for audio files. As such, it may be necessary to convert an MP4 file to an MP3 file to make use of the audio track in the MP4 file.
In this article, we will look at various methods that can be used to convert an MP4 file to an MP3 file. We will explore the advantages and disadvantages of each method as well as step-by-step instructions on how to carry out the conversion.
Using an Online Converter
Using an online converter is perhaps the simplest way to convert an MP4 file to an MP3 file. There are many free online converters available online, some of which even offer additional features such as the ability to edit audio files or convert multiple files at one go.
Advantages:
- No software installation required
- Free to use
- Easy to use
Disadvantages:
- Limited features
- Potential security risks
- May not support certain file types
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Go to the website of an online converter of your choice.
- Click on the “Choose File” button and select the MP4 file you want to convert.
- Select the output format as MP3.
- Click on the “Convert” button.
- Once the conversion is complete, download the MP3 file.
Using iTunes
iTunes is Apple’s official media player and library management application. It can also be used to convert an MP4 file to an MP3 file.
Advantages:
- Comes pre-installed on all Mac computers
- Supports multiple file formats
- User-friendly interface
Disadvantages:
- Not available for Windows computers
- Can only convert one file at a time
- May require paid subscription to access certain features
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Open iTunes on your Mac computer.
- Go to the “File” menu and select “Add File to Library”.
- Select the MP4 file you want to convert.
- Go to the “Edit” menu and select “Preferences”.
- Under the “General” tab, click on the “Import Settings” button.
- Select “MP3 Encoder” from the dropdown list.
- Go back to the “File” menu and select “Convert” > “Create MP3 Version”.
- Once the conversion is complete, the MP3 file will be saved in your iTunes library.
Using VLC Media Player
VLC Media Player is a popular open source media player. It can also be used to convert an MP4 file to an MP3 file.
Advantages:
- Available for both Windows and Mac computers
- Supports multiple file formats
- Free to use
Disadvantages:
- User interface can be difficult to navigate
- Can only convert one file at a time
- May require additional plugins to access certain features
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Download and install VLC Media Player on your computer.
- Open the MP4 file you want to convert in VLC Media Player.
- Go to the “Media” menu and select “Convert/Save”.
- Select the MP4 file from the list of files.
- Under the “Profile” section, select “Audio – MP3” from the dropdown list.
- Click on the “Start” button.
- Once the conversion is complete, the MP3 file will be saved in the same folder as the original MP4 file.
Using Audacity
Audacity is a popular open source audio editor. It can also be used to convert an MP4 file to an MP3 file.
Advantages:
- Available for both Windows and Mac computers
- Supports multiple file formats
- Free to use
Disadvantages:
- User interface can be difficult to navigate
- Can only convert one file at a time
- May require additional plugins to access certain features
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Download and install Audacity on your computer.
- Open the MP4 file you want to convert in Audacity.
- Go to the “File” menu and select “Export”.
- Under the “Format” section, select “MP3 Files” from the dropdown list.
- Click on the “Save” button.
- Once the conversion is complete, the MP3 file will be saved in the same folder as the original MP4 file.
Using HandBrake
HandBrake is a popular open source video transcoder. It can also be used to convert an MP4 file to an MP3 file.
Advantages:
- Available for both Windows and Mac computers
- Supports multiple file formats
- Free to use
Disadvantages:
- User interface can be difficult to navigate
- Can only convert one file at a time
- May require additional plugins to access certain features
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Download and install HandBrake on your computer.
- Open the MP4 file you want to convert in HandBrake.
- Under the “Output Settings” section, select “MP3” from the dropdown list.
- Click on the “Start” button.
- Once the conversion is complete, the MP3 file will be saved in the same folder as the original MP4 file.
Using Freemake Video Converter
Freemake Video Converter is a popular video conversion software. It can also be used to convert an MP4 file to an MP3 file.
Advantages:
- Available for both Windows and Mac computers
- Supports multiple file formats
- Free to use
Disadvantages:
- User interface can be difficult to navigate
- Can only convert one file at a time
- May require paid subscription to access certain features
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Download and install Freemake Video Converter on your computer.
- Open the MP4 file you want to convert in Freemake Video Converter.
- Under the “Output Format” section, select “MP3” from the dropdown list.
- Click on the “Convert” button.
- Once the conversion is complete, the MP3 file will be saved in the same folder as the original MP4 file.
Using a Dedicated MP4 to MP3 Converter
There are many dedicated MP4 to MP3 converters available online. These programs are specifically designed to convert MP4 files to MP3 files and usually offer a range of additional features such as batch processing, audio editing, etc.
Advantages:
- Available for both Windows and Mac computers
- Supports multiple file formats
- Offers additional features such as batch processing and audio editing
Disadvantages:
- User interface can be difficult to navigate
- May require paid subscription to access certain features
- Potential security risks
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Download and install a dedicated MP4 to MP3 converter on your computer.
- Open the MP4 file you want to convert in the converter.
- Select the output format as MP3.
- Click on the “Convert” button.
- Once the conversion is complete, the MP3 file will be saved in the same folder as the original MP4 file.
Conclusion
In this article, we have looked at various methods that can be used to convert an MP4 file to an MP3 file. We have explored the advantages and disadvantages of each method as well as step-by-step instructions on how to carry out the conversion. Depending on your needs and preferences, you can choose the method that best suits you.
