VLC media player can help you convert mp4 videos to mp3 audio files. Even if you don’t have VLC, you can download it from the VideoLAN website. You can extract audio from a video in VLC and play it as an mp3 file with another media player. Plus, you can add it to a PowerPoint or any other project.
This article explains how to convert mp4 to mp3 in VLC and alternative software tools.
How to Convert MP4 Video to MP3 Audio in VLC on Windows PC
If you don’t have a VLC app on your Windows PC, your first task is to get it. Visit Videolan and look for an installer for Windows computers. Next, download and install it on your PC.
After that, use VLC to convert mp4 files to mp3:
- Load your VLC media player app and navigate to the “Media” tab in the top menu. Choose “Convert/Save” from the drop-down menu.

- A new window will appear with several tabs. Go to the “File” tab and press “Add.” Then choose the mp4 video file you want to convert to mp3.

- Click “Open” to import the video file to VLC. Press “Convert/Save” again.

- A new “Convert” window will appear. Go to “Settings” and select “MP3” from the drop-down list. Go to “Destination”, find the folder that will store your new mp3 file and give it a name.

- Then click “Start.” Please note that it may take a couple of minutes to get the job done.

How to Convert MP4 to MP3 in VLC on Mac
Some of you run VLC on MacOS. The VLC interface on Mac looks slightly different than that on a Windows PC. That’s why the mp4 to mp3 conversion procedure is slightly different. Assuming you have VLC for Mac on your machine, here are the steps to follow:
- Open your VLC media player and click “File.” Then, select “Convert/Stream” from the menu and click “Convert/Save”.

- A “Convert and Stream” screen will appear. Then, click “Open Media” to choose the mp4 file you want to convert to mp3 audio file.

- Go to “Choose Profile” and click “MP3” in the drop-down menu. Click “Browse” to choose an output directory.
- Go to “Save As” and rename the mp3 output folder you selected earlier. Click “Save” to save your changes and return to the previous screen.

- Press “Start” to start converting your source file to mp3. Leave your MAC alone to allow VLC to finish the conversion without interruption.
- Listen to your new mp3 audio or use it however you like.
How to Convert MP4 Videos to MP3 Files with Third-Party VLC Alternatives
VLC does mp4 to mp3 conversions very well. However, you can choose something else with more advanced features. For example, a premium third-party converter might run faster than VLC through the GPU acceleration feature. Plus, it can convert batches of files faster than VLC without ruining the quality of the result.
Fortunately, you have many third-party converters to choose from. Here are reliable options for Windows PC and Mac.
EaseUs Video Converter
EaseUs Video Convertermight be the right software for you if you use Windows. As it supports more than 1000 video and audio formats, EaseUs Video Converter can convert mp4 files to mp3. Additionally, it has a 30X GPU acceleration feature that could allow you to speed up the task. EaseUs Video Converter supports batch conversions to save you time.
Here’s how to use it:
- Download, install and launch EaseUs Video Converter on your PC.

- Locate and click “Audio Extractor” on the left side of the main interface. This option will give you two ways to add a source file. First, you can press “Choose Files” to add a file directly from a folder. Alternatively, you can drag and drop files.

- Press “Settings” and choose “Audio Extractor” from the menu. Click “MP3” as the output file format. Additionally, you can customize your mp3 output by adding a bitrate, channel, sample rate, etc. suitable. Click “Create.”

- Go to the bottom of the main interface and select “Save to” to activate a drop-down menu. You can choose “Save as source file” or browse to another folder in the menu.

- Click “Extract All” and let the tool finish the task.

UniConverter
If you want a tool with an easy-to-use interface like VLC, theUniConverterfrom Wondershare it could be. This converter supports many popular video and audio formats and is ideal for Windows 7 or later. Additionally, you can play the converted mp3 file on Windows, Mac, Android and Apple mobile devices.
Here’s how to use it for mp4 to mp3 conversions:
- Visit the Wondershare website, search for Uniconverter and download it to your PC. After installing it, open it and choose “Converter” under the “Start” button.

- You can add videos directly from your computer by clicking the “Add Files” icon at the top left. It has a “+” sign. Next to this button, there is a “drag and drop” icon and a “+” sign. Use it to upload videos from your Android, iPad or iPhone.

- Select “High Quality MP3” as the output format by clicking the “Audio” tab.

- Return to the main interface and click “Start All” to start the file conversion process.

HitPaw Video Converter
HitPawYou can convert video to audio as it supports many formats. It is suitable for Mac and Windows users. HitPaw provides a GPU acceleration feature that could increase the conversion speed to 90X. You can get videos from YouTube, Instagram and 10,000 other websites. Here’s how to use HitPaw:
- Download HitPaw on your PC, install it and launch it.

- Add your mp4 video files to HitPaw for conversion by choosing “Add Files” on the left panel.

- Click “Audio” and choose “MP3” as your preferred output format.

- Start the conversion process by clicking “Convert All” and wait for the application to produce a list of mp3 files.

Media.io
Media.iois a complete web-based video converter. In addition to converting mp4 videos to mp3 audio files, it allows you to edit or compress your videos. It supports faster video to audio conversions while preserving the original quality of the source file. Media.io is a free online video converter that can be opened on any web browser or device.
If you don’t want to download a converter, this video converter might work for you. Is that how it works:
- Upload your mp4 videos to the Media.io interface. You can add a batch of files as this video converter supports it.

- The application will use mp3 as the default output file format. However, you can make some adjustments to get your file just the way you want it.

- Click “CONVERT” to start transforming your source file.

- Save the converted mp3 audio after previewing. Press “Download” and choose a local folder to store your file. This tool also allows you to send the file to Dropbox.

Frequently asked questions
Can VLC create mp3?
VLC is a master of all things and it’s free. If you want to create mp3 files with it, just follow the instructions above. It will generate high quality audio files in minutes.
Can I convert mp4 to mp3 on my phone?
You can convert mp4 videos to mp3 audio tracks on your Android or iOS device. Go to the appropriate app store and download a suitable video converter app. Install and launch the app. Follow the simple instructions to finish the conversion process.
Convert mp4 to mp3 with VLC
Chances are high that you have VLC on your Mac or Windows PC. If your version is outdated, download a newer one from the VideoLAN website. Take easy steps to convert mp4 videos to mp3 audio tracks in VLC for Windows or Mac. Enjoy listening to your mp3 files or adding them to presentations or online projects.