During video editing and content creation, a common and critical need is to individually "extract" the sounds in the video. This operation seems relatively simple on the surface, but many people are not clear about which tools to use and how to use them most conveniently.
Use an online video extractor
There is no need to install software, just open the browser and you can use it. This is the biggest advantage of online tools. On websites such as AudioCutter and VEED.IO, users have to drag and drop video files in formats such as MP4 or MOV to upload, and the file size is usually limited to between 500MB and 2GB.
After the data is uploaded, the website will give you a number of simple options, such as choosing to export it to MP3 format or WAV format, and adjusting the bit rate. The whole process is usually completed within a few minutes. After the processing is completed, the audio file can be downloaded directly to a computer or mobile phone, which is especially suitable for processing single, temporary tasks.
Use the mobile phone audio conversion APP
For those users who are accustomed to using mobile phones to process materials, a dedicated conversion APP will be more convenient and faster. Just like an application like "Convert Cat MP3 Converter", it directly integrates the function of "video extraction audio". When the APP is opened, it will automatically scan the videos in the mobile phone album.
Users who select videos can set the audio quality level of the output for the videos to be processed, and can select multiple videos at one time to perform batch extraction operations. After processing these, the audio files are saved in the specified folder in the phone storage by default, so that they can be directly shared to social media or imported into other mobile editing software.
Utilize VLC media player
Many people don't know that the VLC player they usually use is itself a powerful free conversion tool. Open VLC on your computer and import video files through the "Convert/Save" function in the "Media" menu.
Users need to select a preset audio profile in the settings interface, such as "Audio – MP3". The key step is to manually change the suffix name of the output file to ".mp3" or ".wav", and then specify the save location. This method is completely free and suitable for users who don't want to install additional software.
Processed through command line tools
For those users with a strong technical background, FFmpeg is the most powerful and professional command line tool. Its stable version in 2023 is 6.0. Users can enter precise commands in the terminal, such as ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -q:a 0 output.mp3 .
This approach provides support for audio encoding parameters, allowing extremely fine control over sample rate, channels, and bitrate. It can also extract audio from a large number of video files, which can be achieved by writing simple scripts, achieving batching and automation, and the efficiency is extremely high.
With video editing software
Mainstream professional editing software, such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Editing Professional, all have built-in audio separation and export functions. After completing the editing operation on the timeline owned by the software, the user can directly set the relevant tracks of the video to mute state, or separate the relevant tracks of the audio separately.
In the export settings, select "Audio Only" or a similar format (like MP3, AAC) mode to render independent silent speech, thereby producing audio files. This method is especially suitable for creative people who are already immersed in the editing process and need to export the voice of the finished video simultaneously.
Choose a plan based on your needs
The corresponding core requirements are different, and different tools match them. Online tools have the advantage of being fast and convenient. The mobile APP focuses on the convenience of portability when moving. VLC achieves the effect of being free and accessible on multiple platforms. FFmpeg gives users the highest control power. Editing software streamlines the workflow. It is the simplest and easiest way for ordinary users to choose online tools or start mobile APPs.
For technology enthusiasts or professional audio workers, they can master FFmpeg in depth. There is no absolute best method. What matters is whether you plan to process a single file or batch operations, whether you prioritize speed or lossless sound quality, and whether you operate on a computer or on a mobile phone. After clarifying your main scene, the choice will be much clearer.
When you start processing video and audio, what is most important is the convenience of the tool, or the lossless output sound quality? Feel free to share your own choices and reasons in the comment area.
