Is my video uploaded anywhere?
No. The audio is extracted inside your browser tab and the result is created on your device. Nothing is sent to a server.
You recorded a video call or an interview and only need the audio for a podcast, a transcript or an editor. This tool pulls the main audio track out of the video and saves it in the format you choose.
It uses ffmpeg compiled to WebAssembly. A video can be large, and with this tool it never has to leave your computer.
How to use it
Choose a video
Drop an MP4, MOV, MKV, WebM or most other video files (up to 500 MB) onto the box or pick one from your device.
Pick a format
MP3 is the safe default, M4A is a little smaller, WAV keeps everything for editing. Tick mono for a single voice.
Extract and download
The tool shows the size before and after. Play the audio if you like, then download it.
Which format to choose
| Format | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MP3 | Sharing and publishing | Plays everywhere. 192 kbps is a good default for speech. |
| M4A (AAC) | Apple devices | A little smaller than MP3 at the same quality. |
| WAV | Editing and transcription | Uncompressed, so the file is large. |
Good to know
- The tool uses the main audio track of the video. If a video has several tracks, it is the first one.
- Choose WAV if you will edit further, then convert to MP3 once at the end.
- A one-hour video is mostly picture: the audio is often a tenth of the file or less.
- If the extracted audio has background noise, run it through the noise remover next.
What happens to your file
The file is read and processed by your browser using ffmpeg compiled to WebAssembly, and the result is written back as a download. It is not sent to Airtape or any other server, and it is not stored. You can check this in your browser's network tab: no request carries your file.
The converter engine is about 30 MB. Your browser downloads it the first time you convert a file and then keeps it, so later runs start right away. Files are limited to 500 MB because a browser has limited memory.
Credits
This tool is built on open-source software. Its source code and license are available at the links below.
- FFmpeg — The audio engine, licensed GPL-2.0-or-later.
- ffmpeg.wasm — FFmpeg compiled to WebAssembly. Source code and license are available there.
Frequently asked questions
Which video formats work?
Most of them: MP4, MOV, MKV, WebM, AVI and more. If your browser can play it, the tool can almost certainly read it.
Why is the first run slower?
The first time, your browser downloads the converter engine, about 30 MB. After that it is cached and later runs start right away.
Does extracting lose quality?
MP3 and M4A are re-encoded, which loses a little quality, so use the High setting for important material. WAV keeps the audio as it is in the video.
Is there a file size limit?
Yes, 500 MB per file, because a browser has limited memory.
Further reading
Free audio converter
Convert the finished file to MP3, M4A, Opus or FLAC.
Free background noise remover
Clean the raw recording first, before cutting pauses.
How to record your first podcast
From setup to a finished episode.
Podcast recording with Airtape
Local tracks per guest, so the call quality never ends up in the file.