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How to Convert and Change MP4 Files to MP3 Using VLC Media Player

VLC media player is a popular, free, and open-source cross-platform multimedia player that allows you to play most multimedia files as well as convert between various formats. Converting MP4 files to MP3 using VLC is fast and easy.

What You Need

  • VLC media player installed on your computer
  • The MP4 video file(s) you want to convert
  • Enough storage space for the converted MP3 file

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these simple steps to convert your MP4 to MP3 using VLC:

1. Open VLC and add the MP4 file

  • Launch VLC media player
  • Click on “Media” in the top menu bar and select “Open File”
  • Browse your computer and select the MP4 file you want to convert
  • The file should now be added to VLC and start playing

2. Configure the MP3 conversion

  • In the bottom toolbar, click on “Convert”
  • Under “Profile” select “Audio – MP3”
  • You can also configure the MP3 settings here:
  • Bitrate – higher values produce better quality but larger files
  • Sample rate
  • Channels (Mono, Stereo, etc.)
  • We recommend high quality settings for MP3:
  • Bitrate: 320kbps
  • Sample rate: 44100Hz
  • Channels: Stereo

3. Set output destination

  • Click on the “Convert/Save” button
  • Select the folder where you want the converted MP3 to be saved
  • Enter the filename for the MP3 file

4. Start MP4 to MP3 conversion

  • Click “Start” to begin converting the MP4 video to MP3
  • The conversion speed will depend on your computer and chosen settings
  • When it’s complete you will find the converted MP3 file in the destination folder

Tips

  • You can queue multiple MP4s to convert – simply repeat the process from step 1 before starting conversion
  • Increase bitrate for better MP3 quality. Decrease to reduce file size
  • You can convert just a section of an MP4 by setting the start and end times under the “Edit options” section

Converting Multiple MP4 Files

You may have several MP4 files you want to convert to MP3. Instead of repeating the above process, you can automate converting multiple MP4 files using VLC’s batch processing capability.

Here is how to convert multiple MP4s:

1. Create a playlist with the MP4s

  • In VLC, click on Media > Open Multiple Files
  • Browse and select all the MP4 files you want converted
  • A playlist will be created containing all MP4 files

2. Set output folder and template

  • Under “Convert” set output folder for MP3 files
  • For the filename, use a template like %n-%a
  • %n is replaced by the original filename
  • %a is replaced by the artist name
  • This will name files like MyVideo-MyArtist.mp3

3. Start batch conversion

  • Click “Start” to convert all MP4s in the playlist
  • The status dialog will show conversion progress
  • All MP3s will be saved to the set output folder

Batch converting MP4 playlists saves time compared to manual one-by-one conversion.

Conclusion

Converting MP4 video files to portable MP3 audio format is straightforward with VLC media player’s conversion features. Setting the proper output settings ensures you’ll get high quality MP3 files.

The batch processing capability makes it easy to convert multiple MP4s through an automated playlist. This saves considerable time compared to manual conversion.

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