Have you ever recorded a video and wanted to save only the audio? Maybe it’s a lecture, an interview, a podcast, a voice memo, or background music that you want to listen to later. Fortunately, your iPhone makes it easy to extract audio from a video without needing a computer.
In this guide, we’ll show you several simple methods to extract audio from a video on an iPhone. Whether you prefer built-in tools, the Shortcuts app, or a third-party app, you’ll find the best solution below.
Can you extract audio from a video on iPhone?
Yes. There are multiple ways to separate the audio track from a video on an iPhone. Depending on your needs, you can:
- Extract audio using the Shortcuts app.
- Use GarageBand to save the audio.
- Use a third-party app from the App Store.
- Convert the video to an audio file using an online tool.
Let’s go through each method.
Method 1: Extract Audio Using the Shortcuts App
Get the audio conversion shortcut, download it to your iPhone, and install it in the Shortcuts app.
- First install the shortcut to your iPhone Shortcuts app.
- Choose your video from the Photos app.
- Tap on the Share button at the bottom left corner and select “Audio Converter” from the share sheet.
- Select where you want to save the extracted audio.
- That’s it.
Method 2: Extract Audio Using the Shortcuts App (Best Free Method)
The Shortcuts app is built into every iPhone and allows you to automate tasks, including converting a video into an audio file.
Steps:
- Open the Shortcuts app.
- Tap the + button to create a new shortcut.
- Search for and add Select File.
- Add the Encode Media action.
- Turn Video off so only Audio is exported.
- Add the Save File action.
- Tap Done.
- Run the shortcut.
- Choose your video.
- Select where you want to save the extracted audio.
The audio will be saved as an audio-only file in the Files app.
Pros
- Completely free
- Works offline
- No ads
- Maintains good audio quality
Cons
- Requires creating the shortcut the first time
Method 3: Extract Audio with GarageBand
GarageBand can import videos and automatically separate the audio track.
Steps
- Open GarageBand.
- Create a new project.
- Open the Tracks view.
- Import your video into the project.
- GarageBand extracts the audio automatically.
- Edit the audio if needed.
- Export the project as an audio file.
This method is ideal if you also want to trim or edit the sound before saving it.
Method 4: Use an Audio Extractor App
Several App Store apps can convert videos into audio files.
Popular features include:
- Convert video to MP3
- Export as M4A or WAV
- Trim audio
- Share directly to Files
- Save to cloud storage
These apps are useful if you frequently need to extract audio from videos.
Method 5: Use an Online Video-to-Audio Converter
If you don’t want to install an app, you can use an online converter.
Steps
- Open Safari.
- Visit a trusted video-to-audio conversion website.
- Upload your video.
- Select the output format.
- Tap Convert.
- Download the audio file.
Note
Avoid uploading private or confidential videos to online services, as your files are processed on external servers.
Which Audio Formats Should You Choose?
Here are the most common audio formats:
| Format | Best For |
|---|---|
| MP3 | Music, podcasts, general use |
| M4A | Apple devices, smaller file size |
| WAV | Highest audio quality |
| AAC | Streaming and Apple ecosystem |
For most users, M4A or MP3 is the best choice.
Why Would You Extract Audio from a Video?
Common reasons include:
- Save interviews
- Listen to lectures offline
- Create podcasts
- Extract voice recordings
- Save meeting audio
- Convert concert recordings
- Create ringtones
- Keep motivational speeches
- Archive important conversations
Does Extracting Audio Reduce Quality?
Not necessarily.
If you export using a high-quality format like WAV or M4A, the audio quality remains very close to the original recording. Compressing to MP3 at lower bitrates may slightly reduce quality but results in smaller file sizes.
Is It Legal to Extract Audio from Videos?
Yes, if:
- You own the video.
- You created the recording.
- You have permission from the copyright owner.
Avoid extracting copyrighted music or other protected content without permission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I extract audio from a video without installing an app?
Yes. The Shortcuts app provides a free way to extract audio without downloading third-party software.
Does iPhone have a built-in audio extractor?
There isn’t a dedicated “Extract Audio” button in the Photos app, but you can use the built-in Shortcuts app to achieve the same result.
Can I save the extracted audio as MP3?
Yes. Many third-party apps and online converters let you export audio as MP3. The Shortcuts method typically saves in an Apple-compatible audio format.
Will the original video be deleted?
No. The extracted audio is saved as a separate file, and your original video remains unchanged.
Can I extract audio from a 4K video?
Yes. The video’s resolution doesn’t affect the ability to extract its audio track.
Can I use the extracted audio as a ringtone?
Yes. You can import the audio into GarageBand and export it as a ringtone for your iPhone.
Does this work on all iPhones?
Yes. As long as your iPhone supports the Shortcuts app or GarageBand, these methods work on most modern iPhone models.
Final Thoughts
Extracting audio from a video on an iPhone is simple once you know the right method. For most users, the Shortcuts app offers the best balance of convenience, privacy, and quality without requiring additional downloads. If you need advanced editing, GarageBand is an excellent choice, while third-party apps and online converters provide extra flexibility for exporting to formats like MP3.
Choose the method that best suits your workflow, and you’ll be able to save speeches, interviews, voice recordings, and other audio from your videos in just a few minutes.
