Video to MP3 converter: extract the audio from a link
Sometimes you only need the sound of a video: a lecture to listen to on a walk, a podcast episode, your own band's rehearsal or a talk released under an open licence. ClipZen turns the link of a video into an MP3 file you can play on any phone, computer or car stereo.
There is nothing to install. You paste the link, pick an audio quality and download the result. Below you will find the exact steps, how to choose the quality, and what ClipZen will not convert.
How to convert a video to MP3
- Copy the link (URL) of the video from your browser or the app's share menu.
- Paste it into the field on the ClipZen home page. The link is analysed automatically and the available formats appear, with an estimated size for each.
- Choose MP3 and, if you want to, an audio quality from 128 to 320 kbit/s. The default is 192 kbit/s.
- Wait for the progress bar to finish, then press Download. The file is removed from the server automatically after a few minutes.
Which MP3 quality should you choose?
The quality is the bitrate: the amount of data used for each second of audio. A higher bitrate keeps more detail and makes a bigger file.
- 128 kbit/s – small files, fine for speech, lectures and podcasts.
- 192 kbit/s – a good balance for everyday music listening.
- 256 and 320 kbit/s – for careful listening or archiving, at the cost of larger files.
One important limit: converting cannot add detail that the original audio does not have. If the source audio is around 130 kbit/s, choosing 320 kbit/s only makes the file bigger. ClipZen shows the approximate bitrate of the source when it knows it. For a deeper comparison, read our MP3 bitrate guide.
What you can and cannot convert
Use ClipZen for videos you made yourself, content in the public domain, material published under a Creative Commons or similar licence, and anything for which you have the owner's permission. Platforms often have their own terms about downloading, and you are responsible for respecting them and copyright law.
Some things are never converted: videos protected by DRM, private videos or those that require you to sign in, live streams and playlists (paste the link of a single video instead). If a link fails, see why a video will not convert.
Tips for a good result
- Use the link of one video, not of a playlist or a channel page.
- Check the duration limit of your account level on the home page: long videos may exceed it. A free account raises the limits.
- If you are unsure which format you need, compare MP3 and MP4 first.
Ready to convert a link?
Paste the link of a video you have the right to convert, choose MP3 or MP4, and download the file.
Open the converterThe converter itself is currently in French: the buttons are named MP3, MP4 and “Choisir la qualité ou le format” (choose quality or format).
Frequently asked questions
Is the video to MP3 converter free?
ClipZen can be used without an account within the limits shown on the home page. A free account gives higher limits and a history of your conversions.
Do I need to install anything?
No. ClipZen runs in your browser, on a computer or a phone.
Can ClipZen convert a file stored on my device?
No. ClipZen works from the link of an online video. It does not upload or convert files from your device.
How long are my files kept?
Converted files are deleted automatically from the server a few minutes after they are ready, so download yours right away.
Related guides
- MP3 bitrate guide: 128, 192, 256 or 320 kbps?What MP3 bitrate means, how it affects sound and file size, and which of 128, 192, 256 or 320 kbps to choose for music, podcasts and archiving.
- MP3 vs MP4: what is the difference?MP3 is audio only; MP4 is a video container. Learn the differences, typical file sizes and which format to pick for music, podcasts, lectures or video.
- Why won't my video convert? Common errors and fixesWhy a video link fails to convert to MP3 or MP4: private videos, DRM, live streams, playlists, duration or size limits, region locks and busy servers.