MP4 to M4A - A Simple Guide to Extract Audio from MP4 Videos

Have you ever looked at a video file and wished you could just listen to it? As video files get larger, isolating the audio track becomes a smart way to save storage and enjoy your content on the go. This article enters the field of media formats and explains why you would pick an M4A file instead of an MP4 video. After that, we will compare the most effective approaches to transforming MP4 to M4A, choosing the leading software and convenient online converters. Find the right tool for your choice.

Part 1. M4A vs MP4

Before you start converting, it helps to understand the key distinction between these two file types. They may look alike, but their purpose is not. That is the main point of the M4A vs MP4 debate.

MP4 is a container format, like a toolbox that can hold video, audio, images, and even subtitles. Thanks to this flexibility, it is the standard for online videos, from streaming services to social media.

M4A, by contrast, is audio-only. It is a streamlined version of the same format but without video. That makes it perfect for podcasts, songs, and audiobooks. Since it skips video data, M4A files are smaller, easier to share, and simpler to play on most devices.

Part 2. How to Alter MP4 to M4A on Mac and Windows 11/10

1. AVAide MP4 Converter

AVAide MP4 Converter is a comprehensive desktop application designed for both Mac and Windows. Although its name implies working with video, it is an extremely efficient tool for audio extraction in a wide range of formats. The distinguishing feature of AVAide is the fact that it is user-friendly and thus a good option to use in case a novice user requires to have a simplified conversion procedure.

Another significant time-saving feature of the software is the support of batch processing, especially when one has a big media library. Besides the good workflow in terms of conversions, it also has a set of basic editing tools and will enable you to trim, crop and add some effects prior to conversion.

Step 1Download and install the MP4 converter on your PC by clicking the appropriate download button that we have here. After that, you can launch and start using it.

Step 2Now that you have unlocked the app, tick Add Files to import the MP4 files you have on your PC.

Step 3Tick the dropdown button to set the format to M4A format by going to the Audio tab.

Step 4Finally, you have set the format to M4A, then click the Convert All button to start the converting of the video to M4A format.

2. iTunes

To users who still have a copy of iTunes installed on their Mac or Windows computer, this is a simple application to allow the extraction of audio content from video files. iTunes, which the Music app has superseded in later versions of macOS, can be configured to produce an M4A file of a video file. Not as full-featured as a dedicated converter, it is, nevertheless, a convenient free choice. You can convert MP4 to M4A iTunes by simply following the steps here.

Step 1Go to the iTunes app and launch it. Pick the Edit menu and choose the Preferences.

Step 2Select the Import Settings and choose the AAC format because that is the encoder used on M4A.

Step 3Hit the File, Convert, and choose the Create AAC Version. Then wait for several minutes until it creates a copy of it.

3. FFmpeg

FFmpeg is a powerful, open-source command-line tool that can handle nearly any media file format. It is a favorite among tech-savvy users and developers for its speed, flexibility, and control. While it requires a bit of setup and a comfort level with typing commands, it offers the highest level of customization and can perform conversions without a graphical user interface. You can convert MP4 to M4A on Mac and Windows by typing a simple command in the Terminal or Command Prompt.

Step 1Get FFmpeg from the official FFmpeg site. In the process of installation, ensure that you add it to your system's PATH in order to be able to use it on the command line.

Step 2Open your command-line tool. On Windows, this will be Command Prompt, while on Mac or Linux, you will use the Terminal.

Step 3Fino the folder where your MP4 file is saved by using the cd command. For example, if your video is on the desktop, type cd Desktop and press Enter.

Step 4Type the following command and hit Enter: ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -vn -acodec aac output.m4a

4. VLC

Many people know VLC Media Player as a versatile media player, but it also has a built-in conversion feature. This makes it an incredibly useful and convenient all-in-one tool, especially for those who already have it installed. While its conversion menu might look a bit different on various operating systems, the core function remains the same.

Step 1Launch the software, go to Media > Convert/Save to open the conversion tab of VLC. Then, tick the Add button to upload the MP4 file and choose the Convert/Save.

Step 2Go to the Profile and choose the wrench button. After that, choose the Audio codec, set the profile name, tick the Audio button, and change it to MPEG 4 Audio (AAC) and click Create.

set-m4a-vlc.jpg

Step 3As you return to the convert, set the destination and click Start.

Part 3. How to Convert MP4 to M4A Online

1. CloudConvert

CloudConvert is one of the most reliable options to convert MP4 to M4A online. It supports many file kinds and lets you fine-tune settings like bitrate and file size. The interface is clean and easy to use, even for beginners. Since it runs in your browser, you do not need to download anything, but keep in mind that free users have daily limits.

Step 1Go to the main website and tick the Select File to upload the MP4 video that you want to convert.

Step 2Now that the video is uploaded, set the output to M4A by clicking the dropdown > Audio > M4A.

Step 3Hit the Convert button and click the download button to save it. With that, you can also convert FLAC to WAVhere.

2. FreeConvert

As the name suggests, FreeConvert makes it simple to convert MP4 to M4A for free. You upload your file, pick M4A as the target format, and the site handles the rest. It also offers extra features like trimming or adjusting audio quality before you download. While free users will see ads and file size restrictions, it works well for quick and light conversions.

Step 1Open the FreeConvert on your browser and click Choose File to import the MP4 file.

Step 2Go to the Output, choose Audio, and pick the M4A format.

Step 3Tick the Convert to start the processing.

By Sylvie Hyde on Oct 17, 2025