How to Convert MP4 to MP3 in iTunes Easily and Quickly

If you are using your MP4 video files only for its audio part, convert it to an audio format like MP3 that will not only save the storage space but also makes the file accessible with all types of players. You can convert MP4 to MP3 using iTunes for free if you have a Mac. Or you can choose a more professional converter to convert MP4 to MP3 without iTunes and in easier steps.

• Part 1. How to Convert MP4 to MP3 in iTunes
• Part 2. Pros and Cons Converting MP4 to MP3 in iTunes
• Part 3. Best Way to Convert MP4 to MP3 on Windows/Mac Without iTunes
• Part 4. Pro Tips for Smooth iTune MP4 to MP3 Conversion
• Conclusion
• FAQ

Part 1. How to Convert MP4 to MP3 in iTunes

iTunes works as the default media management tool for all Apple devices. The program also facilitates converting your files in basic quality and thus works as a decent conversion tool. iTunes convert MP4 to MP3 in a few simple steps. The original MP4 video is kept by the program, which can be later deleted or archived as needed.

Steps on How to Convert MP4 to MP3 in iTunes

Step 1: On your Windows system, launch the installed iTunes app and from the main interface, select Edit > Preferences. From the pop-up General Preferences window, choose the General tab, and then click on the Import Settings button. At the Import Using section, select MP3 Encoder from the available drop-down options. Click on the OK button to confirm.

With this step, the iTunes app is dictated as to what is the default format for importing or converting a file.

Step 2: Next, from your iTunes library, choose the MP4 video that you want to convert. Alternatively, you can also add the video from your system by clicking on File > Add File to Library option.

Step 3: Once the file is selected, open the File > Convert > Create MP3 Version, and with this iTunes convert mp4 video to mp3.

Converting MP4 to MP3 using iTunes for basic conversion may be a good choice, but if you have a batch of files that needs to be converted in lossless quality, free download Wondershare UniConverter and follow the steps above to have a try.

Part 2. Pros and Cons Converting MP4 to MP3 in iTunes

Although iTune does offer function of converting MP4 to MP3, it has its own advantages and limitations in such aspect. Here comes details:

👍 Pros

1. Super Convenient:If you already use iTunes for your music, the new MP3 is instantly added to your library and ready for your iPhone or playlists.

2. No Extra Software:It’s built-in, so you don’t need to download anything new.

3. Easy to Use:The process is simple: import the video, right-click, and select "Create MP3 Version."

4. Good Enough Quality:The sound quality is perfectly fine for listening on headphones, in the car, or on a speaker.

👎 Cons

1. Extra Steps:Youmustadd the video to your iTunes library first. You can’t just convert a file from your desktop.

2. Quality Loss:It slightly reduces audio quality because it compresses the audio a second time (this is true for most converters).

3. No DRM Support:Itcannotconvert copy-protected videos from iTunes Store, Amazon Prime, etc.

4. Messes Up Your Library:It can leave the original video file in your library, making it cluttered if you don't delete it.

Quick Verdict:

• Use iTunes if:You're a casual user who wants a fast, simple way to get audio from a personal video into your Apple music library.

• Don't use iTunes if:You need to convert protected videos or are an audiophile who needs the absolute best sound quality. Use a dedicated converter instead.

Part 3. Best Way to Convert MP4 to MP3 on Windows/Mac Without iTunes

You can convert Mp3 to MP4 iTunes, but the process is feasible only for a few small sized files and basic conversion. For lossless quality conversions with added features, using a professional tool like Wondershare UniConverter is a good choice. This Windows and Mac based program supports over 1000 formats for conversion in high quality and at super fast speed. MP4 files for extracting audio can be added from your computer or directly from a device. With batch processing, multiple files can be converted at a time. Feature to transfer the processed file to an array of devices is also available.

Wondershare UniConverter - MP4 to MP3 Converter

• Convert MP4 to MP3 and other 1000+ formats without iTunes on Windows/Mac.
• Edit MP4 videos with trimming, merging, cutting, and more other options.
• Optimized presets for easy playback on iPhone, iPad, Samsung, and any other devices.
• Customize audio files with changing bitrate, sample rate, encoder, channel, etc.
• Burn videos to DVD and music to CD easily without losing any quality.
• Convert files at up to 30 times faster than common free and online converters.
• Download/record online videos from over 10,000 sites like YouTube.
• Versatile toolbox includes fixing video metadata, CD converter, video compressor, and screen recorder.
• Supported OS: Windows 10/8/7/XP/Vista, macOS 11 Big Sur, 10.15 (Catalina), 10.14, 10.13, 10.12, 10.11, 10.10, 10.9, 10.8, 10.7, 10.6.

Free Download Free Download

Security Verified, 5,481,347 people have downloaded it.

Steps to Convert MP4 to MP3 Without iTunes on Windows/Mac

Step 1 Add MP4 videos to convert to MP3.

Download, install and launch Wondershare UniConverter on your Mac system. Add the videos by clicking on the button under the Converter section. Files can also be added directly from the device or can be simply dragged and dropped.

Step 2 Choose MP3 as the target format for MP4.

At the top-right corner, click on the drop-down icon at the Output Format: option, and from the pop-up window, select MP3 as the target format from the Audio list. Also, choose the file quality.

Step 3 Convert MP4 to MP3 Without iTunes.

Click on the Start All button to start converting MP4 to MP3 on Windows/Mac without iTunes. The files are saved on your system at the Output folder. You can also find them under the Finished tab.

Part 4. Pro Tips for Smooth iTune MP4 to MP3 Conversion

1.Check the Source File First

• Tip:Before you even import the file, rename it to exactly what you want the final MP3 to be called. iTunes will use the video file's name for the resulting MP3.

• Why:It's much easier to find "My_Awesome_Song.mp3" than "VID_002154.mp3" in your music library later.

2.Optimize Your Import SettingsBeforeConverting

• Tip:Don't just stick with the default MP3 settings. Go toPreferences > Import Settings and choose a higher bitrate for better quality.
  *Standard Quality:192 kbps(good for most people, a balance of quality and file size)
  *High Quality:256 kbpsor320 kbps(excellent quality, closer to the original, but larger files)

• Why:The default is often 128 kbps, which is lower quality. Setting this once means every future conversion will be at your preferred quality.

3.Use "Convert" for Specific Parts of a Long Video

• Tip:If you only want a 2-minute clip from a 1-hour video, use a free tool like VLC Media Playeror QuickTime Player to trim and export just that segment as a new, shorter MP4 filefirst. Then import that shorter file into iTunes to convert.

• Why:iTunes will convert the entire video file. Converting a shorter file is faster and you won't have to split the audio track afterward.

4.Organize with MetadataAfterConversion

• Tip:The converted MP3 might have missing or incorrect info (like the artist, album, or genre).Right-clickthe new MP3 file in your library, selectGet Info, and fill in the details manually.

• Why:Well-organized metadata makes it easy to find your music later and ensures it syncs correctly to your iPhone. You can edit multiple songs at once by selecting them all first.

5.Find Your File Location Quickly

• Tip:To immediately locate the converted MP3 file on your computer, right-click on it in your iTunes library and select:
  *On Windows: Show in Windows Explorer
  *On Mac: Show in Finder

• Why:This is the fastest way to copy the file to another location, upload it, or use it in other applications without searching through folders.

6.Understand What You Can't Convert (DRM)

• Tip:This methodwill not workon videos purchased from iTunes, Amazon Prime Video, or other streaming services. These files have copyright protection (DRM).

• Why:Attempting to convert a DRM-protected file will result in an error or a silent, unplayable file. You can only convert personal videos or DRM-free downloads.

7.Keep Your Library Clean

• Tip:After the conversion is done and you have your MP3 file, you probably don't need the original MP4 video cluttering up your "Movies" section in iTunes.

• Why:To delete it, right-click the original MP4 and selectDelete from Library. You can choose to either remove it from just the library or also move the original file to your computer's trash.

Conclusion

Converting MP4 to MP3 using iTunes is straightforward and efficient. By adjusting import settings to use the MP3 encoder, users can quickly create MP3 versions of their files without affecting the originals. However, if you want the conversion result with absolute best sound quality, please choose a trustable dedicated media converter like UniConverter for the best output quality guaranteed.

FAQ