How to use the FLV to MP3 converter
- Choose your FLV video or drop it on the box.
- Pick an audio quality. 192 kbps is the usual choice; 320 kbps for music you care about, 128 kbps for speech.
- Click "Convert to MP3". A progress meter shows how far along it is.
- Download your MP3 and listen to it right on the page.
Why convert FLV to MP3?
FLV files are mostly old Flash-era web videos and stream recordings. Saving their sound as MP3 is a simple way to rescue talks, mixes and music from that archive.
- FLV: flash is discontinued.
- MP3: plays on every device.
- MP3: small files.
If the FLV uses H.264 and AAC, its audio is decent quality; if it is older Sorenson/MP3, keep the MP3 bitrate at 128–192 kbps.
FLV vs MP3
| FLV | MP3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Flash Video | MPEG-1 Audio Layer III |
| Type | Video | Audio |
| Created by | Macromedia (later Adobe) (2003) | the Fraunhofer Institute and MPEG (1993) |
| Compression | Lossy | Lossy |
| Typical codecs | H.264 or Sorenson Spark + AAC or MP3 | MP3 |
| Best for | Old web video archives and some RTMP live-stream recordings | Music, podcasts, audiobooks and ringtones |
| Plays on | VLC and some desktop players; browsers and phones no longer play FLV | Every phone, computer, car stereo, smart speaker and browser |
Does converting FLV to MP3 lose quality?
Only the sound is kept and re-encoded as MP3. Video soundtracks are usually AAC at 128–256 kbps, so choosing 192 kbps or more keeps the MP3 sounding the same as the video.
How long does it take?
Fast. Only the sound is decoded, so even a long video usually converts in well under a minute.
What is an FLV file?
FLV is the Flash Video container that powered YouTube and most web video until about 2015. Adobe ended Flash Player in 2020, but FLV is still used by some live-streaming and recording software.
What is an MP3 file?
MP3 is the most widely used audio format in the world. It removes sounds people are unlikely to hear, shrinking a song to about a tenth of its CD size. At 192 kbps or higher most listeners cannot tell it from the original, and every device plays it. Its patents expired in 2017, so it is now free to use.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the FLV to MP3 converter cost?
Nothing. It is free with no registration, no watermark and no limit on how many files you convert.
Do you keep a copy of my files?
We never receive them. All processing happens on your device, so there is nothing for us to store or delete.
Will the MP3 sound as good as the FLV?
Only the sound is kept and re-encoded as MP3. Video soundtracks are usually AAC at 128–256 kbps, so choosing 192 kbps or more keeps the MP3 sounding the same as the video.
Can I convert MP3 back to FLV?
Yes, use the FLV Converter and choose FLV as the output.
An FLV will not play anywhere. What should I do?
Convert FLV to MP4. If it holds H.264, the conversion is a quick copy.
Can I use it on my phone?
Yes. Open the page in your phone's browser and choose a file. Phones have less memory than computers, so very large files are better converted on a laptop or desktop.