An audio-only copy can be useful when the listener needs speech from a recording without the video picture. Decide first whether the spoken content makes sense by itself. A demonstration that depends on pointing at a diagram may need a separate written explanation.

Use a recording you are authorised to process and retain the original movie. Give the listening copy a different name so it cannot be mistaken for the complete visual record. Exporting an audio track does not create a transcript or remove private information spoken in the recording.

Create a real audio export

Open the movie in QuickTime Player on Mac. Choose File, Export As, then Audio Only. Apple identifies this output as an MPEG-4 audio file containing an AAC audio track. Enter a new name and destination, then save.

If needed, use Window, Show Export Progress to see whether export has finished. Wait for completion before treating the destination file as ready.

Changing a movie’s filename extension would not perform this conversion. Use the export command, and do not promise an MP3 deliverable when the documented output is a different format. Check the receiving player or workflow’s actual format requirement.

Review the listening experience

Open the saved audio file in the intended player. Listen at the beginning, several representative middle points and the end. Confirm that the expected speech is present, the duration is plausible and the file has not been confused with an earlier export.

For material being delivered to another person, review the full content for suitability. Spoken names, private discussion and instructions that make sense only with the picture can remain after the video is removed.

If QuickTime offers no export choices, Apple notes that protected content may be the reason. Use an authorised source or the provider’s supported options rather than treating the restriction as a damaged Mac.

Keep the original and listening version clearly labelled. The useful result is a playable audio file in the requested supported format, with enough context for its audience, while the complete source remains available for checking what was originally shown.

References: Apple: QuickTime export formats.