How to Change the Audio Track on a Video Player: A Comprehensive Guide

Changing the audio track on a video player can be a daunting task, especially for those who are not tech-savvy. However, with the right guidance, it can be a straightforward process. In this article, we will explore the different methods of changing the audio track on various video players, including desktop, mobile, and online players.

Table of Contents

Understanding Audio Tracks

Before we dive into the process of changing the audio track, it’s essential to understand what an audio track is and how it works. An audio track is a separate audio file that is embedded in a video file. It can be a different language, a commentary, or even a music track. Most video files have multiple audio tracks, which can be selected and played back using a video player.

Types of Audio Tracks

There are several types of audio tracks that can be found in a video file. These include:

Default audio track: This is the primary audio track that is played back by default.
Alternate audio track: This is a secondary audio track that can be selected and played back instead of the default audio track.
Commentary audio track: This is a special audio track that provides commentary or behind-the-scenes information about the video.
Music audio track: This is a music track that is embedded in the video file and can be played back separately.

Changing the Audio Track on Desktop Video Players

Changing the audio track on a desktop video player is a relatively straightforward process. Here are the steps to follow:

VLC Media Player

VLC Media Player is a popular desktop video player that supports multiple audio tracks. To change the audio track on VLC Media Player, follow these steps:

Open VLC Media Player and play the video file.
Click on the “Audio” menu and select “Audio Track.”
Select the desired audio track from the list of available tracks.
Click “OK” to save the changes.

Windows Media Player

Windows Media Player is another popular desktop video player that supports multiple audio tracks. To change the audio track on Windows Media Player, follow these steps:

Open Windows Media Player and play the video file.
Click on the “Play” menu and select “Audio and Language.”
Select the desired audio track from the list of available tracks.
Click “OK” to save the changes.

Changing the Audio Track on Mobile Video Players

Changing the audio track on a mobile video player is a bit more complicated than on a desktop video player. However, it’s still a relatively straightforward process. Here are the steps to follow:

MX Player

MX Player is a popular mobile video player that supports multiple audio tracks. To change the audio track on MX Player, follow these steps:

Open MX Player and play the video file.
Tap on the three dots on the top right corner of the screen.
Select “Audio” from the menu.
Select the desired audio track from the list of available tracks.
Tap “OK” to save the changes.

VLC Media Player for Mobile

VLC Media Player for Mobile is another popular mobile video player that supports multiple audio tracks. To change the audio track on VLC Media Player for Mobile, follow these steps:

Open VLC Media Player for Mobile and play the video file.
Tap on the three dots on the top right corner of the screen.
Select “Audio” from the menu.
Select the desired audio track from the list of available tracks.
Tap “OK” to save the changes.

Changing the Audio Track on Online Video Players

Changing the audio track on an online video player is a bit more complicated than on a desktop or mobile video player. However, it’s still possible to do so. Here are the steps to follow:

YouTube

YouTube is a popular online video player that supports multiple audio tracks. To change the audio track on YouTube, follow these steps:

Open YouTube and play the video file.
Click on the three dots on the bottom right corner of the screen.
Select “Audio” from the menu.
Select the desired audio track from the list of available tracks.
Click “OK” to save the changes.

Adding a New Audio Track to a Video File

In some cases, you may want to add a new audio track to a video file. This can be done using video editing software, such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro. Here are the steps to follow:

Adobe Premiere Pro

Adobe Premiere Pro is a popular video editing software that supports multiple audio tracks. To add a new audio track to a video file using Adobe Premiere Pro, follow these steps:

Open Adobe Premiere Pro and import the video file.
Click on the “Audio” menu and select “Add Audio Track.”
Select the desired audio file and click “OK” to add it to the video file.
Adjust the audio levels and sync the audio track with the video file.

Final Cut Pro

Final Cut Pro is another popular video editing software that supports multiple audio tracks. To add a new audio track to a video file using Final Cut Pro, follow these steps:

Open Final Cut Pro and import the video file.
Click on the “Audio” menu and select “Add Audio Track.”
Select the desired audio file and click “OK” to add it to the video file.
Adjust the audio levels and sync the audio track with the video file.

Conclusion

Changing the audio track on a video player is a relatively straightforward process that can be done using various methods. Whether you’re using a desktop, mobile, or online video player, the steps are similar. Additionally, you can also add a new audio track to a video file using video editing software. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily change the audio track on your video player and enhance your viewing experience.

Final Thoughts

Changing the audio track on a video player is a simple process that can enhance your viewing experience. Whether you’re watching a movie, TV show, or music video, being able to select the audio track of your choice can make a big difference. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily change the audio track on your video player and enjoy your favorite videos with the audio track of your choice.

What is an audio track, and why would I want to change it on a video player?

An audio track is the soundtrack or audio component of a video file. It can include dialogue, music, sound effects, and other audio elements that accompany the video. You may want to change the audio track on a video player for various reasons, such as to switch between different languages, to choose a higher-quality audio option, or to select a commentary or descriptive audio track. Changing the audio track can enhance your overall viewing experience and provide more flexibility in how you enjoy your videos.

For example, if you’re watching a foreign film with subtitles, you may want to switch to an audio track with commentary or a descriptive audio track to gain a deeper understanding of the movie. Alternatively, if you’re watching a video with poor audio quality, you may want to switch to a higher-quality audio track to improve the overall sound. Whatever your reason, changing the audio track can be a useful feature to have on your video player.

How do I change the audio track on a video player?

The steps to change the audio track on a video player vary depending on the device or software you’re using. Generally, you can change the audio track by accessing the video player’s settings or options menu. Look for an option labeled “Audio” or “Audio Track” and select it to view a list of available audio tracks. From there, you can choose the desired audio track and the video player will switch to it.

Some video players may also provide a shortcut or hotkey to change the audio track quickly. For example, you may be able to press a button on your remote control or use a keyboard shortcut to cycle through the available audio tracks. Consult your video player’s user manual or online documentation to learn more about how to change the audio track on your specific device or software.

What types of devices or software support changing the audio track?

Many devices and software support changing the audio track, including media players, smart TVs, streaming devices, and video editing software. Some popular examples include VLC Media Player, Windows Media Player, and Kodi. Smart TVs from manufacturers like Samsung, LG, and Sony often also support changing the audio track. Additionally, streaming devices like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Google Chromecast may also offer this feature.

Video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and DaVinci Resolve also support changing the audio track, allowing you to edit and customize the audio components of your videos. If you’re unsure whether your device or software supports changing the audio track, consult the user manual or online documentation to learn more.

Can I change the audio track on a DVD or Blu-ray disc?

Yes, you can change the audio track on a DVD or Blu-ray disc using a DVD or Blu-ray player. Most DVD and Blu-ray players provide an option to change the audio track, usually accessed through the player’s menu system. Look for an option labeled “Audio” or “Audio Track” and select it to view a list of available audio tracks. From there, you can choose the desired audio track and the player will switch to it.

Some DVD and Blu-ray players may also provide a shortcut or hotkey to change the audio track quickly. For example, you may be able to press a button on your remote control to cycle through the available audio tracks. Consult your player’s user manual to learn more about how to change the audio track on your specific device.

How do I add or remove audio tracks from a video file?

To add or remove audio tracks from a video file, you’ll need to use video editing software. Most video editing software, such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or DaVinci Resolve, allows you to import and edit video files, including adding or removing audio tracks. You can import the video file into the software, then use the software’s tools to add or remove audio tracks as needed.

Alternatively, you can use specialized software designed specifically for editing audio tracks, such as Audacity or Adobe Audition. These software programs allow you to import and edit audio files, including adding or removing audio tracks. Once you’ve made the desired changes, you can export the updated video file with the new audio tracks.

Can I change the audio track on a streaming service like Netflix or Hulu?

Some streaming services, like Netflix and Hulu, do offer the option to change the audio track on certain titles. However, this feature is not always available and may depend on the specific title and device you’re using. If the option is available, you can usually access it through the streaming service’s settings or options menu.

For example, on Netflix, you can access the audio options by clicking on the “Audio & Subtitles” button while a video is playing. From there, you can select the desired audio track from a list of available options. However, not all titles on Netflix or Hulu offer multiple audio tracks, so this feature may not always be available.

Are there any limitations or restrictions on changing the audio track?

Yes, there may be limitations or restrictions on changing the audio track, depending on the device or software you’re using. For example, some devices or software may only support a limited number of audio tracks, or may not support certain types of audio files. Additionally, some video files may be encrypted or protected by digital rights management (DRM) technology, which can limit your ability to change the audio track.

Furthermore, changing the audio track may also affect the video’s synchronization or playback quality. For example, if the new audio track is not properly synced with the video, you may experience lip sync issues or other playback problems. Be sure to test the audio track change before finalizing it to ensure that it works correctly and doesn’t affect the video’s playback quality.