How To Reduce WAV File Size (3 Methods)


Author: Ezriah Zippernowsky
Published inhow-to-guides July 31 2023


Are you going bananas over bloated WAV files? Feel like you’re hauling a gorilla-sized load of data every time you handle a WAV file? Well, it’s time to put down those hefty sound files and lighten your load! This guide will show you how to reduce WAV file size faster than a monkey can peel a banana!

Table of contents

Video guide explaining different file compression options to make files smaller.

How To Reduce WAV File Size Using Audacity

Audacity is a free and open-source audio editor that can help you squeeze your WAV files down to a more manageable size. It’s like having a friendly orangutan to help carry your audio files.

  1. Download Audacity and Install: If you haven’t got it already, download and install Audacity from their official website.

    How To Reduce WAV File Size Using Audacity: Step 1

    How To Reduce WAV File Size Using Audacity: Step 1

    How To Reduce WAV File Size Using Audacity: Step 1

    How To Reduce WAV File Size Using Audacity: Step 1

  2. Open Your WAV File: Launch Audacity, and go to ‘File’ > ‘Open’ to load your WAV file.

    How To Reduce WAV File Size Using Audacity: Step 2

    How To Reduce WAV File Size Using Audacity: Step 2

    How To Reduce WAV File Size Using Audacity: Step 2

  3. Select the File Format: Go to ‘File’ > ‘Export’ > ‘Export as MP3’ to choose a format that typically takes up less space than WAV.

    How To Reduce WAV File Size Using Audacity: Step 3

  4. Export Your File: Click ‘Save’ and then ‘OK’ to start the conversion process. It’s as simple as a monkey swing from one tree to another!

    How To Reduce WAV File Size Using Audacity: Step 4

    How To Reduce WAV File Size Using Audacity: Step 4

How To Reduce WAV File Size Using FreeConvert

Don’t feel like monkeying around with software installations? FreeConvert is an online converter that will have your WAV files slimmed down in no time. It’s like swinging from the digital trees – no tools required!

  1. Visit FreeConvert: Open your preferred web browser and navigate to the FreeConvert website.

    How To Reduce WAV File Size Using FreeConvert: Step 1

  2. Select ‘Audio Converter’: On the homepage, click on ‘Audio converter’. This will take you to the audio conversion tool.

    How To Reduce WAV File Size Using FreeConvert: Step 2

  3. Upload Your WAV File: Click on ‘Choose Files’ or drag and drop your WAV file into the conversion box. It’s as simple as dropping a banana into a monkey’s lap!

    How To Reduce WAV File Size Using FreeConvert: Step 3

    How To Reduce WAV File Size Using FreeConvert: Step 3

  4. Choose Your Output Format: Select an output format like MP3 from the ‘Convert to’ dropdown list, and Click on ‘Convert’ to start the process. MP3 typically takes up less space than WAV, much like a small, delicious fruit compared to a bulky coconut.

    How To Reduce WAV File Size Using FreeConvert: Step 4

  5. Download Your File: Once the conversion is done, you’ll see a ‘Download’ button. Click on it to download your new, smaller audio file. Easy as monkey pie!

    How To Reduce WAV File Size Using FreeConvert: Step 6

    How To Reduce WAV File Size Using FreeConvert: Step 6

    Now you have two hassle-free ways to reduce your WAV file size. Stay light, nimble and ready to swing through the digital jungle with ease!

How To Reduce WAV File Size Using VLC

VLC isn’t just a media player, it’s also a pretty nifty file converter! Like a clever monkey using a rock as a hammer, let’s put VLC to work in a new way.

  1. Open VLC: Start off by opening VLC. If you don’t already have it installed, you can download it from the official VLC website.

    How To Reduce WAV File Size Using VLC: Step 1

    How To Reduce WAV File Size Using VLC: Step 1

  2. Open the Conversion Menu: Click on ‘Media’ at the top left corner, then select ‘Convert / Save’. You’re about to convert that WAV file, monkey style!

    How To Reduce WAV File Size Using VLC: Step 2

  3. Add Your WAV File: Click ‘Add’ to select the WAV file you want to convert. Now the file is in your grasp, just like a juicy banana!

    How To Reduce WAV File Size Using VLC: Step 3

    How To Reduce WAV File Size Using VLC: Step 3

  4. Choose Your Output Format: Click on ‘Convert / Save’ at the bottom. In the new window that appears, select ‘Audio - MP3’ from the ‘Profile’ drop-down menu.

    How To Reduce WAV File Size Using VLC: Step 4

  5. Start the Conversion: Click ‘Start’ to begin the conversion process. It may take a few moments – just enough time for a quick tree swing!

    How To Reduce WAV File Size Using VLC: Step 5

  6. Find Your New File: Once the process is complete, your new MP3 file will be located in the same folder as the original WAV file. It’s like finding a delicious fruit after a long tree climb!

    How To Reduce WAV File Size Using VLC: Step 6

    And that’s it! Another handy method to shrink your WAV files. So no matter how big your audio files are, remember: even the biggest jungle can be tamed with the right tools!