Reverse Audio
Choose an audio file and save a copy that plays backwards, as MP3 or WAV.
Your audio is processed inside this page and never uploaded.
What this tool does
To reverse audio, choose the sound file and press Reverse. The tool decodes the audio, flips the order of every sample, and saves the result as MP3 or WAV. It is done in your browser, so the audio is never uploaded.
Decodes your audio file and reverses the order of its samples on every channel.
Saves the backwards audio as MP3 or WAV and plays it back so you can check it.
How to use it
- Choose your audio file.
- Choose MP3 or WAV.
- Press Reverse.
- Listen to the preview.
- Press Download audio.
Why use this audio reverser
Reverses the actual samples of the file, so the saved audio plays backwards in any player, not just in this page. Reversed sound is a staple of music production, sound design and word puzzles. Doing it with the actual samples means the saved file plays backwards everywhere.
Why we built it
We built the reverse audio tool to reverse the actual samples, so the saved file plays backwards in any player. Slow it down with the audio speed changer and trim it with the audio trimmer.
If your task goes further, try the Audio Joiner.
Who this tool is for
- Musicians and producers making effects
- Puzzle and game designers
- Curious listeners
When to use it
- Creating reverse effects for music or video.
- Making a backwards voice recording.
- Solving or making backwards-message puzzles.
- Sound design experiments.
How it works
Audio is a list of numbers - one per sample, per channel. Reversing the file means reading each channel’s list from the last number to the first, which is exactly what this tool does before encoding.
Because the samples are reversed rather than the playback direction, the saved file plays backwards in any player.
Tips for the best result
Reversed audio is easiest to judge by ear, so use the preview before you download. Start from a clean, short recording: long files take longer to decode and encode in the browser.
- Trim silence from the start and end first - it becomes the beginning of the reversed clip.
- Use WAV when you plan to edit the result further, and MP3 only for the final copy.
- Listen for clicks at the join between sounds; a very short fade in an editor removes them.
- Speech reversed is unintelligible by design - to hide a message, reverse a clear, slow recording.
What you give it, and what you get back
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Input | One audio file your browser can decode. |
| Output | MP3 or WAV of the same sound, backwards. |
| Report | Length, channels, sample rate and file size. |
| Where it goes | Your Downloads folder. Nothing is uploaded. |
Issues you may run into
| What you see | Why it happens | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| File will not load | The codec is not supported by the browser. | Convert it to MP3 or WAV first. |
| Reversed speech is unintelligible | That is how reversed speech sounds. | It is working as intended. |
| Result is large | WAV is uncompressed. | Choose MP3. |
| Very long file is slow | It is decoded and encoded in full. | Use a shorter excerpt. |
Assumptions and limitations
- Whole file is held in memory.
- Only formats your browser can decode are supported.
- MP3 is lossy; use WAV for no loss.
- Reverses the entire file - trim first if you want only a part.
Frequently asked questions
How do I reverse audio?
Choose the audio file and press Reverse. The backwards version is shown, and you can download it as MP3 or WAV.
Can I reverse just part of a file?
Trim the part you want first with the audio trimmer, then reverse that file.
Is my audio uploaded?
No. It is reversed in your browser and saved to your Downloads folder.
Which file types work?
MP3, WAV, M4A, OGG and others your browser can decode.
Does reversing change the quality?
No for WAV. MP3 is lossy, so the result is encoded again at the bitrate you choose.