What does reversing audio do?
Reversing audio plays a recording back to front, so the last sound you hear becomes the first. Every sample is simply read in the opposite order, which is why a reversed cymbal crash swells up instead of cracking, and why reversed speech keeps the rhythm of the original while the words become unintelligible.
This tool reverses the whole file at once. Drop in an MP3, WAV, FLAC, M4A, AAC, OGG, OPUS or WebM file and you get a reversed version you can play on the spot. Nothing is uploaded to a server, so even a long file stays on your own machine.
How to reverse audio online
- 1
Choose your file
Drag an audio file onto the box above, or click to browse. MP3, WAV, FLAC, M4A, AAC, OGG, OPUS and WebM all work.
- 2
Listen to it backwards
Reversing happens right away. Press play to hear the result, and tap the spacebar to start and stop.
- 3
Download it
Save the reversed audio as an MP3, or grab the lossless WAV if you are taking it into a DAW.
What people reverse audio for
Reversing is one of the oldest tricks in recorded music, and it is still one of the most useful.
Backmasking and hidden messages
Backmasking is recording something so it only makes sense when the track is played backwards. The Beatles put it on Revolver in 1966 and bands have hidden jokes, names and messages in their records ever since. Reverse a song here and you can listen for yourself.
Sound design for video and games
Reversed sounds feel wrong in a way the ear notices instantly, which is why horror and sci fi lean on them so heavily. A reversed door slam, breath or piano chord makes a scene feel uneasy without you being able to say why.
Reverse reverb and swells
The classic vocal swell is made by reversing a clip, adding reverb to it, then reversing it back. The tail now runs into the word instead of after it. Pair this tool with our reverb effect to build one.
Careful listening
Reversing strips away meaning and leaves you with pure sound, which makes it a genuinely good way to hear the texture and timing of a performance. Transcribers and producers use it to pick apart takes.
Does reversing lose quality?
No. Reversing is a lossless operation. It reorders samples without changing a single one of their values, so the reversed audio holds exactly the same information as the file you started with. Reverse it twice and you are back to the original, sample for sample.
The only place quality can change is the format you save in. The WAV download is lossless and matches what you just heard. The MP3 download is compressed, which keeps the file small and is perfect for sharing, but discards some detail. If the reversed audio is heading into a DAW, take the WAV.
Not sure which to pick? Read audio formats explained and lossless vs lossy audio.
Frequently asked questions
Is this audio reverser free?
Yes, completely. There is no sign up, no watermark, no file limit and no paid tier. The tool runs inside your browser, so there is no server cost to pass on to you.
Is my audio uploaded anywhere?
No. Your file is read and reversed by your own browser and never leaves your device. You can disconnect from the internet after the page loads and the tool still works.
Why does reversed audio sound so creepy?
Because natural sounds almost always start sharply and fade away, and reversing flips that. A note now swells from nothing into a sudden stop, which is a shape you basically never hear in the real world. Your brain flags it as unnatural, and film and game sound designers use exactly that reaction on purpose.
What is backmasking?
Backmasking is deliberately recording a message so it can only be understood when the audio is played in reverse. It became famous through 1960s and 1970s rock records, and it is still used for hidden jokes and credits today. Reversing a track here is the quickest way to check one for yourself.
Can I reverse audio on my phone?
Yes. The tool works in mobile browsers on both iPhone and Android, so you do not need to install a reverse audio app. Very large files can run into memory limits on older phones, so use a shorter clip if a long one will not load.
Can I reverse only part of a song?
This tool reverses the whole file. To reverse a section, cut out the part you want first with our audio trimmer or audio cutter, then bring that clip back here and reverse it.
Keep going with your audio
Reversed your track? These tools pair well with it.