Have you ever heard a song somewhere—maybe in a store or a movie—and thought, “What is that tune?” Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Luckily, there’s a cool trick called reverse audio search. It’s like Shazam, but with extra powers!
What is Reverse Audio Search?
Reverse audio search helps you find the origin of a sound clip. It could be a song, a speech, or even background music. Instead of typing lyrics, you use the actual sound.
Think of it as detective work for your ears!
Why You’d Want to Use It
- You found a catchy song in a TikTok video.
- You heard a soundtrack in a movie.
- You’re trying to identify a podcast guest’s voice.
- You created a beat and want to see if it’s original.
Cool, right?
Best Tools to Use
There are several apps and websites that can help you reverse search audio like a pro.
- Shazam – The OG audio recognition king. Tap the big button and let it listen.
- SoundHound – Also works well. Plus, you can hum the tune!
- Google Assistant – Say “What’s this song?” and let it work its magic.
- AHA Music – A browser extension perfect for recognizing music in videos.
- AudioTag – An online tool where you upload an audio clip. Great for older songs.

How to Use These Tools?
Using Shazam or SoundHound:
- Open the app.
- Tap the listening button.
- Let the app listen to the playing audio.
- Wait a few seconds for the result.
With Google Assistant:
- Say “Hey Google, what’s this song?”
- Hold your phone close to the speaker.
- Voila—Google will identify the tune for you!
Using AudioTag:
- Visit the AudioTag website.
- Upload a short audio clip (10-15 seconds is good).
- Click “Recognize.”
- The site will show you possible matches.
Need to Extract Audio First?
If your audio is part of a video, you’ll need to separate it first. No worries, it’s simple!
Use free tools like:
Upload the video, extract the audio, and download it as an MP3. Easy peasy.
What If It Doesn’t Work?
Sometimes the tools don’t find anything 😞. Here’s what you can do:
- Try a clearer audio version.
- Use a different tool.
- Ask online communities like Reddit’s r/NameThatSong.
Remember, the better the audio quality, the better the results.
Can You Do It On a Computer?
Absolutely! Install browser extensions like AHA Music or use desktop apps. You can play audio from any browser tab and identify it without touching your phone.
Pro Tips!
- Use clips that are longer than 10 seconds for better matching.
- Reduce background noise as much as possible.
- If it’s a beat or instrumental, search on platforms like WhoSampled.
Conclusion
Reverse audio search is like having a Sherlock Holmes for sounds. Whether it’s a classic tune or a brand-new beat, you can unravel the mystery in just a few taps.
So the next time you’re humming a melody with no clue where it came from, whip out your tools and let the audio adventure begin!