Have you ever wanted to download music from the popular African streaming service Boomplay, but found yourself frustrated with the proprietary file format? You’re not alone! Many users wish they could convert Boomplay music files to the more universal MP3 format for use on various devices and platforms. Luckily, it’s possible with just a few simple steps.
Boomplay is one of the leading music streaming services in Africa, with over 50 million users across the continent. The service offers access to millions of songs from African and international artists. However, Boomplay uses its own proprietary AEA file type, rather than the more common MP3 format.
This means Boomplay music can only be played within the Boomplay app. If you want to play Boomplay songs on your computer, MP3 player, or other devices, you’ll need to convert the files first. The good news is that converting Boomplay music to MP3 is easy and straightforward with the right software.
In this post, we’ll walk through the step-by-step process so you can unlock the flexibility of your Boomplay music library.
Steps to Convert Boomplay Music to MP3
Here are the main steps required:
1. Download and Install a File Conversion Software
The first thing you need is a file conversion program that can handle AEA files. There are many options out there, both free and paid. Some top choices include:
- Freemake Audio Converter (Windows/Mac) – Free download that can rip music from CDs and convert between audio formats.
- Switch Audio Converter (Windows/Mac) – Intuitive and easy-to-use converter with batch processing.
- VLC Media Player (Windows/Mac/Linux) – The popular VLC player includes audio conversion capabilities.
- CloudConvert (Online) – Web app for audio and video file conversions.
I recommend going with a dedicated audio conversion utility like Freemake or Switch for simplicity. But VLC or online tools will also work in a pinch.
2. Add Boomplay Music Files
Once you’ve installed your audio converter software, open the program on your computer. Most will have an “Add” or “Import” function that allows you to browse and select files from your computer.
Navigate to the folder where your Boomplay music is stored. This is usually in the Music or Downloads folder. Select the AEA files you want to convert.
3. Choose MP3 as Output Format
With your Boomplay music files added to the program, the next step is to set the desired output format. Look for the “Output Format” or similar option. Then simply choose MP3 from the list of supported formats.
You may also get options for the MP3 quality – higher bitrates translate to better sound quality and larger file sizes. A setting of 192 or 256 kbps is recommended for a good balance.
4. Start the Conversion Process
You’re now ready to convert your Boomplay music from AEA to MP3 format. Look for a “Convert”, “Start”, or similar button and click it. The program will get to work encoding your audio files.
Depending on your computer’s resources and the length of the files, conversion can take several minutes. Be patient and let the software do its thing.
5. Save the Converted MP3 Files
Once conversion is complete, you’ll be prompted to save the new MP3 audio files. You can save them anywhere you like on your computer. I suggest creating a folder called “Boomplay MP3” or similar to keep them organized.
And that’s it – you now have your Boomplay music collection converted and ready to play on any device! The MP3 format is compatible with everything from iPhones, Android phones, and laptops to old school MP3 players.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Here are some common questions about converting Boomplay to MP3:
Will the audio quality change when I convert to MP3?
There may be a slight decrease in quality compared to the original AEA files, depending on the MP3 settings you choose. This is due to compression used in the MP3 format. However, with a high bitrate of 192 or 256 kbps, the difference should be negligible for most listeners.
What if I already have MP3 files – can those play in Boomplay?
Unfortunately no. Due to copyright protections, Boomplay only supports playing AEA files. So your existing MP3 collection can’t directly integrate with Boomplay. Converting in the other direction (MP3 to AEA) is not possible.
Is converting Boomplay music to MP3 legal?
Converting for your own personal use in this way is usually permitted under copyright laws in many countries. However, you should avoid redistributing the converted MP3 files publicly or commercially without permission.
Can I convert entire albums or my full Boomplay library all at once?
Absolutely! Most audio converter tools allow batch converting multiple files at the same time. This means you can efficiently convert your entire Boomplay collection to MP3 format in one go.
Conclusion
Being able to convert proprietary Boomplay music to the flexible MP3 format opens up many possibilities for enjoying your Afrobeat collection. With just a few simple steps, you can unlock portability and get your Boomplay favorites playing on any device.
Give one of the recommended audio converter tools a try and let us know how it goes! We hope this guide helped explain the conversion process. Now go and enjoy your Boomplay music library anywhere you want.