How to play any song (or your own voice) backwards
Playing a sound backwards used to mean spinning a vinyl record by hand or wrestling with editing software. Today it takes a couple of taps. Here is the fastest way to reverse a song or your own voice, plus the desktop method if you prefer a computer.
The quick way: on your phone
A dedicated app is the simplest option because recording, reversing, effects and sharing all live in one place. With Reverse Audio (on iOS and Android):
- 1. Get the audio. Tap record to capture your voice live, or import a song or file you already have. MP3, WAV, M4A, AAC, FLAC and OGG all work.
- 2. Reverse it. The app flips the clip automatically the moment you capture it. Tap play to hear it backwards.
- 3. Listen and share. Scrub the waveform, tap to A/B between the original and the reversed version, optionally stack a voice effect, then save it or share it with a friend.
That is it. No timeline, no exporting, no editing skills.
The desktop way: Audacity
If you would rather use a computer, the free program Audacity can do it: open the file, select the part you want with Ctrl+A, then choose Effect and Reverse. Press play to hear the result and export when you are happy. It is more steps than an app, but handy if you are already editing on a desktop.
Fun things to try once it is reversed
- Hunt for hidden messages. Reverse a famous song and listen for words. See our guide to backmasking for the stories behind it.
- The reverse-speech challenge. Say a phrase, reverse it, then try to copy the reversed sound out loud so that it plays back as your original phrase. It is much harder than it looks.
- Prank a friend. Reverse a voice note, add the demon or chipmunk effect, and send it. Bonus points if they try to decode it.
Reverse your first clip now
Record or import a sound, hear it backwards, and add a voice effect in seconds.
FAQ
How do I reverse a song on my phone?
Install a reversing app such as Reverse Audio, import the song, and tap reverse. The reversed version plays instantly and you can save or share it.
Can I reverse audio on iPhone and Android?
Yes. Reverse Audio works on both iOS and Android. Record or import a clip, reverse it, and add effects, all on the device with no account needed.
How do I reverse my own voice?
Tap record in the app, speak, and stop. The app creates a reversed version automatically. Then try the reverse-speech challenge described above.
Is there a way to reverse audio without an app?
On a computer you can use free software like Audacity: import the file, select it, and choose Effect then Reverse. On a phone, a dedicated app is faster and keeps recording, effects and sharing in one place.