You can make a karaoke track by uploading an audio file to an AI stem splitter, which separates the vocals from the instruments so you can download the instrumental.
When you want to sing along to a song but cannot find an official backing track, you can make a karaoke track from the original audio file. Using AI, you can separate the vocals from the instruments. This guide explains how to prepare your file, process it, and download the instrumental version.
What do you need to make a karaoke track?
Before you begin the process, you must prepare the correct type of audio file. The tool accepts five specific file formats for upload. You can upload an MP3, WAV, FLAC, M4A/AAC, or OGG song. You cannot use a video file or paste a link from a video website. Links such as YouTube are not accepted by the system. You must have the actual audio file saved on your computer or mobile device.
You must also ensure your file fits within the strict size and length limits. The audio file you upload can be up to 90 MB in size. It must also be 10 minutes long or shorter. If your song is longer than 10 minutes, or if the file size is larger than 90 MB, the system will not accept it.
Finally, you must have the right to process the audio you upload. The tool is intended for users who have the legal permission to modify the tracks they submit. If someone needs to send a copyright notice regarding a file on the servers, they can send it directly to contact@stemsplitai.com.
How do you make a karaoke track step by step?
To make a karaoke track, you will use the karaoke maker tool. The process requires uploading your file, waiting for the AI to process it, and previewing the result before you download the files.
First, decide if you want to create an account. You can use the tool without signing in, which allows you to split and preview 1 song a day for free. If you choose to sign in, your limit increases, and you can split and preview 5 songs a day for free.
Second, upload your prepared MP3, WAV, FLAC, M4A/AAC, or OGG file. Click the upload area on the vocal remover page or the home page and select the file from your device.
Third, wait for the AI to process the audio. The tool uses Demucs htdemucs, which is an open-source model from Meta AI research, to separate the track. This model runs entirely on our own servers. The initial processing generates a preview. This preview comes first, usually within a few minutes of your upload.
Fourth, listen to the preview. Every split plays a 30-second preview of all the separated parts. This preview starts at the 0:30 mark of your song. If your song is under a minute long, the preview starts from the beginning of the track.
Fifth, request the full download. If you are satisfied with the 30-second preview, you can choose to download the whole song. Processing the whole song takes a few minutes more after the preview is ready. Once finished, you will receive the full tracks, which you can use for your singing practice.
Which stems do you get from the split?
When you upload a song to make yours, the AI separates the audio into different parts, which are called stems. One split gives five stems in total. You do not just get a single track; you get the individual components of the song.
The five stems are vocals, instrumental, drums, bass, and other.
The instrumental stem is exactly what you need for a karaoke session. This instrumental track is created by adding the drums, bass, and other stems together. The vocals are completely removed from this specific stem, leaving only the backing music.
If you want to practice playing the drums or bass instead of singing, you can use the isolated drums or bass stems. The "other" stem contains any remaining sounds, such as guitars, keyboards, or synthesizers. If you want to isolate the singing instead of removing it, you can use the vocals stem, which functions as an acapella extractor.
Here is a table showing the five stems and what they contain:
| Stem Name | Contents |
|---|---|
| Vocals | Only the singing and spoken words |
| Instrumental | Drums, bass, and other added together |
| Drums | Only the percussion elements |
| Bass | Only the basslines |
| Other | Guitars, keyboards, synthesizers, and remaining sounds |
How does the preview process work?
The site splits the processing into two phases: the free preview and the paid download. Splitting and previewing are free. You do not spend any money or credits to hear how the AI separates your song.
When the preview is ready after a few minutes, you will hear 30 seconds of all five stems. You can switch between the vocals, instrumental, drums, bass, and other stems to hear the isolation quality. Because the preview starts at 0:30, it usually captures a part of the song where the vocals and instruments are both active, rather than a quiet introduction. If your song is under a minute, the 30-second preview plays from the start.
This preview system allows you to verify the results of the Demucs htdemucs model before you decide to spend any credits on the full file.
What are the costs to download your files?
While splitting and previewing are free, downloading a whole song requires credits. Downloading a whole song costs 125 credits. This amount is equal to $0.50.
When you spend 125 credits to download a song, you receive all five stems. You do not pay separately for the instrumental and the vocals. The single download cost includes the vocals, instrumental, drums, bass, and other stems.
You receive these five stems in two different audio formats. The first format is MP3, which is encoded at 320 kbps. The second format is WAV, which is provided at 16-bit, 44.1 kHz. You get both the MP3 and WAV files for the same 125 credits.
To get credits, you must visit the pricing page. A one-time $5 purchase adds 1,250 credits to your account. Because each download costs 125 credits, a $5 purchase gives you enough credits for 10 songs. There is no subscription involved. You only make a one-time purchase, and credits are only spent on a download. All payments on the site are processed through FloatPass.
What privacy and retention rules apply?
When you use an instrumental maker to create a backing track, you should know how your files are handled.
Files are only available to the person who uploaded them. Nobody else can access your preview or your full downloads. The processing happens on our own servers, keeping your files private to your session.
The system also deletes files automatically to save space on the servers. Uploads are deleted after 1 day. The separated stems are deleted after 7 days. You must download your MP3 and WAV files within this 7-day window. If you wait eight days to download your tracks, the files will be gone, and you will need to upload the song again and spend another 125 credits to download the full version.
What mistakes should you avoid?
The most frequent mistake is attempting to use a link. The tool requires a direct file upload. You must provide an MP3, WAV, FLAC, M4A/AAC, or OGG file. If you try to submit a link to a video platform, the system will reject it.
Another mistake is ignoring the file limits. Check your file size and duration before uploading. The file must be 90 MB or smaller, and it must be 10 minutes or shorter.
Finally, remember the daily limits for the free previews. You can process 1 song a day without an account. If you need to process a second song, you must sign in. Signed-in users can process 5 songs a day. These limits apply strictly to the free splitting and previewing phase.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to make a karaoke track?
Splitting and previewing your song is completely free. If you want to download the full track, it costs 125 credits, which is $0.50. You can buy 1,250 credits for a one-time purchase of $5.
Can I make a karaoke track from a YouTube link?
No, links such as YouTube are not accepted. You must upload an MP3, WAV, FLAC, M4A/AAC, or OGG file directly from your device.
How long does it take to make a karaoke track?
The 30-second preview usually comes first within a few minutes of uploading. Processing and downloading the whole song takes a few minutes more.
How many times a day can I make a karaoke track for free?
You can split and preview 1 song a day for free without an account. If you are signed in, you can split and preview up to 5 songs a day.