diff --git a/libavutil/common.h b/libavutil/common.h
index 89f8a01f52..ab69eafda2 100644
--- a/libavutil/common.h
+++ b/libavutil/common.h
@@ -344,6 +344,12 @@ void *av_malloc(unsigned int size);
  * free(ptr) and NULL is returned.
  */
 void *av_realloc(void *ptr, unsigned int size);
+
+/**
+ * Free memory which has been allocated with av_malloc(z)() or av_realloc().
+ * NOTE: ptr = NULL is explicetly allowed
+ * Note2: it is recommended that you use av_freep() instead
+ */
 void av_free(void *ptr);
 
 void *av_mallocz(unsigned int size);
diff --git a/libavutil/mem.c b/libavutil/mem.c
index c95892b361..6a13d0e0c0 100644
--- a/libavutil/mem.c
+++ b/libavutil/mem.c
@@ -111,11 +111,6 @@ void *av_realloc(void *ptr, unsigned int size)
 #endif
 }
 
-/**
- * Free memory which has been allocated with av_malloc(z)() or av_realloc().
- * NOTE: ptr = NULL is explicetly allowed
- * Note2: it is recommended that you use av_freep() instead
- */
 void av_free(void *ptr)
 {
     /* XXX: this test should not be needed on most libcs */