MP4 is one of the most common video file formats used today. It stands for MPEG-4 Part 14 and uses MPEG-4 video compression. MP4 files can contain not just video but also audio and subtitles. MP4 is supported by most media players and websites.
There are several reasons why you may want to save a video as MP4:
- To reduce the file size while maintaining good quality
- To playback on devices that support MP4 but not other formats
- To upload to video sharing sites that prefer MP4
- To watch on your smartphone, tablet, smart TV, game console or other device
The process of converting a video to MP4 is called transcoding. Here are the main ways to transcode a video to MP4 format.
Use Online Video Converter
The easiest way for most users is to use an online video converter tool. These are websites where you can upload your video file and they will transcode it to MP4 for you. Here are some popular online video converters:
- OnlineConverter – Supports nearly any video format including AVI, MOV, WMV, FLV, etc.
- Online-Convert – Converts to MP4 and lets you customize resolution, bitrate and other settings.
- CloudConvert – Large file uploads supported. Batch conversion available.
- Convertio – No software install needed, easy drag and drop uploading.
The advantages of using an online video converter include:
- Fast and easy – Just go to the website, upload your video and download the MP4.
- Works on any computer – No software install required, just a web browser.
- Supports many formats – Nearly any video can be converted.
- Automated process – The website does all the work transcoding.
The downsides are:
- Upload time – Large videos can take a while to upload.
- Privacy concerns – Your video is processed through third-party servers.
- Limited customization – You may not get all the advanced conversion options.
But for basic MP4 video conversion without hassles, an online converter is the easiest choice.
Use Desktop Video Converter Software
Another option is to download and install video converter software on your Windows PC or Mac. These provide you with software specifically designed for transcoding videos to different formats. Here are some top converter programs:
Windows
- HandBrake – Open source, free video converter for Windows, Mac and Linux. Works well for making MP4s.
- Freemake Video Converter – Popular free video converter for Windows with preset output profiles.
- Movavi Video Converter – Fast converter supporting 180+ media formats. Good customization options.
- Shutter Encoder – Full featured video toolbox with MP4 conversion tools.
- Video Converter Factory Pro – Convert all video formats including 4K. GPU acceleration available.
Mac
- Movist Pro – Robust video player with built-in converter for MP4 and other formats.
- Avidemux – Free open source video editor for Mac, can save to MP4.
- Elmedia Video Player – Media player with handy MP4 converter included.
- VideoToMP4 – Dedicated MP4 converter app for macOS.
- Any Video Converter – Convert video to over 180 formats including MP4.
The benefits of video converter software include:
- Faster than online – No upload time as conversion happens on your computer.
- More customizable – Adjust video resolution, bitrate, codecs and other advanced settings.
- No privacy concerns – Your video stays local and is not uploaded.
- Batch processing – Convert multiple videos in one go.
The disadvantages are:
- Need to download and install software.
- Complex interfaces – Can involve a learning curve.
- Cost – Paid software provides more features than free options.
Video converter programs give you more control compared to online converters but require some setup work initially.
Use VLC Media Player
VLC media player is a popular free and open source cross-platform media player. It is available for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS and other systems.
VLC has some built-in converting capabilities. You can open a video in VLC and use the Convert/Save option to transcode the video to MP4 while playing it. Here are the steps:
- Download and install VLC Media Player on your computer.
- Launch VLC and open the video you want to convert.
- From the menu, select Media > Convert / Save.
- In the Convert dialog, select MP4 from the Profile drop down.
- Specify a destination filename to save as .mp4.
- Click Start to begin transcoding to MP4.
- The resulting MP4 video will be saved to the designated location.
The advantages of using VLC are:
- Simple and easy process.
- Completely free and open source.
- Wide device support.
The disadvantages are:
- Very limited conversion settings.
- Slower than dedicated converter software.
- No batch processing capabilities.
VLC Media Player works in a pinch for quick MP4 conversions but gives you little control over video parameters.
Use Command Line Tools
For developers and tech savvy users, video conversion can also be done using command line tools like FFmpeg. Here is an FFmpeg command to convert a video file to MP4:
ffmpeg -i inputvideo.avi outputvideo.mp4
FFmpeg is a powerful cross-platform command line tool that can record, convert and stream audio and video. It can work with nearly any media format. Some key advantages of using FFmpeg are:
- Completely free and open source.
- Very fast conversion performance.
- Extensive customization options for compression, codecs, resolution, bit rates and other parameters.
- Scripting and automation support through command line tools.
- Available for Windows, Mac, Linux and other platforms.
The downsides are that FFmpeg involves working strictly from the command line which can be daunting to inexperienced users. It also requires installing and configuring the tools properly to work.
For developers working on media encoding systems or building conversion tools though, FFmpeg provides an extremely powerful and customizable solution.
Conclusion
To recap, here are some top options for converting videos to MP4 format:
- Use online video converters for quick, hassle-free MP4 conversion through your web browser.
- Install desktop video converter software for faster, customizable conversions with more control.
- Use VLC media player for a simple option to transcode videos to MP4.
- Employ FFmpeg from command line for maximum customization and automation capabilities.
The best method depends on your needs and skill level. Online converters provide the simplest solution while software programs give you more fine-tuned control and FFmpeg operates at an advanced technical level. With many choices available though, you should be able to find an MP4 conversion solution that fits your requirements and budget.