3 Simple Ways to Change a Video Format to MP4

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Tricks for saving video files in a convenient cross-compatible format

Co-authored by Yaffet Meshesha and Darlene Antonelli, MA

Last Updated: December 15, 2024 Fact Checked

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Using VLC Player

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Using Handbrake

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Using an Online Converter

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Q&A

MP4 is one of the most universally compatible video formats around. Converting your videos to MP4 will make it easier to play them on any device, and it's super easy to do. This article will walk you through a few of the easiest, best methods for converting your MP4 videos.

Convert File Format to MP4

For video files that are saved to your computer, use an open-source converter like Handbrake or VLC Media Player.
If you don't want to install software, try an online converter like Online-Convert or Zamzar.
Many websites and downloadable apps can instantly convert YouTube videos to MP4.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using VLC Player

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VLC Player is a free, open-source video player that can play any video format. It can also convert your video files into the MP4 format. You can download VLC from videolan.org. It is available for any OS.
This will launch the conversion tool.

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Add... button and select the video. You can load videos of almost any format. Click Convert / Save once you've selected your file(s).
This will tell VLC to convert the file into the MP4 format. You can click the Settings button to adjust the settings. Most users can leave them at default.
Browse... button and save the output file. This will be the final converted file. Make sure you name it something you'll recognize.
Start button and wait. The conversion process will take as long as the original video. This is because VLC plays the video and re-records it as MP4.^{[1]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Handbrake

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Handbrake is a free, open-source video conversion program for any OS. You can download Handbrake from handbrake.fr. You can use Handbrake to convert nearly any video into the MP4 format.
Launch Handbrake and click the "Source" button. Select "File" and then browse for the video file.
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Select "Default" from the "Presets" panel. Click the "Presets" menu and select "Show Preset Panel" if you don't see it. The "Default" preset will work on any computer.
- You can select specific devices from the "Devices" list.
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Click the "Browse" button to set the output file. You'll need to name and save the converted file before you start. Make sure you save it somewhere you can find it.
- Make sure "mp4" is selected in the "Save as type" menu.
Handbrake will begin converting your video to MP4 format. The conversion process can take anywhere from a few minutes to over an hour.^{[2]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using an Online Converter

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If you use a conversion website you'll need to upload the video first. Even if the conversion website doesn't have a size limitation (and many do), the upload process alone could take hours. If you have a long video file to convert, consider using Handbrake or VLC.
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Visit a conversion site. Popular conversion sites include:
- https://cloudconvert.com/mp4-converter
- https://www.freeconvert.com/mp4-converter
- zamzar.com
3
Upload your video file. Click the button to select a file on your computer. Some sites may allow you to select files stored in Dropbox or Google Drive.
- The upload process may take a long time to complete.
Most conversion sites allow you to select from a variety of outputs. Make sure that you have "MP4" selected.
Once you have uploaded the video, you'll need to wait for it to convert. The time it takes to convert varies from site to site. The size of the video will affect conversion times. You'll either be shown or emailed a download link when it's finished.

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Question

Can you download VLC from this website?

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Community Answer

No. But you can download VLC from videolan.org. It is the official website of VLC.

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