How to Change Video Format for Free?

Liza Brown

Jun 11, 2020• Proven solutions

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When it comes to how to change the video format, you have ample of solutions available in the market. But not all of them are powerful or reliable enough to change video format with lossless quality.

Agree?

And that is the reason why, you’re hovering over the internet to find the best tool to change the format of a video, be it to mp4 or any other. On that note, we are glad that you’ve reached the right place.

We have specifically drafted today’s post to help you with the top 6 solutions on how to change video format on mac/windows/online. Moreover, we’ve also included their step by step tutorial on how to change the format of a video with the respective tool.

Let’s explore them!

• Why Changing Video Format Is Necessary?
• What Are the Most Widely Supported Video Format and Why?
• How to Change the Format of A Video?

Why Changing Video Format Is Necessary?

Before we get on to the top tools to change video format and their tutorials, let’s first understand why it is necessary to change video format?

The answer is pretty obvious, not all video file formats are supported across media devices that we use in day to day lives. For instance, not all smartphones support MKV, WebM, etc. video file format, not all smart televisions or DVD players support FLV, MKV, WebM, etc. file formats.

Now, how would you watch and enjoy your favorite videos of your sibling’s marriage ceremony or travel vlog? This where it becomes vital to change the video format of a video so much so that you can easily play and watch your favorite videos over the respective media device, be it a smartphone or smart TV or DVD player etc.

You may now wonder that is there any video format that is widely supported across media devices, correct? Well, to your surprise there are a few video file formats widely supported across media devices. To know about them, jump to the section right below.

What Are the Most Widely Supported Video Format and Why?

Though there are countless video file formats available for varied purposes, the only problem with them is that they are just not media devices friendly. Which is why you need to look for tools that can help you change video formats.

But, also there are video file formats that are commonly supported across various media devices that we use in day to day lives. Yes, you read that right, if you have your video file in any of the formats listed below, you may not need to change video format quite so often.

1. MP4

MP4 video format is by far the closest to universal standard as it is supported almost across all major media devices, be it smart TV, DVD player, smartphones, etc. This video file format can utilize every single version of MPEG-4 and H.264.

Moreover, if your video file format is in .MP4 container, then they tend to have relatively lesser file size and that too, with high quality. Furthermore, the world’s largest online video streaming services, be it YouTube and Vimeo, too prefers .MP4 video file format.

2. AVI

AVI stands for Audio Video Interleave, is one of the oldest and another widely compatible video file format. This video file format can utilize enormous codecs’ range, resulting in varied different file settings.

Though, .AVI files can also be played easily across various media devices, the file sizes for this video format tends to be greater. And therefore, it is not much preferred for downloading or streaming.

3. MOV

MOV is a video format developed by Apple that can be played over its Quicktime player. Video files that are in .MOV format usually tend to have fairly large file sizes but with very high quality.

4. FLV

FLV stands for Flash Live Video, developed for Adobe’s Flash player. The videos with .FLV file format are of extremely small file size and are widely supported for a number of years. Moreover, this file format is also supported by third-party Flash video players and a diverse range of browser plugins. But recently, there has been a significant decline in its popularity.

5. WMV

Windows Media Videos or WMV is yet another video file format that turns to be a good option when it comes to sending videos through email or other sources, thanks to its tendency to have the smallest file size. However, the tradeoff with this video file format is that the significant drop in the file size also drops the quality of the video.

How to Change the Format of A Video?

Now, that we have known everything about the most supported video file formats and as to why it is necessary to change video format. It’s now time to unveil the most popular tools with which you can change video format easily and effectively.

So, without waiting any longer let’s get to explore how to change video format on PC using the below-mentioned tools.

Solutions of Change Video Format On Mac & Windows:

1. Filmora9

OS Supported: Mac & Windows

Holding the top spot in the list of top tools to change video format to mp4 or other, Filmora9 proves to be the most viable option. Filmora9 is a fast and powerful tool that adds wings to your imagination with its pool of advanced features.

• You not only can change video format to mp4 but are also enabled to enhance your videos by making edits to your videos, add effects to it or control noise reduction.
• With Filmora9, you can import and export your media files at a very high speed.
• Moreover, Filmora9 is compatible with both the operating systems, i.e. Windows and Mac and is considered as a perfect solution due to its smooth execution.

Let’s understand the step by step tutorial on how to change video format to mp4 using Filmora9 in a step by step process.

Step 1: Download and Install Filmora9

First things first, you need to visit the Filmora9 website or just click above icons to choose your editor version and download your copy of the software. Install the toolkit and then launch it afterward. As soon as you have the Fimora9 up and running over your PC, hit on “New Project” from the main screen.

Step 2: Import Video

You’re now required to import the required video file to the Filmora9 interface. For this, you can simply, drag and drop the video file into the main interface.

Alternatively, you can hit the “Import Media Files” option available under the “Import” tab and then browse the file over your computer storage.

Step 3: Choose the output format to Export

Next, drag-drop the video over the Filmora9 timeline. And once you have it there, you’re then required to hit the “Export” button. From the upcoming screen, get into the “Local” followed by selecting the preferred output video format, i.e. “MP4”.

Step 4: Initiate Exporting

Soon after you’re satisfied with your settings, simply hit the “Export” button to initiate the process. Within a short while, your video will be converted successfully.

And with this, your guide on how to change video format to mp4 using Filmora9 is now complete.

2. VLC Media Player

OS Supported: Mac & Windows

The next tool to help you with changing video format is via VLC media player. Yes, that’s true! This free cross-platform media player is also an open-source tool with which you can change the format of a video file. Here’s the detailed tutorial on how to change video format to mp4 using the VLC media player.

Step 1: You know the drill. Download, install and launch the VLC media player. Now, click on the “Media” button and opt for the “Convert/Save” option.

Step 2: Now, to import the video files, hit on the “Add” button.

Step 3: Next, you need to push the “Convert/Save” button at the bottom and then opt for the “MP4” preset from the drop-down next to “Profile”.

Step 4: Lastly, set the destination location for the file by hitting “Browse”. Hit the “Save” button followed by “Start” to initiate the conversion.

3. iMovie

OS Supported: Mac

Heard about iMovie? Yes, that’s another renowned video editor tool for Apple devices. Packed with several functionalities, iMovie holds the next spot on our list of top tools to change video format. Let’s get to explore the detailed tutorial on how to change video format to mp4 using iMovie.

Step 1: Launch the iMovie toolbox and then import your files over its interface by using the “Import” button.

Step 2: Now, once you have imported your video file, simply drag and drop them to the storyboard. You can even edit the video as per your preference.

Step 3: Once you are done with the edits, hit on “Share” and opt for the “File” option from the appearing menu.

Step 4: You’re now required to key in a title, description for your video clip. Also, opt for the file format, resolution and quality. Hit “Next” afterward, select the destination location and tap “Save” lastly to initiate to change video format to mp4.

4. Freemake Video Converter

OS Supported: Windows

Another top solution to change video format to mp4 is via a Freemake Video Converter tool. With this tool, you can easily convert video files to several different video formats. The tool is absolutely free to use. Here’s what you need to do to change video format to mp4 using Freemake Video Converter.

Step 1: The drill remains the same, download, install and launch Freemake toolkit. Now, hit on the “+ Video” button to import the video you wish to change the video format of.

Step 2: Once the file is added to the interface, hit on the “to MP4” button available at the bottom of the software interface. Hit on the “...” button to set the destination location of the converted video.

Step 3: Lastly, hit on the “Convert” button in order to initiate the process to change video format to mp4. Wait for the process to complete.

In a short time interval, you’ll successfully change the format of the video using Freemake Video Converter.

Solutions of Change Video Format Online:

5. OnlineVideoConverter

When it comes to change video format to mp4 using an online tool, OnlineVideoConverter is the safest bet. Here’s how to change video format online with this powerful tool.

Step 1: Visit the webpage of this online tool and then, drag-drop your video that you wish to change video format. As soon as you do it, it will start uploading your file.

Step 2: Once done, you’ll be redirected to a new interface where you need to select the output file format. Select “MP4” from the drop-down menu and hit “Start”.

6. Convert Files by Dan’s Tools

A yet another way to change video format online is via Convert Files. The tool has an easy to use interface and you can even select the quality output you require as per your preference. Let’s understand the tutorial on how to change video format online.

Step 1: Head to the webpage of this tool and hit on “Select File” to import the required video.

Step 2: Next, opt for the output format as MP4 or other as per your requirement. Then, select the output quality you require.

Step 3: Finally, hit on the “Convert” button and wait for the process to complete.

Final Words

Phew! What a detailed post about how to change video format to mp4 (or other) on Mac/Windows/Online!

No?

Well, after this comprehensive information sharing, it’s now time to move towards the final words for today’s post. We hope you’ve liked our efforts and must have known the most suitable way for you on how to change video format to mp4 or other.

If so, please consider sharing this post in your circle so that others may also get benefitted from it. After all, knowledge grows only when shared!

Or, if you have any queries, please feel free to comment below, we would love to get the conversation going!

Liza Brown

Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.

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