How to Convert MOV to MP4
If you downloaded a MOV video and found yourself helpless to open it in your media player, converting it to a more usable format would be a smart decision. Some devices don't support this type of files and you will have to convert MOV to MP4 to play videos on them.
MOV files are primarily associated with Apple devices and macOS, but they can be played on other operating systems with a compatible media player.
Converting videos is possible in several ways. In this article, you'll find 4 services to easily change MOV to MP4. Once you've got your converted file, you'll be ready to watch or share it anywhere!
How we picked MOV to MP4 converters
Selecting the right video converter involves considering several criteria:
- Ease of use. The video file converter should be easy to navigate, even for users with minimal technical knowledge.
- Conversion speed. Faster conversion speeds can save you time, especially when dealing with large video files.
- Quality preservation. The service should maintain video and audio quality during the MOV to MP4 conversion process.
- Editing capabilities. Some video converters offer basic video editing tools like trimming or cropping.
| Program | Platform | Editing features | File size limit | Supported formats | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Icecream Video Converter |
Windows
|
Yes
|
No
|
MP4, AVI, WEBM, MOV, JPG, PNG, GIF, and more
|
5.0 |
| iMovie |
MacOS
|
Yes
|
No
|
MP4, MOV, AVI, 3GP, MP3, WAV, and more
|
4.5 |
| VLC Media Player |
Windows
MacOS
Linux
iOS
Android
|
No
|
No
|
MP4, MOV, AVI, 3GP, WMV, MP3, WAV, FLAC, and more
|
4.0 |
| Convertio |
Online
|
Limited
|
100MB
|
AVI, FLV, MKV, MOV, MPEG, WebM, MP4, MP3, WAV, and more
|
4.0 |
Option 1. For Windows
If you need a straightforward and efficient way to convert MOV to MP4 for free, Icecream Video Converter is the perfect option. It is a user-friendly service that will help you quickly convert your files.
In this guide, we will explain how to use it to switch a video into an MP4 file.
- Download, install, and launch the free video converter for Windows PC.
- Select "Add File" and choose the MOV video you wish to convert.
- Drag and drop the file to the timeline in the lower part of the screen.
- Crop and trim the video, edit audio, and attach music, text, subtitles, filters, or stickers if necessary.
- Click "Export video", set the resolution, quality, and format (MP4) of the file, and press "Export".
Advantages:
- Speed. Converting videos using the application is fast and effective, allowing you to convert multiple files at once without any loss of quality.
- User-friendliness. The interface is straightforward even if you are not tech-savvy. This is ideal for both beginners and professionals.
- Wide range of tools. The video converter offers a wide range of editing features. You can use it to trim videos, merge and crop them, and add audio or visual effects. This allows users to customize their videos as they wish.
- Quick sharing. Upload converted files to a cloud service and create a link to share with other users.
- Free. The MOV to MP4 converter is free to use, allowing users to save projects with a watermark. If you have to remove limitations, consider purchasing the full version.
- Multiple format support. The service can convert AVI, MOV, MP4, and other types of video files. This makes it easier to work with clips from different sources and share them on various platforms.
Ultimately, Icecream Video Converter stands out as an ideal way to turn MOV files into MP4 format successfully. It provides a range of features that make it a great choice for all people. Start using this powerful software now!
Option 2. For Mac
Although the MOV format was created by Apple, it may be problematic to share it with other devices. Thankfully, it is possible to use a built-in macOS app to conveniently convert MOV video to MP4 for free.
Here's a comprehensive guide on how to change MOV to MP4:
- Open iMovie and choose "New Movie" from the "File" menu.
- Select "Import Media" and upload the MOV file for conversion.
- Place the file onto the timeline below it.
- Press "Share" and "File".
- Set the resolution, quality, compression, and "Video and Audio" format, then click "Next" to save the video.
Advantages:
- Pre-installed. There's no need to purchase and download any further software or apps.
- Easy-to-use interface. Just drag and drop the MOV file into iMovie and follow the steps above.
- Editing tools. The application provides a set of tools and effects, allowing users to change the video speed and enhance it with titles, filters, and transitions.
- High-quality conversion. You won't lose any quality when converting your video from MOV to MP4 through iMovie.
Disadvantages:
- Large amount of storage space. The basic video file in iMovie occupies around 1 GB. This not only slows down the computer's performance but also consumes a significant amount of the device's memory.
- Lack of advanced features. The simplicity of use comes at the cost of advanced options. You can't use it if you have more complex video editing needs, such as color grading or professional audio editing.
Overall, if you are a beginner and don't know how to convert a MOV file to MP4 on Mac, iMovie is a great choice. However, if you require more settings or working on a Windows or Android, you might look for alternative video editing software.
Option 3. For any OS
Using VLC Media Player to turn MOV into MP4 is a great way to preserve your videos in a format that can be quickly distributed. It's also more efficient than trying to convert files one by one through some other programs.
Here is a step-by-step guide on operating video converter for MOV to MP4 conversion:
- Download and install VLC Media Player.
- Open the "Media" menu and select "Convert/Save".
- Click "Add", pick the MOV you want to transform to MP4 format, and press "Convert/Save".
- Choose MP4 as a profile and the destination folder for the converted file, then click "Start"
Advantages:
- Compatibility. The video converter supports almost any type of media file, including video formats like AVI, MP4, WMV, and audio such as MP3, WAV, FLAC, and more. It can also play DVD, CD and Blu-ray discs.
- Free of charge. It is an open-source program, so you don't have to pay for any special services when converting files with it.
- Cross-platform compatibility. The application works on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android systems, therefore, no matter which OS you have.
Disadvantages:
- Lack of tools. While the free video converter does offer some basic editing features and allows you to crop, trim, and rotate videos, it lacks the advanced capabilities found in dedicated editing software.
- Outdated interface. The interface is functional but not as modern or visually appealing as other media players on the market.
If you're looking for a versatile tool to change a video format, VLC is definitely worth considering.
Option 4. Online
Converting MOV files to MP4 in your browser is an excellent way to ensure that your videos are suitable for use on a wide range of platforms. Convertio is a free conversion service that requires no additional installation.
Here is how to convert MOV to MP4:
- Go to the Convertio website.
- Press on the "Choose Files" button to select MOV video from your device or cloud storage.
- Hit the gear symbol and adjust the settings.
- Click "Convert" and download the processed file to your computer or upload it to Google Drive or Dropbox.
Advantages:
- Simple and free. The online video converter is easy and free to use, so anyone can do it without any technical knowledge.
- Fast. The process of converting videos is quick, usually taking just a few minutes depending on file size.
- Wide range of formats. It supports multiple file types, allowing you to convert different types of files to MP4 (e.g.: AVI, MPEG).
- Security. The website is secure and your files are encrypted. This means you can have peace of mind knowing that your data remains safe and sound.
Disadvantages:
- File size limitation. The maximum video size for the free version is 100 MB. Larger files will have to be split into smaller parts before they can be converted.
- Lack of additional settings. Some of the more advanced features like video editing are not available on this platform. You may need to use other tools for those tasks.
Utilizing the free video converter to transform MOV files to MP4 is a great option for people looking for a simple and secure option. It allows for turning videos into a format that works on the majority of platforms and devices.
MOV vs. MP4
MOV and MP4 are two of the most popular video formats around. But what's the difference between them? We explain it all here, so you can decide which format is right for you before converting MOV to MP4.
- MOV is a widely-used media container format developed by Apple. It stores audio, video, and other data in a single file, rendering it effortless to move and upload. MOV files are often used in high-definition videos due to large file sizes.
- MP4, on the other hand, is more versatile. It's based on the MPEG-4 Part 14 standard, which means it can handle a variety of audio and video streams. It's also more widely accepted than MOV, as it's compatible with most operating systems.
Here's a comparison table outlining the differences between these formats:
| Feature | MOV | MP4 |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | QuickTime Movie | MPEG-4 Part 14 |
| Developer | Apple Inc. | ISO/IEC (International Organization for Standardization) |
| Compression | Often uses less efficient compression, can be higher quality. | Generally uses more efficient compression, can be smaller file sizes. |
| Compatibility | Primarily supported on Apple devices and software. | Widely supported across various devices and platforms. |
| Use Cases | Professional video editing, high-quality video storage. | Streaming, online video, general multimedia use. |
| Streaming | Less suited for streaming, better for local playback. | Designed for streaming and internet use. |
| Metadata | Can store extensive metadata and offers advanced features. | Supports metadata but may be less extensive than MOV. |
| Editing | Generally preferred for video editing due to high quality. | Commonly used for final export due to efficiency in compression. |
So which one should you use?
If you're looking for a high-quality video format that's easy to share, MOV is probably your best bet. However, if you need something more adaptable for various platforms, MP4 is the way to go.
FAQ
- Can I turn MOV into MP4 on my phone?
- Yes, you can use an online video converter directly in your browser. It allows you to easily convert MOV files to MP4 on your phone eliminating the need to install any applications.
- How much time does the process of converting a video take?
- It depends on the size of the file and the speed of your internet connection. Typically it takes just a few minutes for an average file (under 500MB). The more files you have in the batch, the longer it will take. If you are converting a number of MOV files at once, it will require more time.
- Can I alter a MOV file before converting it to MP4?
- Yes, many video converters like Icecream Video Converter allow you to edit your MOV video before making the conversion. You can trim or crop the video, add effects or text overlays, etc.
- What quality do I anticipate when shifting from MOV to MP4?
- The quality of the output depends largely on the quality of the input. If your original MOV file is high-quality (such as FHD or 4K), then your MP4 will stay the same quality. However, you can select lower quality (like HD) to make the output file smaller and speed up the processing time.
Troubleshooting common issues
Incomplete conversion
- Issue: The conversion process stops unexpectedly, and the resulting MP4 file is incomplete.
- Troubleshooting: Check if you have sufficient disk space on your device. Ensure that the MOV file is not corrupted. Try playing it in a media player to confirm the problem is in the file.
Error messages
- Issue: Encounter error messages during the conversion process.
- Troubleshooting: Note the specific error message and search online for solutions. Make sure you're using a reliable and updated video converter. Outdated software might not support the latest codecs.
Quality loss
- Issue: The converted MP4 file has a lower quality than the original MOV.
- Troubleshooting: Check the settings of your conversion tool to make sure it is set to output the desired quality. Ensure that the converter supports the video and audio codecs used in your MOV file.
Out-of-sync audio/video
- Issue: Audio and video are not synchronized in the resulting MP4 file.
- Troubleshooting: Use a reputable video converter that ensures synchronization during the conversion process. If the problem persists, you may need to use a separate video editor to adjust the synchronization after conversion.
Unsupported codecs
- Issue: The video converter doesn't support the codecs used in the MOV file.
- Troubleshooting: Ensure that your converter supports the specific video and audio codecs of the original file. If not, consider using a different program or converting the MOV file to a format with supported codecs.
Convert MOV to MP4: Conclusion
Now you know how to convert MOV to MP4 on Windows and Mac, the various settings required for optimal conversion, and the different ways you can go about the process.
Following this guide, you should feel confident enough to start switching your MOV files over to MP4 format with ease!
Editor-in-Chief at Icecream Apps
