How to Convert Video to MP4 Format for Free
With a myriad of file types, ensuring seamless access to content across different devices can be challenging. MP4 format stands out as one of the most versatile options.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of how to convert any video to MP4. We will empower you to effortlessly optimize your multimedia for any platform.
MP4 is universally supported across various devices and operating systems. Whether you have a smartphone, tablet, computer, or smart TV, such files are likely to be compatible.
Exploring MP4 format
MP4, or MPEG-4 Part 14, is a digital multimedia container most commonly used to store video and audio. However, it can also be great for other data such as subtitles and still images.
It employs advanced compression techniques that maintain high quality while keeping sizes relatively small. This balance makes MP4 ideal for both storage and streaming purposes.
How to convert a video to MP4
For Windows devices, we provide instructions using the best free MP4 video converter - Icecream Video Converter.
1. Get free video converter
Start by downloading MP4 converter for PC. Follow the on-screen instructions to install and run the software.
2. Import files
After launching the video converter for PC, click the "Add file" button and upload all the content. Alternatively, you can import all your elements by dragging and dropping them.
The app supports various input formats. Here are some of them: MOV, AVI, WebM, MKV, MPEG, MTS, WMV, FLV, OGG, VOB, SWF, etc.
3. Choose MP4 format
After the videos are added, simply select the suitable preset and click "Convert". Wait for the processing to finish and play files on any device.
That's it, you can stop here and get all the content with the new extension. However, our video file converter also comes with other features.
4. Optional parameters
If you need more precise control over the output, you can use the additional video editing tools of the video converter to MP4 before processing.
- Trim. Set the start and end points of the trimmed part with intuitive controls to remove unwanted sections or extract specific segments.
- Subtitles. Import existing SRT or create new subtitles directly within the editor. Customize the appearance and timing of captions to ensure they align perfectly with the content.
- Watermark. Create logos with text or images. The MP4 converter offers options to adjust the size, position, transparency, and angle of the logo.
- Audio. Remove sound from video to mute the original track or replace it with a different one.
- Resolution. Set the resolution to optimize clips for different devices or platforms.
- Quality. Strike the perfect balance between size and visual clarity by selecting from 5 preset options.
Once you're done adjusting the settings, you can start the process and convert video files to MP4. All the output will appear in the specified folder and "History" tab.
Why choose MP4?
Here's a comparison table between MP4 and some other popular formats:
| Feature | MP4 | AVI | MOV | MKV | FLV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Codec | MPEG-4. | Various. | H.264. | Various. | Sorenson Spark. |
| Compatibility | High. | Moderate. | High. | Moderate. | High. |
| Metadata | Yes. | Limited. | Yes. | Yes. | Yes. |
| Size | Medium. | Medium. | Medium. | Large. | Small. |
| Audio Formats | AAC, MP3. | Various. | PCM, AAC. | Various. | MP3, AAC. |
| Resolution | Up to 4K. | Up to 1080p. | Up to 4K. | Up to 8K. | Up to 1080p. |
| Platform | Wide. | Moderate. | Wide. | Wide. | Moderate. |
| DRM | Yes. | No. | Yes. | Yes. | No. |
The main reason to choose MP4 over other options is its universal compatibility. It is widely supported across various platforms and media players, so it's an ideal choice for sharing and distributing.
MP4 also has advanced compression algorithms, such as H.264 and H.265 (HEVC). They enable it to achieve high-quality playback at relatively smaller files. It makes this format suitable for streaming over the internet and storing on devices with limited storage capacity.
MP4 supports a wide range of features, including subtitles, metadata, chapters, and multiple audio tracks. This is great for movies, TV shows, educational guides, and more.
Plus, MP4 is compatible with most video editing software for both professional and amateur projects.
Common cases for MP4:
- It is widely used for online streaming platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, and social media sites due to its compatibility with almost all browsers.
- Since MP4 is supported by both Android and iOS devices, it's a go-to for watching on smartphones, tablets, and other portable media players.
- It ensures that recordings can be easily shared and viewed across different devices without any issues.
- Due to its widespread support and reliable quality, MP4 is great for archiving files and creating backups.
- This format is frequently chosen for encoding videos that are stored on DVDs or Blu-ray discs, as it offers a good balance between size and quality.
FAQ
- Will converting video to MP4 reduce the quality?
- Converting to MP4 using appropriate settings should maintain reasonable quality. However, there may be some loss of quality depending on the compression settings and original file.
- Can I convert videos to MP4 on mobile devices?
- Yes, there are mobile apps available for both iOS and Android devices that allow video to MP4 conversion directly on your device.
- Can I change copyrighted content?
- For personal tasks, is generally considered legal, but distributing copyrighted material without permission is illegal.
- What should I do if my video fails?
- First of all, check for any errors or issues with the original. If it plays fine, make sure the format is supported.
- Can I convert multiple videos to MP4 simultaneously?
- Yes, Icecream Video Converter supports batch operations, allowing you to change multiple clips to MP4 at once.
- How do I choose the optimal bitrate?
- A higher bitrate results in better quality but also a larger size. For typical streaming or playback, between 1,500 to 3,000 kbps for 720p and 5,000 to 8,000 for 1080p is common.
How to convert video to MP4 - conclusion
In general, changing clips to the MP4 format has benefits like smaller sizes without losing quality, better compatibility, and more features like adding subtitles and watermarks.
With the knowledge acquired from these tutorials, you now possess the tools to effortlessly tailor your video files to MP4. This will ensure compatibility across a multitude of devices and platforms.
Whether you chose Icecream Video Converter or another software, the flexibility and convenience of MP4 conversion are now within your grasp.
Editor-in-Chief at Icecream Apps
Co-authors
Expert Tech Writer
