Have some MOV video files that you want to convert over to the more compatible, multi-device friendly MP4 format? Converting from MOV to MP4 is a common task for anyone working with digital video and thankfully very straightforward to do.
In this comprehensive guide, you‘ll learn all about the MOV and MP4 formats, why you may want to convert between them, and easy step-by-step methods for performing MOV to MP4 conversion using online tools, desktop software as well as mobile apps. Let‘s get started!
Overview of MOV vs MP4
To understand why converting from MOV to MP4 is often desirable, we first need to understand what exactly these formats are.
MOV
- Developed by Apple in the 1990s
- Stands for "QuickTime Movie"
- Used by QuickTime Player and iTunes
- Stores audio, video, effects and subtitles
- Offers outstanding video quality
- Large file sizes
- Primarily used in video editing
MP4
- MPEG-4 Part 14 standard format
- Uses advanced compression
- Much smaller file sizes
- Supported by virtually all media apps/devices
- Ideal for online sharing and streaming
- Not intended for extensive video editing
The table below summarizes some key differences between MOV and MP4:
| Feature | MOV | MP4 |
|---|---|---|
| Developed By | Apple | MPEG Working Group |
| Primary Use Case | Video Editing | Playback & Sharing |
| Quality | Excellent | Excellent |
| File Size | Very large | Smaller when compressed |
| Device Support | Mainly Apple devices | Almost universal |
| Online Sharing | Limited | Fully supported |
| Editing Capabilities | Full featured | Basic only |
So in summary, MOV excels at quality and editing capabilities while MP4 focuses more on compression and universal playback support. Converting from MOV to MP4 gives you the best of both – excellent quality yet enhanced device support and online sharing.
Why Convert MOV videos to MP4
Given the complementary strengths and weaknesses of these formats, you may be wondering why it is commonly desired to convert MOV files into the MP4 format. There are several key reasons:
Smaller File Sizes
The advanced compression capabilities of MP4 enables creating video files that take up significantly less storage space compared to MOVs with equivalent video quality. This helps when:
- Storing large video collections
- Transferring/sending videos online
- Uploading videos to social media sites
Enhanced Compatibility
While MOV files work great when working exclusively within Apple‘s ecosystem of products, MP4 videos are compatible with a far wider range of devices and operating systems including:
- Windows devices
- Android smartphones/tablets
- Gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox
- Media streamers like Roku
- Blu-ray players
- Smart TVs
- And of course, Apple products!
Converting MOV to MP4 ensures your videos can play on virtually all consumer devices people own today.
Online Sharing
Websites like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and more rely on MP4 videos for smooth streaming and embedding online. Uploading MOV files directly can cause issues. Thus, converting them to MP4 ensures full online compatibility.
Playback Troubleshooting
On some less capable devices, large MOV video files may push past hardware limitations resulting in choppy playback, crashes or error messages. Converting them to MP4 rescues those videos allowing smooth playback again.
In summary, while MOV is a powerhouse video container well-suited for editing, MP4 files are smaller, significantly more compatible and a safer choice for playback and sharing in today‘s connected world. Converting MOV to MP4 delivers you the best of both formats.
Now let‘s explore popular techniques for achieving MOV to MP4 conversion.
How to Convert MOV Files to MP4 Format
You have several options for converting MOV videos into the MP4 format – free online converters, desktop video software, and mobile conversion apps. We will cover how to use each method.
Using Online MOV to MP4 Converters
Online conversion services provide a quick, easy way to convert MOV files into MP4 directly within your web browser without installing any software. Most operate on a "drag-and-drop" style interface and are completely free to use with no limits.
Here is an example using the popular Online-Convert.com platform:
- Navigate to Online-Convert.com Video Converter
- Click "Select File" and choose your MOV file
- Set conversion format to MP4
- Click the "Start Conversion" button
- When complete, download the MP4
Benefits of using online MOV to MP4 converters:
- No software downloads required
- Easy drag-and-drop interface
- Fast conversion speeds
- Accessible from any device
Do be aware of shady websites that may try to install malware. Stick to reputable established names like Online-Convert.com.
Using Desktop MOV to MP4 Converter Software
For converting multiple MOV files at once, customizing encoding parameters, or accessing premium features, a desktop video conversion program is the best way to go. These install locally onto your Windows or Mac computer.
The venerable HandBrake converter is an excellent free, open-source choice available for Windows, Mac and Linux.
Here are the steps for using HandBrake:
- Download and install HandBrake from the official site
- Launch HandBrake and click "Source" to select your MOV
- Click the "Browse" button under "File" to set MP4 output file name and location
- Select MP4 file extension preset under "Presets" menu
- Click the green "Start Encode" button
Benefits provided by desktop MOV to MP4 converter apps like HandBrake:
- Batch processing to convert multiple video files
- Advanced video quality controls
- Capability to add subtitles, audio tracks etc
- Downloading online streaming videos to MP4
- Available for Windows, Mac and Linux
For even more advanced features like 4K encoding, screen recording or video editing, consider a paid premium video converter like Wondershare UniConverter. But for most basic video conversions, HandBrake works perfectly well free of charge.
The only downside to desktop converters is needing to download and install the software initially. But the richer capabilities make it very worthwhile long term.
Using Mobile Apps to Convert MOV Videos
Lastly, you can convert MOV video files into MP4 format directly on your iPhone, iPad, Android phone or tablet for the ultimate mobile workflow. While slower than desktop solutions, this enables encoding MOV files anywhere when on-the-go.
On iPhone or iPad, use the highly-rated paid app Movie Convert available from the App Store:
- Download and install Movie Converter app
- Tap the Plus icon to select MOV video
- Choose MP4 format conversion
- Tap Convert to process file
- MOV video is saved as MP4 to Camera Roll
For Android devices, the free Video Converter App provides an excellent MOV to MP4 solution:
- Install Video Converter App from Google Play store
- Grant permission access to videos
- Tap + button to add MOV for conversion
- Select MP4 output
- Tap CONVERT button to encode
- Access MP4 from phone storage
Remember with mobile device conversion – it will be much slower than using desktop software. But having quick on-the-go encoding can prove very useful if needed in a pinch!
Final Recommendations
To wrap things up, here is a final helpful tip when converting MOV files over to MP4:
After converting MOVs to MP4, be sure to play back the videos first before deleting the original MOV files. Verify the MP4s are fully intact with smooth playback and no sync issues on target devices before discarding old MOV versions.
Overall, whether using online web tools, installed desktop encoder software, or even mobile apps, converting from MOV to MP4 format is quick and hassle-free process. I hope you now feel empowered tackle migrating your MOV video collection over into the far more compatible MP4 world!
Let me know if any other questions come up!
