How to Convert M4V to MP4: 5 Tools with Guide

If your favorite video content is saved in M4V file format and you can't access it on your desired devices, it's time to learn how to convert M4V to MP4 to make your M4V video content easily accessible and playable on all devices.
convert m4v to mp4

Introduction

Changing the file format of your preferred digital content is a very convenient option to enjoy your favorite digital content on any device anytime with your streaming specifications. So, if you want to convert M4V to MP4 to ensure your video streaming satisfaction without device compatibility restrictions or copyright protection, you must know how to convert M4V to MP4. So, here you will get the top 5 M4V to MP4 converters with highlights & step guides to pick the right tool. 

What is M4V

If you think is M4V the same as MP4, you are partially right because M4V is a video file format just like MP4 but with different specifications. However, being an Apple Inc. creation, M4V is specially designed and meant to store video files in the iTunes Store. 

The M4V file is mostly copy-protected; therefore, it can't be accessible without an authorized license. Apple uses FairPlay copy protection to protect the M4V file so that people can't make illegal copies without permission. Being an Apple-developed video file format, M4V is not at all compatible with Windows systems or other mobile platforms. 

Why Do You Need to Convert M4V to MP4

If you want to use your M4V content on various platforms and devices without any copy protection or restrictions, you should follow the simple steps to convert M4V file to MP4 on Windows, Mac, and online platforms. MP4 is a universal file format compatible with all devices and platforms. 

Convert M4V to MP4: Windows & Mac

There are various tools, online apps, and software available to convert one file format to another. However, every tool has its own perks and pitfalls. So, let's see the best M4V to MP4 converters for various platforms, with their highlights, insights, and step-by-step guides. 

1. UniFab Video Converter 

UniFab Video Converter is a multi-function converter that seamlessly converts M4V to MP4 on your Windows or Mac system without losing any original data. With extensive output video parameters customization, such as resolution, audio channel, codec, subtitles, etc., you can convert multiple M4V files at a stretch with batch conversion support. While reducing larger file sizes with lossless compression, you can edit your video file with maximum flexibility using a built-in video editor. Enjoy the fastest video conversion with 50X GPU acceleration. 

OS: Windows & Mac

How to convert M4V to MP4

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Step 1

Open UniFab program > select the “Converter” Module > Tab on the “+” icon to upload your desired M4V file for the conversion. 

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Step 2

Next, select MP4 format as the output profile. 

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Step 3

For maximum customization of the video, you can also select other parameters such as codec, resolution, frame rate, audio, etc. 

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Step 4

When you are fully satisfied with the customization, you can select the “Start” option to initiate the M4V to MP4 conversion process. 

Pros

  • Enjoy Batch conversion of various files simultaneously

  • Along with MP4, UniFab supports over 1000 other file formats

  • Reduce file size with lossless compression to make it playable on portable devices & store it in limited device storage

  • Explore extensive video editing with flexible customization to personalize the output MP4 file format

Cons

  • This tool is not available on Linux

2. HandBrake 

Being one of the most popular open-source and free video converters, HandBrake converts M4V to MP4 with multiple flexible functions. While offering various built-in device presets, HandBrake offers various flexible video parameter customization. From video encoder to quality and average bitrate, you can select anything to configure specifications for your output profile. However, it doesn't convert any copy-protected content. Therefore, to convert an M4V file, first you need to remove its copy protection, and then you can convert it to MP4. 

OS: Windows, Mac & Linux

How to convert M4V to MP4

Step 1: After launching the HandBrake program on your system, hit the “Source Section” > and import the M4V file while browsing it. Or else, you should  drag and drop the file into the main interface of the HandBrake program. 

Step 2: Go to the “Destination” section > select the location to save the converted MP4 file > select the “MP4” as the output format > you can adjust various video parameters such as codec, frame rate, etc to customize the output MP4 file format. 

Step 3: Finally, hit the “Start” option to begin the conversion process. Monitor the progress of the conversion. Once the conversion is complete, head to the destination folder to see the converted MP4 file. 

Pros

  • Maximum Built-in device preset options

  • Wide range of audio-video file format support

  • Batch scanning support with various parameters customization options

  • Multiple video filters with video previewing option

Cons

  • Copy-protected files cannot be converted

  • Very little output format support

3. FFmpeg

FFmpeg is an open-source, free command-line program specially designed to handle multimedia files and streams. It is very convenient for converting an M4V file to MP4 and has multiple other functions, such as basic editing, video scaling, etc. 

OS: Windows, Mac & Linux

How to convert M4V to MP4

Step 1: Open the FFmpeg program on your system > hit “Open” on the left to upload the M4V video file. 

Step 2: Select the “Save As” > choose MP4 file as the output format > hit “Details” to set and edit the video parameters. 

Step 3: Click on the “Encode” option to initiate the M4V to MP4 conversion process. Your newly converted MP4 file will be automatically saved in your system. 

Pros

  • Various audio-video formats support

  • Multi-function free program

  • It supports all the major three OS

  • It serves essential video editing purposes

Cons

  • Output video customization parameters are not supported

  • Batch conversion & video file compression options are not available

Convert M4V to MP4 Online

1. CloudConvert

CloudConvert is a very commonly used video converter with simple conversion steps that don't require any technical skill or knowledge. This online tool supports multiple input and output file formats and can convert M4V to MP4 on any device or platform without any dedicated software installation hassle. It also lets you convert multiple files into batches. 

OS: Web-based

How to change M4V to MP4

Step 1: Open the CloudConvert official website on your device. From the drop-down menu, select M4V as an input file and MP4 as an output file. 

Step 2: Click “Select File” to upload your M4V file from the available video uploading options, such as System, OneDrive, etc. 

Step 3: Once the M4V file is uploaded, you need to hit the “Open” > “Convert to MP4” option. You will see the video conversion process initiated. Once the conversion process is over, hit the “Download” option.

Pros

  • Wide file format support of 200+ formats with a simple file uploading option

  • Upload files from the system, pasting links, Onedrive, Google Drive & Dropbox

  • Versatile video parameters customization options such as video codec, resolution, quality, aspects ratio, etc

  • Edit the file with trimming, adding subtitles, watermarks, etc

Cons

  • Maximum features are available in the free version

  • It's not a completely free tool; there is a paid version for more functions

2. ONLINE-CONVERT

Online Convert is a renowned online M4V to MP4 converterthat converts files in your desired format. It supports a huge range of video customization parameters, including presets, resolution, aspect ratio, bitrate, frame rate, etc. Along with these multiple function factors, this tool offers very simple video conversion steps with support for all devices and OSs. 

OS: Web-based

How to change M4V to MP4 

Step 1: Once you open the Online Convert tool on your device, select the M4V file you wish to convert. 

Step 2: Customize video quality, size, and other parameters > Select “Start Conversion” to convert the M4V file to MP4 > Tab “Download” to save the converted file on your system. 

Pros

  • Online tool with all device & OS support

  • Extensive customization parameters settings

  • A beginner-friendly tool with professional output

  • It lets you edit video with precision

Cons

  • There is a file size limitation

  • Batch processing is not available

Conclusion

So, it has become easy to unlock and enjoy your M4V file on any device at any time using any of these M4V to MP4 converters. However, to make your output MP4 file high quality with lots of high-end customization factors, you must go for the advanced UniFab Video Converter instead of any online tool and its risky challenges. 

FAQs

What is the difference between MP4 and M4V?

MP4 is a universal video format compatible with most devices and players. M4V is similar to MP4 but primarily used by Apple devices and can include DRM protection, especially for iTunes purchases.

Is M4V the same as MP4?

No, M4V is similar to MP4 but primarily used by Apple. While they are nearly identical in structure, M4V files can include DRM protection and are typically used in Apple's ecosystem (iTunes, iPhones, etc.). MP4 is more widely compatible with various devices and software.

Which is the best converter from M4V to MP4?

The best converter for M4V to MP4 is UniFab Video Converter. It allows you to easily convert M4V files to MP4 without losing quality. Plus, it supports batch processing, fast conversion speeds, and works with various video formats, making it a reliable choice for your video conversion needs.

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I enjoy capturing life's beautiful moments and exploring innovation. Trying different video editing software helps me find the best tools for my work. My articles aim to help you discover video editing software that fits your style, as we navigate the ever-changing world of technology together.