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If your video files are in M4V format, you might face problems playing them on non-Apple devices or apps. To fix compatibility issues, you can convert M4V to MP4. MP4 is a universal video format that plays on Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone, and more.
This article covers the top 5 best M4V to MP4 converters. Each tool offers easy steps and useful features to convert M4V to MP4 smoothly. Whether you prefer desktop software or online tools, this guide will help you pick the right M4V to MP4 converter.
Many people ask: Is M4V the same as MP4? The answer is: they are very similar but not exactly the same.
M4V is a video file format developed by Apple. It is mainly used for videos in the iTunes Store. Often, M4V files are protected by Apple’s FairPlay DRM, which stops unauthorized copying or playing on unauthorized devices.
MP4 is a standard video format that is widely accepted by almost all devices and platforms.
In short:
This is why many want 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 files are compatible with almost any device or media player. By converting, you remove device restrictions and get easily shareable, usable videos.
Also, converting M4V to MP4 may help reduce file size or adjust video settings for better playback.
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.
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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Open UniFab program > select the “Converter” Module > Tab on the “+” icon to upload your desired M4V file for the conversion.
Next, select MP4 format as the output profile.
For maximum customization of the video, you can also select other parameters such as codec, resolution, frame rate, audio, etc.
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
As 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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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. UniFab Video Converter can also convert MPG to MP4 or convert MP4 to WAV.
UniFab Video converter can easily convert various formats, including M4V to MP4 and MKV to MP4, along with many other formats. It’s a versatile tool for all your video conversion needs.
You can rename the file extension from M4V to MP4, but this does not always guarantee the video will play properly, especially if the M4V is DRM-protected. It’s better to use a proper converter.
QuickTime Player does not directly convert M4V to MP4. You can export your video by opening the M4V file and choosing “Export As” to save in a compatible format, but it depends on the file’s protection and format.
Simply changing the file extension might work for some unprotected files, but it’s not reliable for all cases. Using a converter is the safest way.
M4V files without DRM can be played on Windows with compatible media players like VLC. However, DRM-protected M4V files from iTunes usually cannot be played on standard Windows players.