A Complete Guide to Converting Your MOV Videos to MP4

When it comes to video formats, compatibility can be a stumbling block. For videos, two giants stand out: MOV and MP4. But which one reigns supreme? What happens when you need to switch between them? When faced with an MOV file, how can you seamlessly transform it into the ubiquitous MP4 format?

This article delves into the world of MOV vs. MP4, unpicking their differences and advantages. Moreover, it gives you an ultimate guide on how to convert MOV to MP4 on Mac and Windows computers.

MOV to MP4

Part 1. MOV vs. MP4

MOV, short for QuickTime Movie, is the native format for Apple devices like Macs, iPhones, and iPads. It boasts excellent quality and flexibility, supporting various codecs and compression techniques. It often houses multiple tracks - video, audio, text, and effects, offering flexibility for complex projects. However, its compatibility outside the Apple ecosystem can be limited, causing playback issues on other devices and platforms.

Pros: Exceptional quality, suited for professional work, multi-track capabilities, lossless editing potential.

Cons: Limited compatibility, larger file size, may require additional codecs for playback.

MP4, on the other hand, is the undisputed king of video interoperability. Widely supported by virtually all smartphones, computers, and media players, it's the go-to format for sharing and online playback. While its compression can lead to slight quality loss compared to MOV, its versatility and accessibility make it an undeniable winner for most situations.

Pros: Broad compatibility, smaller file size, ideal for online sharing and playback, readily supported by most devices.

Cons: Lower video quality compared to MOV, compression can lead to artifacts, and limited editing flexibility.

Part 2. Why Convert MOV to MP4

While both MOV and MP4 hold precious video data, understanding their differences and knowing when to convert between them is crucial for seamless multimedia enjoyment.

If you primarily work within the Apple ecosystem and prioritize uncompromised video quality, MOV might be your preferred choice. But if you want to share your videos with the world, upload them online, or play them on non-Apple devices, converting MOV to MP4 is the key to universal compatibility. Before telling you how to make the conversion, we would like to discuss the main reason why you might need to convert MOV to MP4.

From social media platforms to mobile devices, MP4 is the format that speaks to everyone. Converting your MOV ensures smooth playback on virtually any device.

While MOV excels in quality, its larger file size can be a burden, especially when sharing online or storing on limited space. MP4 compresses data efficiently, making it ideal for online transmission and storage.

Although MOV can be edited in most professional software, some popular consumer-friendly editing apps favor MP4. Conversion opens doors to more editing possibilities for casual users.

Many streaming platforms, including YouTube and Vimeo, prefer MP4 for optimal performance and compatibility. Converting your MOV ensures a seamless streaming experience for your audience.

Part 3. How to Convert MOV to MP4 on Your Windows 11/10 PC and Mac

With the Why out of the way, let's tackle the How. Converting an MOV to MP4 is a simple process, online or offline. However, understanding the options can help you achieve optimal results. Online MOV to MP4 converters are convenient but have file size limitations and security concerns. Offline software offers greater control and speed but requires installation. This part recommends the famous Aiseesoft Video Converter Ultimate for you to turn MOV into MP4 without losing quality.

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Step 1.
Download Video Converter Ultimate for your operating system. Run the installer and follow the instructions to complete the installation. Once installed, launch this MOV to MP4 converter. Click Add Files in the top-left corner of the interface. Select the MOV file from your device and click Open.
New Add Files
Step 2.
Click Output Format and select MP4 or a specific MP4 preset from the list of available formats.
Select a Target Format

If you want to adjust video quality, resolution, bitrate, or other settings, click the Settings button next to the output format and make your desired adjustments.

Adjust Profile
Step 3.
Click the Convert All button to begin the conversion from MOV to MP4. Once the MOV to MP4 conversion is complete, click the Open Folder button to quickly locate the converted MP4 file(s) on your computer.
Click to Convert Video

Part 4. How to Compress MOV to MP4 Using VLC Media Player

If you need a free, simple, and cross-platform tool for basic MOV to MP4 conversion, VLC is a solid option. VLC is completely free to use and available for all major systems, such as macOS, Windows, and Linux. It offers a quick and straightforward way to convert MOV to MP4 using a pre-configured profile.

Change MOV to MP4 on Windows

Step 1.
If you don't have VLC installed, download it from the official website. Open VLC, click the Media menu and choose the Convert/Save option. In the Open Media window, click the Add button and import the MOV file(s) you want to convert.
Add Video to VLC Windows
Step 2.
Click Convert/Save and choose Convert. In the Convert window, click the Profile drop-down menu and select Video - H.264 + MP3 (MP4).
VLC Convert MOV to MP4 on Windows
Step 3.
Click Browse next to the Destination file field and pick a desired location to save the converted MP4 file. Then, click Start to confirm the conversion.

Convert MOV Files to MP4 with VLC on Mac

To compress MOV to MP4 on a Mac using VLC, you should click the File menu and choose Convert/Stream. Click the Open media button to add your MOV file. Set MP4 as the output format, select a destination folder by clicking Browse, and then click the Save button. VLC also helps you edit videos.

Convert MOV to MP4 on Mac Using VLC

Part 5. How to Convert MOV to MP4 Online for Free

Online MOV to MP4 converters eliminate the need to download and install any software on your device. That is particularly beneficial if you are on a public computer or have limited storage space. You can access online converters directly from your web browser. Moreover, most online converters offer their services for free, making them a cost-effective choice compared to paid software. Surely, you may have other compelling reasons to convert MOV to MP4 online. This part shares three easy ways to make video conversion online for free.

Turn MOV into MP4 Online with Adobe Express

Adobe Express is a versatile online platform for creating visuals and videos and also offers a handy tool for converting MOV files to MP4 format.

Step 1.
Open your web browser and navigate to its specific MOV to MP4 converting page. Click the Upload your video button to upload your MOV file. Adobe Express allows videos up to 1GB in size. You’d better sign into your account first.
Adobe Express Online MOV to MP4 Converter Page
Step 2.
Once uploaded, click Download to save the converted MP4 video on your device. If you want to edit it, choose to open the video in Adobe Express.
Convert MOV to MP4 Online Free Adobe Express

Convert MOV to MP4 with Free Video Converter Online

Aiseesoft Free Video Converter Online is another excellent option for turning your MOV files into MP4s for free. It supports many video formats and offers basic editing features.

Step 1.
Open a web browser and navigate to the MOV to MP4 converting page. Click the Upload File button or drag your MOV file directly onto the upload area.
Aiseesoft Free MOV to MP4 Converter Online
Step 2.
While Aiseesoft automatically sets MP4 as the output format, you can further customize settings like video quality, resolution, frame rate, and more. Click Save to start the process. Once the MOV to MP4 conversion completes, click Download to save your newly minted MP4 file.
Convert MOV to MP4 Online Aiseesoft

Transform MOV to MP4 Online Using Convertio

Convertio is a popular online platform that offers an array of file conversion tools, including one for converting MOV to MP4. It operates using cloud processing, eliminating the need to download and install any software on your device.

Step 1.
Navigate to the individual MOV to MP4 converting page of Convertio. Click Choose Files to add your MOV file. Click Settings next to the target MP4 format to customize more options.
Convertio Online MOV to MP4 Convert Page
Step 2.
Click Convert to start the MOV file uploading and converting process. Then, click Download to save the converted MP4 video on your device. Convertio prioritizes user data security, employing encryption technologies and deleting uploaded files after a designated period. You also can use this tool to convert AVI to MP4 online.

Part 6. FAQs of MOV to MP4 Conversion

Can I convert MOV to MP4 with QuickTime Player?

While QuickTime Player doesn't have a direct Convert to MP4 option, you can use its Export feature to create an MP4 file from a MOV file. However, this approach has limitations. You can't customize the video quality, resolution, or other encoding settings during the export process. Moreover, its ability to export as MP4 depends on the codec used in the original MOV file. If QuickTime doesn't support the codec for MP4 export, you will need to use a different method.
Launch QuickTime Player and load the MOV file you want to convert. Click the File menu in the top toolbar and select Export As. Select Movie to MPEG-4 from the Export dropdown menu. Pick your preferred destination folder to save the converted file and give it a desired name, ensuring it has the .mp4 extension. Then, click Save to initiate the export process.

Can I convert MOV files to MP4 just by changing the extension?

While renaming the extension might temporarily trick some systems into recognizing the file as MP4, it doesn't create a genuine MP4 file with the correct internal structure and codecs.

Does Windows have a built-in MOV to MP4 converter?

No, Windows doesn't offer a built-in tool specifically for converting MOV to MP4. However, you can utilize two native software options for the conversion. You can rely on the Photos app in Windows 10 and 11 to turn your MOV file into MP4. In older Windows 7 and 8 versions, Windows Media Player had a Rip CD feature. While primarily intended for ripping CDs, you could use it to convert video files, including MOVs, to MP4 format.

Conclusion

By understanding the strengths and limitations of MOV and MP4, you can make informed decisions about converting your videos for optimal playback and sharing. While MOV offers editing prowess and Apple integration, its limited reach can be a burden. Converting your MOVs to MP4 unlocks a world of possibilities.

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