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In today’s digital age, video content has become an integral part of our lives. Whether it’s capturing precious moments or sharing funny clips with friends, having the ability to record videos on our smartphones has made it easier than ever before. However, sometimes we might encounter compatibility issues when trying to play these videos on different devices or platforms. One common problem is that the video format recorded on iPhones is not always compatible with other devices or video players. This can be frustrating, especially when you want to share your videos with others or edit them on your computer.
In this blog post, we will explore the challenge of changing the iPhone video format to MP4, which is a widely supported format that can be played on most devices and platforms. We will discuss why you might encounter difficulties in playing iPhone videos on other devices, and we will dive into various methods that you can use to convert your iPhone videos to MP4 format. So, let’s get started!
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Changing iPhone Video Format to MP4
When it comes to recording videos on an iPhone, the default video format is typically .MOV, which stands for QuickTime Movie. While this format is compatible with Apple devices and some video players, it may not work seamlessly with other devices and platforms. This is because not all devices and software support the .MOV format.
If you try to play an .MOV file on a device that does not support this format, you might encounter issues such as a blank screen, distorted video, or no video playback at all. Similarly, if you want to edit your iPhone videos on a computer with video editing software that does not support .MOV files, you will need to convert them to a more universally recognized format, such as MP4.
Now that we understand the challenge of changing the iPhone video format to MP4, let’s explore the methods you can use to accomplish this.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before we delve into the methods of converting iPhone video format to MP4, there are a few things you should prepare for:
1. Computer: You will need a computer to perform the video format conversion. Make sure you have a reliable computer with sufficient storage and processing power.
2. iPhone USB Cable: You will need an iPhone USB cable to connect your iPhone to the computer. Ensure that the cable is in good working condition.
3. Video Conversion Software: To convert the iPhone video format to MP4, you will need video conversion software. There are several options available, both free and paid. Choose one that suits your needs and download it onto your computer.
Now that we have the necessary preparations, let’s explore the methods of converting iPhone video format to MP4.
Method 1: How to Convert iPhone Video Format to MP4 via iTunes
iTunes, Apple’s media management software, can be used to convert iPhone video format to MP4. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Connect your iPhone to the computer using the USB cable.
2. Launch iTunes on your computer. If iTunes does not open automatically, you can open it manually.
3. In iTunes, select your iPhone by clicking on the device icon at the top left corner of the window.
4. Click on the "File" tab in the top menu bar and select "Convert" from the dropdown menu. Then choose "Create [device name] Version" from the sub-menu.
5. iTunes will start converting the iPhone video format to MP4. The converted file will be saved in your iTunes library.
Pros:
1. iTunes is a free software that is readily available for both Mac and Windows users.
2. iTunes allows you to convert iPhone video format to MP4 without the need for additional third-party software.
3. The conversion process is relatively straightforward and can be done with just a few clicks.
Cons:
1. iTunes can be quite slow in converting large video files.
2. iTunes does not offer advanced video customization options during the conversion process.
Method 2: How to Convert iPhone Video Format to MP4 Using Online Converters
If you prefer not to install any software on your computer, you can use online video converters to convert the iPhone video format to MP4. Follow these steps:
1. Open a web browser on your computer and search for "online video converters."
2. Choose a reputable online video converter from the search results. Some popular options include OnlineVideoConverter and Convertio.
3. On the chosen online converter website, click on the "Choose Files" or "Upload" button to select the iPhone video file you want to convert.
4. Select MP4 as the output format from the provided options.
5. Click on the "Convert" or "Start" button to begin the conversion process. The website will handle the conversion and provide you with a download link for the converted MP4 file.
Pros:
1. Online video converters do not require any software installation and can be accessed from any device with an internet connection.
2. Most online converters support a wide range of video formats, including the iPhone video format.
3. Online converters are generally user-friendly and straightforward to use.
Cons:
1. The conversion speed of online converters can vary depending on your internet connection and the size of the video file.
2. Online converters usually have file size limitations, and some may impose watermarks or quality limitations on the converted files.
Method 3: How to Convert iPhone Video Format to MP4 Using Video Conversion Software
There are numerous video conversion software available in the market that can convert the iPhone video format to MP4. Here’s how you can do it using popular software like HandBrake:
1. Download and install the video conversion software onto your computer. In this example, we will use HandBrake as an illustration.
2. Launch the video conversion software and click on the "Open Source" or "Source" button to import the iPhone video file you want to convert.
3. Choose MP4 as the output format from the provided options. You may also have the option to customize other video settings, such as resolution, bitrate, and audio quality.
4. Select a destination folder on your computer where you want to save the converted MP4 file.
5. Click on the "Start" or "Convert" button to initiate the conversion process. The software will convert the iPhone video format to MP4 and save the file in your specified location.
Pros:
1. Video conversion software often provides more advanced customization options compared to other methods, allowing you to have full control over the output video quality.
2. The conversion speed is generally faster than online converters, especially for large video files.
3. Video conversion software usually supports batch conversion, allowing you to convert multiple iPhone video files to MP4 simultaneously.
Cons:
1. Video conversion software can take up storage space on your computer, especially if you opt for a software with additional features.
2. Some video conversion software may require a learning curve to understand and utilize all the available features.
Method 4: How to Convert iPhone Video Format to MP4 via Cloud Storage Services
If you prefer a more convenient method that doesn’t require any software installation, you can use cloud storage services to convert the iPhone video format to MP4. Here’s how you can do it using Google Drive:
1. Upload the iPhone video file to your Google Drive account. If you don’t have a Google Drive account, you can create one for free.
2. Once the video is uploaded to Google Drive, right-click on it and select "Open with" followed by "Google Slides."
3. In Google Slides, click on the "File" tab in the top menu bar and select "Download" from the dropdown menu. Choose the option to download the file in MP4 format.
4. Google Drive will convert the iPhone video format to MP4, and the converted file will be saved to your computer.
Pros:
1. Cloud storage services like Google Drive provide a convenient way to convert iPhone video format to MP4 without the need for software installation.
2. Most cloud storage services offer a generous amount of storage space, allowing you to store and convert multiple videos.
3. Cloud storage services can be accessed from any device with an internet connection, making it easy to convert videos on the go.
Cons:
1. The conversion speed of cloud storage services is dependent on your internet connection and the size of the video file.
2. Some cloud storage services may have file size limitations or impose restrictions on the types of files that can be converted.
Why Can’t I Convert iPhone Video Format to MP4?
There can be several reasons why you might encounter difficulties in converting the iPhone video format to MP4. Let’s explore some common reasons and the corresponding fixes:
1. Incompatible Software: If the video conversion software you are using does not support the iPhone video format, you may not be able to convert it to MP4. Ensure that you are using a software that is compatible with iPhone video files.
2. File Corruption: If the iPhone video file is corrupted or damaged, it may not be possible to convert it to MP4. Try capturing or downloading the video again and attempt the conversion process with the new file.
3. Limited Storage Space: If your computer’s storage space is running low, it may affect the conversion process. Free up some storage space on your computer or choose an alternative method that does not require software installation.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips to consider when converting iPhone video format to MP4:
1. Quality vs. File Size: Keep in mind that converting a video to a different format may affect its quality and file size. If maintaining the highest quality is important to you, choose a higher bitrate and resolution during the conversion process. However, keep in mind that this may result in larger file sizes.
2. Backup iPhone Videos: It’s always a good practice to back up your iPhone videos before attempting any conversions. This ensures that you have a copy of the original video files in case anything goes wrong during the conversion process.
3. Read User Reviews: Before choosing a video conversion software or online converter, it’s helpful to read user reviews and ratings. This can give you insights into the performance, ease of use, and reliability of the conversion tools.
5 FAQs about Converting iPhone Video Format to MP4
Q1: Can I convert iPhone videos to MP4 using free software?
A1: Yes, there are several free video conversion software options available, such as HandBrake and VLC Media Player.
Q2: How long does it take to convert an iPhone video to MP4?
A2: The conversion time depends on various factors, including the size of the video file, your computer’s processing power, and the method you are using. Generally, smaller videos will convert faster than larger ones.
Q3: Can I convert iPhone videos to MP4 on my iPhone itself?
A3: While it is technically possible to convert iPhone videos to MP4 using certain apps on the App Store, the process can be cumbersome and may not offer as many customization options as using a computer-based method.
Q4: Will converting iPhone videos to MP4 affect the video quality?
A4: Converting videos to a different format can potentially result in a loss of quality, especially if you choose lower resolution or bitrate settings during the conversion process. It’s recommended to choose higher quality settings for the best results.
Q5: Can I convert iPhone Live Photos to MP4?
A5: Yes, you can convert iPhone Live Photos to MP4 format using the same methods mentioned in this blog post. However, keep in mind that Live Photos consist of both video and photo elements, and only the video portion will be converted to MP4.
In Conclusion
Converting iPhone video format to MP4 is essential when you want to ensure compatibility across different devices and platforms. Whether you choose to use iTunes, online converters, video conversion software, or cloud storage services, there are various methods available to simplify the conversion process. Remember to consider factors such as file size, video quality, and software compatibility when choosing a method. With the right tools and preparation, you can convert your iPhone videos to the widely supported MP4 format and enjoy seamless playback and editing on different devices.