Once upon a time, the FLV (Flash Video) format was almost synonymous with online video. Popular platforms like YouTube and Vimeo used it everywhere. However, a lot has changed since then: in December 2020, Adobe officially stopped supporting Flash, and modern technologies have required more universal and convenient formats. That is why the question of how to convert FLV to MP4 is more relevant today than ever.
Photo by Cristian Tarzi on Unsplash
Why is it worth switching from FLV to MP4?
Old FLV videos often become unplayable: many browsers simply refuse to open them. In order not to lose an important archive or your favourite videos, you need to convert them to a more modern and supported format in time. Conversion also allows you to reduce the file size, improve playback quality on mobile devices and increase compatibility with video editing programs.
Solution for both OS: Movavi Video Converter
If you are looking for a solution that is suitable for both Mac and Windows, you should pay attention to Movavi Video Converter. This is a program that has received many positive reviews in recent years due to its simplicity and quality of work.
One of the main advantages of Movavi is its support for more than 180 formats, including not only FLV and MP4, but also rare file types. The program uses hardware acceleration, which allows you to increase the speed of video processing several times – this is especially noticeable on new computers with Intel, AMD or Apple M1/M2 processors.
Conversion takes just a few clicks: you upload a file, select the MP4 format, specify the quality (from standard to HD or 4K) and click the start button. In just a few minutes, your video will be ready for viewing or uploading to social networks. At the same time, Movavi takes care to preserve the original quality, which is especially important for videos shot in high definition.
How to convert FLV to MP4 on Windows
On Windows computers, the process of converting FLV to MP4 is quite simple. You can use popular tools such as HandBrake or Any Video Converter. Just install one of these programs, drag the desired files to the workspace, and select the MP4 format in the settings.
Many programs support batch processing – for example, with Any Video Converter, you can convert dozens of video files at once. This is especially convenient if you are updating an archive of old content for a blog or YouTube channel.
Some converters, such as HandBrake, also offer basic editing functions: trimming videos, adding subtitles, changing brightness, contrast, or color palette. This allows you to make small changes without having to use separate video editors.
Converting FLV to MP4 on Mac: Features
Mac users can also easily convert FLV to MP4 using programs such as Permute, iFFmpeg, or even HandBrake for macOS. These tools are well optimized to work on both Intel-based computers and new devices with Apple M1 and M2 chips.
The conversion process on a Mac usually looks like this: you open the program, load the FLV file, select MP4 from the list of output formats, and start converting. Many applications also offer preset profiles – for example, for YouTube, Instagram, or Apple devices. This means that the program will automatically select the optimal compression and resolution settings for a specific platform or device.
Why is it important to use the right converter?
The choice of a conversion tool directly affects the final quality of the video. Some free programs can reduce image clarity, cause artifacts, or disrupt audio synchronization. Movavi Video Converter stands out because it uses modern H.264 and H.265 codecs when converting files, while maintaining the original video quality.
Answers to frequently asked questions
What should I do if my FLV file won't open?
If standard media players don't support your file, Movavi will help you not only open it, but also convert it to a more universal lossless format.
Can I convert multiple files at once?
Yes, thanks to Movavi's batch processing support, you can easily convert an entire folder of FLV files to a convenient MP4 format.
What if the video is of poor quality?
Some FLV videos may have been originally recorded in low resolution. During the conversion process, Movavi allows you to optimize the image, improve clarity, and adjust color.