How to Convert M4V to MP4

Tech Tricks: Why & How to Convert M4V to MP4

M4V is not a familiar file extension, but it is growing in popularity every day. In fact, this file type is exactly the same as MP4, so why are we even talking about converting one to the other? While the two file extensions are intrinsically the same, there are differences to them that could potentially make your life much more difficult and will definitely ruin a perfectly good movie night with friends. Check out why these subtle differences will matter to you and how to convert M4V to MP4 when you need to (and what to do when you don’t need to, btw).

What is M4V?

To begin with, let’s get a little better acquainted with our new file format friend. M4V was developed by Apple, and it is essentially a video container format. It is used almost exclusively to distribute videos through iTunes because it can hold all types of video files. For you, that might include movies, music videos, TV shows, home videos, video lectures, and the like.

The reason iTunes likes to use the M4V format is because it has DRM protection (Digital Rights Management is the set of technologies that have been put into place to control access to the files they are protecting. They restrict copying, modification, and distribution of the copyrighted data stored in the files.) This is good for TV shows, movies, and other video content that the owners want to keep copyright protected. This is not so good for the average Joe though who is just trying to watch a movie on the weekend with some friends.

In addition to iTunes, M4V files can be played on QuickTime player and can be opened by several third-party software applications like VideoStudio Pro.

What is MP4?

A far more commonly recognized file extension, MP4s are played all across the world and are supported universally as well. The file extension stands for Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG)-4 Part 14, and it is also a multimedia file container that can store both video files and audio, images, and text. So, it’s the perfect container for movies and TV shows.

The added bonus MP4s give users is their supportiveness. You probably won’t find a software or device that doesn’t run MP4 files, so if you are trying for a group showing (or a solo movie night for that matter), your best option is the MP4. It’ll give you no resistance and faster results.

Is There a Difference Between M4V and MP4?

If you know a little bit about the two, you might be wondering is there a difference between M4V and MP4 after all? In truth, these two file formats are very similar. They both can be used as file extensions for MPEG-4 Part 14 container format, hold audio, video, text, and images neatly and compactly, and are supported by Apple products. The big difference between the two is that M4V can be protected by DRM copy protection while MP4 files are not.

So, here is where you will run into problems. If the M4V file you are trying to run is copy protected, you might not be able to play it back on your device or using the software you usually use for movies. This is true in particular if you are using Windows Media Player or mobile devices like smartphones, tablets, and portable media players. The easiest solution for any of these issues is to convert M4V to MP4. It’s laughably simple; we wonder why people don’t do it all the time.

Another reason you’d have issues with the M4V format is that it doesn’t allow for easy editing (that’s part of the copy protection). So, if you want to edit the file in one of the major editing tools like Final Cut Pro or iMovie, for example, you won’t be able to. This is a big issue for college students, anyone looking to make a presentation, or video enthusiasts who like playing around with their files.

To recap, there are two main reasons why you’re going to want to convert your M4V files to MP4. The first one is because the number of devices that support this file type is limited, basically to the world of Apple products (a comparatively small percentage of devices and software options out there today). The second reason is that the editing capabilities for M4V are pretty paltry when compared to MP4. If either of these reasons speaks to you, then you should check out our next few sections on how to convert M4V to MP4 using various tools at your disposal.

How to Convert M4V to MP4

The good news is that you can learn how to convert M4V to MP4 in about five seconds. The conversion process itself takes about that long too. There are several ways to convert, and you can decide which one is easiest or best for you. Here are some of your options:

• Download a dedicated conversion tool to do all of your conversions for you. This is a fantastic option if you need top quality conversions, have a bunch of files you want to convert at one time, or if you want faster conversions. This is also a good option if you want to edit your files because most downloadable tools come with editing features built-in
• Use a built-in program you already have
• Online conversion is popular for those who just don’t like downloading software to their devices. It’s a little easier since there’s no download step. Online tools like HandBrake and Media are great
• Rename the file (check out that section below)

Can VLC Convert M4V to MP4?

Most people enjoy using VLC as one of their go-to media players, but VLC also has a hidden superpower. It can convert files with ease. That’s right, VLC can convert M4V to MP4 in seconds (it can also convert FLV to MP4, convert AVI to MP4,  and many others), and it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3. These are the easy steps to follow for MP4 conversion in a jiffy:

Step #1: Launch VLC on your computer

Step #2: Go to the Media menu, and select the Convert/Save option

Step #3: Next you’ll see a new window open up called the Open Media window. Using this window, you can add M4V files from your file manager to be converted

Step #4: When you’ve selected your file(s) to convert, click Convert/Save (it’s on the lower right-hand corner of the screen)

Step #5: Another pop-up window will appear on your screen. From this window, navigate to the Settings tab. Here you’ll find the Profile menu, and you can choose the Video 0 H.264+MP3 (MP4) option

Step #6: The last step is to select a destination for your converted file to arrive at upon completion. Click Start, and your files will automatically be converted and saved to the designated location

How Do I Convert M4V to MP4 Online?

Converting an M4V to MP4 online is even easier than using a downloadable option (though it is arguably slower). Instead of downloading software onto your computer, and then uploading the M4V files to the program, you will simply upload the files you want to convert to MP4 directly onto the online conversion tool. Here’s how:

• Go to the online conversion tool of your choice. If you’re looking for recommendations, you can try Apowersoft Free Online Video Converter and Wondershare
• Click Browse to import the M4V files you want to convert
• Select MP4 as your output format
• At this point, you can usually use some of the editing tools available (these will vary depending on the conversion tool you are using)
• Click Convert, and the tool will start the conversion process immediately
• You’ll find the converted file saved directly on your computer

Can I Just Rename M4V to MP4?

Because these files are so similar, there are actually times when you won’t even need to convert an M4V over to MP4. In fact, you might be able to simply rename the file from one extension to the other. This is not only an easier option, at times it is a more preferable one. Why? Because when you change the file extension, you retain the exact quality and data of the original file (it is the original file, so nothing gets converted, lost, or damaged). File integrity is always a priority when thinking about conversion, so renaming might be your first option.

Pro Tip: The reason this is a good option is that most M4V files are really MP4 files in disguise anyway. If the file you are renaming isn’t actually MP4 formatted, then you could run into some serious trouble though, and even damage the original file beyond repair. For this reason, it’s a good idea to make a copy of the file before you play around with the extension name.

Of course, a rose by any other name would still smell as sweet. Meaning, the name isn’t what actually makes the file type what it is; it’s the coding and format that gives the file its identity. So, if you are working with hardware or software that is not compatible with that coding or format, then changing the file extension (i.e., the name) will not alleviate the issues you’re running into. Aside from the general incompatibility issues you run into when trying to play back a non-supported file, the two scenarios when you cannot just rename M4V to MP4 are:

• If they were created in iTunes. This is because Apple has a copy protection DRM that disables this type of file renaming
• If the M4V files contain MPEG-4 Part 2 video bitstreams. This file is more complex than a regular M4V and would need to be multiplexed into an MP4 container if you wanted it to be readable

The first case happens a lot, while the second case may come up without you even realizing it. Since these two situations arise pretty often, most people opt for file conversion as the easiest and fastest way to troubleshoot.

Convert M4V to MP4 Files for Easy Playback Today

M4V is a great file format if you are a Mac user, aren’t interested in any editing, and don’t need to worry about sharing across devices. Otherwise, you’re going to want to convert M4V files to MP4 to give yourself an easier time. Use one of the free tools out there, or invest in a downloadable software that you can use again and again.