MOV is Apple's QuickTime format. iPhones, Macs and many cameras record in it. On Apple devices it plays without a second thought; elsewhere it is hit and miss, especially since recent iPhones record MOV files with HEVC (H.265) video, which older Windows PCs, some Android phones and many web upload forms cannot play.
What does the conversion do?
The video is written into an MP4 file with H.264 video and AAC audio. That combination is the most widely supported video format there is: it plays in every browser, on every phone and TV, and in every editing program and upload form.
Does converting reduce quality?
The video is re-encoded, which is necessary when the source is HEVC and H.264 is the target. It uses CRF 23, a quality level that looks the same as the source at normal viewing, and the audio becomes AAC at 160 kbps. The MP4 is set up to start playing before it has fully downloaded, which helps when you put it on a website. H.264 is less efficient than HEVC, so a converted iPhone video is often larger than the MOV it came from; that is the cost of compatibility. If size is a problem, run the MP4 through Compress Video, or lower the resolution with Resize Video.
What about HDR video?
HDR footage from recent iPhones is converted to a standard MP4 that plays everywhere, but the extra brightness range of HDR may not be preserved, so colours can look a little flatter on HDR screens.
Where are my files processed?
Conversion runs on our server. Your MOV is uploaded over an encrypted connection, converted in Germany and deleted with the MP4 automatically within two hours.
Is there a limit?
Video is a heavy tool: the free tier includes 3 videos per day without an account and 5 with a free account, up to 50 MB each. An iPhone records roughly 60 MB per minute at 1080p in HEVC, and more at 4K, so longer clips need Pro, with files up to 500 MB and no daily cap, or a credit for a single job. An album of holiday clips can be converted and compressed together in the pipeline builder.
How to convert MOV to MP4
- Drop your .mov file onto the drop zone.
- Click Convert to MP4.
- Wait while the video is re-encoded.
- Download the MP4.
FAQ
Can I make my iPhone record MP4 directly?
Go to Settings, Camera, Formats and choose Most Compatible. The iPhone then records H.264, which converts to MP4 more easily and plays more widely.
Why is the MP4 bigger than the MOV?
The MOV was probably HEVC, which is more efficient than H.264. Compress the MP4 if you need it smaller.
Is audio kept?
Yes. It is stored as AAC at 160 kbps.
Can I convert MP4 back to MOV?
Yes, with Convert Video.