How to convert video to MP4 for better compatibility. This article shows 3 available video converters, including 2 offline ones: MiniTool Video Converter and VLC Media Player and an online tool: CloudConvert. To complete the video to MP4 conversion, only need to install a converter, upload a file, set MP4 as the output format, and start the conversion.

I used to frequently encounter videos that couldn't be opened or played on my device. Later, I learned it was because the format and player were incompatible. Converting them to MP4 format perfectly solved the problem, as MP4 is widely accepted by many digital devices.

How to Convert Video to MP4

  • MiniTool Video Converter
  • VLC Media Player
  • CloudConvert

When you download a video from the Internet, it’s usually in MKV or AVI format. In this case, you’ll have to convert the video to the MP4 format for better compatibility with digital devices or video players. Need a video to MP4 converter? Let’s get started!

1. MiniTool Video Converter

Compatibility: Windows

Price: Free & Paid

With a user-friendly and intuitive interface, MiniTool Video Converter is one of the best video converters for Windows users that supports 1000+ conversions between popular video and audio formats. Below is how to convert video to MP4 using MiniTool Video Converter.

Fast Track:

  • Install MiniTool Video Converter
  • Add a video
  • Configure MP4 as the output format
  • Start conversion
  • Check and locate the converted video

Step 1: Download MiniTool Video Converter

Download and follow the on-screen prompts to install MiniTool Video Converter. Then, run this application.

MiniTool Video ConverterClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

Step 2: Upload the Target Video

In the default Convert Video tab, click on the Add Files option to import the target file you prepared.

MiniTool Video Convert interface with the Convert Video tab and the Add Files option selected.

Step 3: Specify MP4 as the Output Format

The imported file will be on the interface as a conversion task. There, click on the Gear icon to open the output format settings window. Next, switch to the Video tab and choose MP4. Then, choose a proper resolution, such as 4K Video.

MiniTool Video Converter format settings window showing how to set MP4 for the converted video in the Convert Video tab.

Step 4: Begin the Conversion

Before the video to MP4 conversion, expand the Output option to set a storage location for the converted video. Then, click on the Convert button to begin the conversion process.

MiniTool Video Converter with the Output option and the Convert button selected in the Convert Video tab.

Step 5: Check the Result

Once the conversion ends, the converted video will be taken to the Completed tab. Here, click on the Play icon to check it. Or click on the Folder icon to locate the converted video on the computer.

MiniTool Video Converter Completed tab with the Play icon and the Folder icon selected in the Convert Video tab.

Pros:

  • Completely free with no ads
  • Support batch conversion
  • Large file processing
  • Fast conversion speed
  • Optional output quality
  • Import a whole folder
  • Work with both video and audio formats
  • No Internet required
  • Extract audio from videos

Cons:

  • Only available on Windows
  • No edit tools

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2. VLC Media Player

Compatibility: All Platforms

Price: Free & Paid

VLC Media Player is a widely-used free media player that supports almost all formats and all platforms. Most people use it to play files, discs, webcams, devices, and streams. However, it is actually quite capable of converting files from one format to the other.

You can convert between a wide range of supported video files using the player for free, including video to MP4. Additionally, it allows you to record videos, loop videos, adjust subtitle delay, and even stream YouTube videos.

The interface of VLC Media Player.
  1. Launch VLC Media Player on your computer and then open it.
  2. Go to the Media tab and select the Convert/Save… option.
  3. Once the Open Media window pops up, select the + Add… button to add your video file into the program.
  4. Then tap on the Convert/Save button at the bottom.
  5. Open the drop-down list next to Profile and select MP4 as the output format.
  6. Click Browse to specify the destination folder for the output MP4 video file. Here you can also rename the video.
  7. Tap on the Start button to start the conversion. It may take some time to finish the conversion.

Pros:

  • Work on all platforms
  • Play everything
  • Support almost all video formats

Cons:

  • No additional editing tools
  • Not support batch processing

3. CloudConvert

Compatibility: Web-based

Price: Free & Paid

CloudConvert is an online conversion tool that can handle 218 different formats including audio, video, document, ebook, archive, image, spreadsheet, and presentation. And it allows you to upload your video files from your hard drive, URL, Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, etc.

When converting your video files to MP4 format, the output parameters like aspect ratio, codec, bit rate, and resolution can also be adjusted on the webpage before the conversion. However, it can only be used absolutely free for up to 25 conversions per day.

The interface of CloudConvert.
  1. Visit the CloudConvert site on your web browser.
  2. Click the red Select Files button to upload your video file. It also allows you to add the video from Google Drive, Dropbox, One Drive, or by pasting its online URL.
  3. Click the drop-down arrow to select MP4 as the output format.
  4. Tap on the gear icon to set the parameters for the output video.
  5. Hit the Convert button to start the video to MP4 conversion.
  6. When the conversion process is finished, click the Download icon to save the converted MP4 video.

Pros:

  • No software installation required
  • Handle 218 different formats
  • High-quality conversions

Cons:

  • Only support up to 25 free conversions per day
  • Slow conversion speed
Is CloudConvert Safe and What Are CloudConvert Alternatives?
Is CloudConvert Safe and What Are CloudConvert Alternatives?

What is CloudConvert? Is CloudConvert safe? How much do you know about CloudConvert alternatives? Click here to find out!

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Bottom Line

This article shows how to convert video to MP4 using desktop tools and online converters. If you have a long-term need to convert videos to MP4, downloading and installing a desktop converter is more efficient, like MiniTool Video Converter or VLC Media Player. On condition that you only need to convert occasionally, choose an online converter, such as CloudConvert.

If you have any questions when converting video to MP4, feel free to contact MiniTool official via support@minitool.com for assistance.

How to Convert Video to MP4 FAQ

1. How do you change a video file type?
It’s pretty easy to change a video file type as long as you have a professional video converter, such as MiniTool Video Converter, Any Video Converter, CloudConvert, etc
2. Which is the best video format?
It’s hard to say which video format is the best. To choose the video format that best suits your needs, you must first understand the difference between them.
3. How do I convert video to text?
You can also use MiniTool Video Converter’s speech-to-text feature, which allows you to convert video and audio to text. It also enables you to customize the converted text. You just need to switch to the Intelligent Subtitle tab, import the target video, and start the export process.
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