How to Convert FLV to MP4: Free and Easy Guide
Got an old FLV video file that won’t open on your phone, computer or favourite video player?
Converting it to MP4 is usually the easiest solution.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to convert FLV to MP4 online for free, explain the differences between FLV and MP4, and look at why MP4 has become the better format for most modern devices and platforms.
You can also skip straight to the conversion using the free FLV to MP4 converter from RouteNote Convert.
How to Convert FLV to MP4 Online
The easiest way to convert FLV to MP4 is to use an online video converter.
With RouteNote Convert, you don’t need to install specialist video conversion software.
Simply:
- Go to the RouteNote FLV to MP4 converter.
- Click Choose Files.
- Select the FLV video you want to convert.
- Upload your file.
- Convert the FLV file to MP4.
- Save the converted MP4 file to your device.
That’s it.
Your old FLV video is now available as a much more widely supported MP4 file.
What Is an FLV File?
FLV stands for Flash Video.
The format was developed for delivering video through Adobe Flash Player and became extremely common during the earlier years of online video.
For years, FLV files were used extensively for:
- Online video
- Embedded website videos
- Video streaming
- Animations
- Downloaded internet videos
- Older video hosting platforms
As Flash disappeared from modern browsers and devices, FLV became far less useful.
You may still have FLV files stored on an old computer, hard drive or archive, but modern applications don’t always support them.
That’s where converting FLV to MP4 can help.
What Is an MP4 File?
MP4 is one of the most widely used video container formats.
Files normally use the .mp4 extension and can contain video, audio, subtitles and other information.
The big advantage of MP4 is compatibility.
MP4 files can generally be used across:
- Windows
- macOS
- Android
- iPhone and iPad
- Smart TVs
- Web browsers
- Video editing applications
- Social media platforms
- Video hosting services
This makes MP4 a much more convenient format for storing and sharing video today.
Why Convert FLV to MP4?
There are several good reasons to convert an FLV file to MP4.
Better compatibility
This is probably the biggest reason.
FLV is an older format associated with Adobe Flash, while MP4 is supported across a huge range of modern devices and applications.
Converting your file means you’re much less likely to encounter compatibility problems.
Easier to share
If you’re sending somebody a video, MP4 is normally a safer choice.
They are far more likely to be able to open an MP4 file immediately without installing additional software.
Better for mobile devices
Modern smartphones and tablets generally work much more naturally with MP4 files than older FLV videos.
If you have an old FLV video you want to watch on your phone, converting it to MP4 is often the easiest option.
Better for video editing
Many popular editing applications offer strong support for MP4.
Converting older FLV footage can therefore make it easier to bring archived videos into a modern editing workflow.
Better for archiving old videos
If you’ve discovered a collection of old FLV files, converting them into a more widely supported format can make those videos easier to access in the future.
How to Convert FLV to MP4 Without Downloading Software
You don’t necessarily need to install a desktop video converter.
An online tool can handle the conversion directly through your browser.
The RouteNote Convert FLV to MP4 tool allows you to upload an FLV file and convert it into MP4 online.
This is especially useful if you only need to convert the occasional file and don’t want another application installed on your computer.
How to Convert FLV to MP4 on Windows
If you’re using a Windows PC, you can convert the file directly through your web browser.
Open the FLV to MP4 converter, choose your FLV file and convert it.
Because the conversion tool is browser-based, you don’t need a dedicated Windows application.
Once the conversion is complete, you can use the MP4 file with compatible video players, editors and other applications.
How to Convert FLV to MP4 on Mac
The process is essentially the same on a Mac.
Open RouteNote Convert in your browser, upload your FLV file and convert it into MP4.
There’s no need to search for a dedicated FLV to MP4 converter for Mac if you only need a quick conversion.
Using an online converter also means the same process works across different computers.
How to Convert FLV to MP4 on Mobile
You may also be able to convert FLV videos using a mobile browser.
Open the conversion page on your phone or tablet, select the FLV file stored on your device and run the conversion.
Once converted, the MP4 version should be much easier to use with modern mobile applications.
Can You Convert FLV to MP4 for Free?
Yes.
RouteNote Convert provides a free online FLV to MP4 converter, so you can convert compatible files without buying specialist conversion software.
You can convert FLV to MP4 for free here.
The tool currently supports files up to 200MB.
Does Converting FLV to MP4 Reduce Video Quality?
Not necessarily, but video conversion can sometimes affect quality.
The result depends on factors including the original video, its codec, resolution, bitrate and how the new MP4 file is encoded.
It’s also worth remembering that converting a low-quality FLV video into MP4 won’t magically increase its original quality.
If the source video is blurry or heavily compressed, the converted version will still be limited by the quality of the original file.
FLV vs MP4: What’s the Difference?
The biggest practical difference for most users is compatibility.
FLV is an older Flash Video format that was heavily associated with Adobe Flash and the earlier web.
MP4 is a modern and widely supported video container used across computers, smartphones, websites, video platforms and applications.
For most everyday uses, MP4 is the more practical format.
That’s why converting old FLV files to MP4 can be useful if you want to continue watching, sharing or editing them.
Can I Play an FLV File Without Converting It?
Some media players can still open FLV files.
However, support isn’t as universal as it is for MP4.
If you regularly need to access an FLV video across multiple devices or applications, converting it once may be more convenient than finding software capable of playing FLV every time.
Can I Convert FLV to MP4 Online?
Yes.
You can use an online video conversion service such as RouteNote Convert without installing dedicated conversion software.
Simply upload the original file and choose the required conversion.
For FLV files, use the dedicated FLV to MP4 online converter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert FLV to MP4?
Upload your FLV file to an FLV to MP4 conversion tool, run the conversion and save the resulting MP4 file. RouteNote Convert offers a dedicated online FLV to MP4 converter.
What is the best way to convert FLV to MP4?
For occasional conversions, an online converter is one of the simplest options because there’s no additional software to install.
Can I convert FLV to MP4 online for free?
Yes. You can use the free RouteNote FLV to MP4 converter to convert compatible FLV files online.
Can I convert FLV to MP4 without losing quality?
Any video re-encoding has the potential to affect quality. The final result will depend on the quality and encoding of the original FLV video and the output settings used during conversion.
Why won’t my FLV file play?
FLV is an older video format that isn’t supported by every modern device or application. Converting the file to MP4 can make it easier to open.
Is MP4 better than FLV?
For most modern uses, MP4 is the more practical choice because of its widespread compatibility across browsers, computers, phones and video applications.
Can I convert FLV to MP4 on Mac?
Yes. A browser-based FLV to MP4 converter can be used from a Mac without needing dedicated conversion software.
Can I convert FLV to MP4 on Windows?
Yes. Open an online FLV to MP4 converter in your browser, upload the file and convert it to MP4.
Convert FLV to MP4 for Free
FLV played an important role in the early days of online video, but today MP4 is a much more practical format for most users.
If you’ve found an old FLV file that won’t play properly, there’s no reason to leave it sitting unused on your hard drive.
You can convert FLV to MP4 online for free with RouteNote Convert and create an MP4 version that’s much easier to watch, share and use across modern devices.