How to Convert Video to 3GP? Complete Guide
Summary: Video formats played an important part along the years, but 3GP is still here for a reason in specific situations. Users usually convert video to 3GP to run media files on old mobile phones, want to reduce the file, or need to ensure that these files can be shared easily. This guide explains what 3gp is, why people still use it, manual steps, drawbacks, and finally using advanced method to ensure hassle free conversion.
What is the 3GP Format?
It is a multimedia container format specified in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). It is 3G mobile phone friendly and takes up less storage than MP4 or AVI. While 3GP is no longer commonly used by modern devices, it still proves useful in plenty of scenarios.
Know About: How to Convert Video to 3G2 Files?
Reasons to Export Video to 3GP
Here are some scenarios where users need to convert video to 3GP.
- Several feature phones and previous versions of smartphones only play 3GP video files.
- 3GP videos are compressed and storage space taken up is much less than an MP4, MKV, or AVI.
- Due to size, 3GP files can be shared or sent over Bluetooth, MMS, or slow internet connections.
- Some old applications, surveillance systems, and media players still accept or prefer 3GP over the newer file types.
- Playing back 3GP on older devices uses less processing power and battery than heavier formats.
Multiple Ways to Convert Video to 3GP – Steps to Follow
There are several manual solutions used to export video to 3GP. Have a look into it:
1. Using VLC Media Player Method
VLC is a popular open-source media player to convert video to 3GP. To do so, follow the given steps:
- Launch VLC Media Player.
- Go to Media > Convert/Save.
- Select Add, then hit the video you would like to change format on.
- Tap on Convert/Save present on the bottom.
- Under the Profile, select a supported 3GP format.
- You may have to create it yourself if, as it has parameters H.263 video codec and AMR audio codec.
- Select the folder from the Destination folder and click start.
VLC will convert your video file into 3GP.
2. Through FFMPEG – Command Line Method
It is a multimedia framework that can convert almost any video format including 3GP.
- Download & install FFmpeg into your system.
- Open Command Prompt for Windows or Terminal if you are a Mac user.
- Then run the following command:
ffmpeg -i inputvideo.mp4 -c:v h263 -c:a amr_nb outputvideo.3gp
- So, just replace inputvideo.mp4 as your input video file.
- outputvideo.3gp is your output converted file.
- Soon, you will have a converted .3gp video file saved to your working directory.
FFmpeg is quick and efficient, but remember, it should only be attempted if you have used it before.
Drawbacks of Manual Methods
Manual methods may be free and available to almost everyone, but there are associated disadvantages:
- 3GP is highly compressed, so the video quality may suffer significantly.
- Some online converters or players may not support the H.263 or the AMR codec.
- Converting multiple videos will take a lot of time.
- Most online tools are limited to upload size (100–200 MB) and take a long time to process.
- It is not meant for HD resolutions on modern devices, it was primarily designed to get rid of legacy issues.
- Tools such as FFmpeg require a command line and may be less accessible for non technical users.
Convert Video to 3GP Format – Professional Solution
Though manual methods such as VLC, FFmpeg, allow you to export video to 3GP. But, comes with certain drawbacks such as slow processing, not supporting formats, only dealing with small file sizes, crashing suddenly or even poor output are some problems that users may encounter. So, using SysTools Video Converter software is the best choice for all those who are looking for a secure, dependable, and basic level solution. It can handle large video files, batch processing, and any other formats, all with lossless quality.
Tool Functionality:
- Support 15+ kinds of output formats, like 3GP, MP4, MOV, AVI, FLV, MKV.
- So you can process all your files at once instead of opening them one by one and processing each file, which saves time and effort.
- This keeps the quality such as resolution, frame rate and audio.
- Set resolution, bitrate, codec, frame rate and audio options.
- Join a bunch of clips and result in a single video file.
- It provides preview option for video files prior to conversion
- Convert large videos without restrictions.
- Easy and simple design that works for anybody from beginners to pro.
- Compatible with All Windows versions.
Change Video to 3GP File Format – Tool Steps
1. Download & install Video to 3GP converter software to your computer.
2. Click on Select Files to upload the video file(s).
3. You can select multiple video files to convert in one click.
4. Then choose 3GP as the destination format.
5. Next click on the Browse button as to set the destination path.
6. Then you can see your uploaded video file, just click on Convert button to convert video to 3GP.
7. Let the computer have a little time to process the video.
8. At this time, you will see a pop up box on the screen stating the conversion is finished, so press the OK button.
9. Finally, check your target location for your converted file.
End Note
There are many free ways to convert video to 3GP. While using, it comes with limitations on the video file size, the output quality, or the process is complex. For that, using our expert solution is the quickest, safest, and most secure way to get the work done. It allows you to take full control of video parameters, works with various formats, and preserves the initial quality. Converting one video or batch of big videos, this tool permits a simple and error-free approach to the method.