Convert MP4 to M4V Video Format – Complete Guide

Summary: Are you also searching for different ways to convert MP4 to M4V? So, now you don’t have to go anywhere else. In this dedicated blog post, you will see what can be the reasons for having this video conversion & also various manual methods to complete the process. We will list some complications which come and provide you with an automated solution for this too.

How smoothly your media works on other devices will depend on the type of video files you are playing. MP4 is one of the most widely used video formats for playback and sharing. But, some Apple devices and iTunes libraries will accept only M4V format.

Wondering how to convert video to TS format? Head over to our step guide for easy video conversion.

Why MP4 to M4V File?

In this particular section, you will see some of the listed points to convert MP4 to M4V.

• M4V file is for the Apple ecosystem. This way you can play seamlessly in various Apple apps.
• And to keep up with the Apple contents, a lot of our movies and tv shows from iTunes are DRM PR packaging as M4V.
• Also, it is great for high quality media in smaller file sizes due to H.264 compression.
• It can handle embedded subtitles, chapters and metadata like cover art.
• This video file is designed for Apple platforms, but it can still be used on Windows or other operating systems with the right player.

Convert MP4 to M4V Format – Manual Solutions 

From this heading, you will see how  you can manually change your MP4 file to M4V. Let’s begin with the steps.

Method 1. Export Using VLC Media Player

VLC is more than a media player, which can also convert MP4 to M4V in quick time.

1. Open VLC Media Player > Click on Media > Convert/Save.
2. Upload MP4 that you want to convert.
3. Click on Convert/Save > choose output format as MP4 > H.264 + MP3 (MP4).
4. Change the output file extension to .m4v.
5. Go ahead and convert and then wait for VLC to transcode your video.

Note: VLC does not have a native “M4V” profile. But instead creates a file with an MP4 extension that can be simply renamed to .m4v.

Method 2. Use FFmpeg For Quick MP4 to M4V Conversion

This is the method where users should have command line experience to proceed with the steps to convert MP4 to M4V.

1. Example command:

ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -c:v libx264 -c:a aac output.m4v

2. Install FFmpeg.

3. Copy the command and run it in your terminal/command prompt.

4. Now, the result is in a transcoded M4V file.

Drawbacks of Following Manual Approach

The above methods which you have followed have some disadvantages. Have a look into it:

• There are tools that may compress videos slightly, which tends to lower the quality.
• When it comes to video, bigger files mean longer processing times.
• Programs such as FFmpeg also need a certain level of command line skill.
• It is a bit hard to batch convert MP4 to M4V by the help of VLC method.
• Subtitles, chapters, and cover art might not remain if restored manually.

Export MP4 to M4V File Format – Complete Tool Steps 

1. Firstly, download & run our MP4 to M4V converter into your system.

2. Now, click on the Select Files button to upload your MP4 as your input format.

3. You are able to add multiple MP4 files into the software in order to convert them at one time.

4. And then, choose the M4V format and check it.

5. Click on the Browse button to browse for your final file path.

6. So, now you see your video file is uploaded.

7. Simply, press the Convert button to start the conversion to convert MP4 to M4V format.

8. So, now the computer does some work on the video.

9. Now, it pops up a box on screen to inform me that the conversion is finished. Then press the OK button.

10. Finally, simply download and verify your converted file from there.

Manual Vs Automated Tool – Which is Better?

Read both points of these approaches to get an idea what is best for you.

Feature	Manual Methods	Automated Tool
Ease of Use	Requires technical steps	Simple, user-friendly interface with direct M4V output
Batch Conversion	Limited or not supported	Supports bulk video conversion
Conversion Speed	Slower for large files, may freeze	Optimized for faster processing
Output Quality	Possible compression or quality loss	Maintains original video quality
Format Support	Works with a few formats only	Supports a wide range of video formats
Metadata & Subtitles	Not always preserved	Ensures metadata and subtitles remain intact
Device Compatibility	Depends on settings and manual steps	Directly optimized for Apple devices and iTunes
Difficulty Level	Medium to High (especially FFmpeg)	Low – ideal for non-technical users

Final Say

Some users just need to convert MP4 to M4V, so they may play smoothly on Apple gadgets or support iTunes. There are free tools described above like VLC, FFmpeg or iTunes. But, it can be a slow process and might decrease the video quality while moving with the process. If you have only a small amount of MP4 files, either of the free options will work. But if you have videos in bulk to export and want a speedy process, it is best to use our dedicated MP4 to M4V converter utility. That way you get quality, speed, batch conversion and a lot less problems.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

There are some users related queries which are going to answered in this particular section:

#1. Can VLC convert MP4 to M4V?

Ans. Yes, VLC Media Player is able to convert this file conversion. With its in-built converting tool. There aren’t too many features for output, though. For those who want quality and batch conversion you should try our professional solution.

#2. Is M4V better than MP4 for any Apple device?

Ans. Yes, M4V is the default video format of Apple that can be played easily with iTunes, QuickTime and other Apple devices. It can also do DRM protection which MP4 doesn’t.

#3. How to convert MP4 File to M4V without Quality Loss?

Ans. To maintain your video quality of your MP4 to M4V conversion without quality loss, use our MP4 to M4V converter. It preserves the resolution, frame rate and audio quality with batch conversion options as well.

#4. How do I convert MP4 to M4V online for free?

Ans. Yes, there are a few sites online that allow you to have this video conversion for free. But these come with file size restrictions, and they can compressed the videos which will drop quality. To get secure and quality results, one can use our dedicated software.