How to convert MOV (and other videos) to MP4
Updated 21 October 2026
Tool for this guide: Convert video
Short answer: open convert video, add the MOV file, choose MP4 and click Convert. MP4 plays on almost every phone, computer, TV and social network.
Which format should I choose?
| Format | Choose it for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MP4 (H.264) | Almost everything | Phones, TVs, browsers and social media all play it |
| MOV | Apple editing apps such as iMovie and Final Cut | Re-encoded at high quality |
| WebM (VP9) | Web pages | Slower to make in a browser |
| MKV | Changing the container quickly | Copies the original streams, no quality change |
Step by step
- Open convert video and add your video: MP4, MOV, MKV, WebM, AVI, M4V or 3GP.
- Pick the new format.
- Download the converted video.
Videos are converted in your browser and never uploaded. Files up to about 120 MB work well.
Why iPhone videos are MOV
iPhones record in MOV, often with the HEVC (H.265) codec to save space. Windows PCs, older Android phones and some websites can't play it. Converting to MP4 with H.264 fixes that.
To stop it happening, on the iPhone go to Settings → Camera → Formats and choose Most Compatible.
Related tasks
- File too big after converting? Compress the video. See how to reduce video file size.
- Only need the sound? Video to MP3.
- Need a short loop? Video to GIF.
Questions
Does converting reduce quality?
MP4, WebM and MOV are re-encoded at high quality. MKV copies the original streams, so nothing changes.
Why is WebM slow?
WebM uses the VP9 codec, which takes longer to encode in a browser than MP4's H.264.