Convert MOV to MP4 Online
MOV is Apple’s QuickTime container format. MP4 is a digital multimedia container that stores video, audio, subtitles, and metadata. AnyConvert converts MOV to MP4 securely without installing desktop software.
MOV to MP4 Converter
Convert your MOV files to MP4 format quickly and easily. Upload your file and download the result.
Max file size: 50MB
Why convert MOV to MP4?
Switching from MOV helps you avoid large file sizes when storing intra-frame or uncompressed media. MP4 excels at excellent compatibility with browsers, tvs, mobile devices, and ott platforms, making it a better fit when clients or platforms expect web video delivery and social media uploads.
MPEG-4 Part 14 also offers supports multiple audio tracks, subtitles, and chapter markers. That means your converted files stay useful for web video delivery and social media uploads and mobile playback and offline downloads.
MOV strengths
- Supports professional mezzanine codecs such as ProRes and CineForm
- Handles multiple audio streams, timecode, and extensive metadata
- Integrates seamlessly with Apple hardware and Final Cut workflows
MP4 advantages
- Excellent compatibility with browsers, TVs, mobile devices, and OTT platforms
- Supports multiple audio tracks, subtitles, and chapter markers
- Efficient streaming via fragmented MP4 and adaptive bitrate protocols
Key differences
| Feature | MOV | MP4 |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Lossy or lossless | Lossy |
| Transparency / Alpha | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Typical file size | Varies (depends on chosen codec) | Compact (lossy compression) |
| Best suited for | Professional video editing intermediates and Camera originals captured on Apple devices | Web video delivery and social media uploads and Mobile playback and offline downloads |
| Standard | Open, royalty-free specification | Open, royalty-free specification |
Before you convert
- Keep a backup of your original file before converting so you can roll back if needed.
- Review known pain points: Limited support on Windows without additional codecs or QuickTime components. Adjust your source file accordingly.
- Note the target resolution and frame rate to avoid unexpected stretching or stutter.
Quality tips
- Start with a high-quality setting (85–90%) and only reduce it if file size targets demand it.
- Trim clips and set the frame rate before converting to avoid double-encoding footage you do not need.
- Download the result immediately and open it in the target application to verify everything matches expectations.
Where MP4 fits best
Once you have the converted file, you can plug it straight into web video delivery and social media uploads, mobile playback and offline downloads, and archiving h.264 recordings from cameras and screen captures. MP4 is the format teams expect in those environments, so you spend less time re-exporting or explaining compatibility issues.
Common MP4 use cases
- Web video delivery and social media uploads
- Mobile playback and offline downloads
- Archiving H.264 recordings from cameras and screen captures
Tools that open MP4
- FFmpeg
- HandBrake
- Adobe Media Encoder
Frequently asked questions
Does converting MOV to MP4 reduce quality?
Yes, MP4 uses lossy compression. Start with the highest quality setting available and compare the converted file against your original. If you need a perfect copy, keep the MOV source as an archive.
How can I keep MP4 file sizes reasonable?
Trim the clip, export with a constant or target variable bitrate, and align the frame rate with your footage. Dropping unused audio tracks also saves space.
Is there a file size limit for converting MOV?
Yes—uploads up to 150 MB convert reliably in the browser. For larger assets, split them into smaller segments first so the process stays responsive.