Why should I convert MOV to M4V?

Converting MOV to M4V improves compatibility with Apple devices and many MP4 players, while allowing preservation of subtitles, chapters, and multiple audio tracks.

Will converting to M4V lower my video quality?

Re-encoding from high-quality MOV codecs like ProRes to lossy H.264 or HEVC in M4V can reduce quality, so it is important to choose appropriate encoding settings.

Can I play M4V files on non-Apple devices?

Many MP4-compatible players support M4V, but some may need the file renamed to .mp4 or may not support DRM-protected M4V files.

Convert Your MOV Video to M4V Format Easily

Learn how to convert your MOV video files to the M4V format for optimized playback on Apple devices and broader compatibility with MP4-based players using our simple online converter.

Upload Your File | Maximum Size Upto 25MB

Quick Access To 37 MOV File Conversion Pairs

What Is This Tool?

This tool converts MOV video files into the M4V format, enabling better compatibility with Apple devices and a wide range of MP4-compatible players. It supports preserving subtitles, chapters, and multiple audio tracks while using popular codecs optimized for streaming and playback.

How to Use This Tool?

Upload your MOV video file containing your source content.
Select the M4V format as the desired output container.
Adjust any encoding settings if available to balance quality and file size.
Start the conversion process and wait for the tool to convert your file.
Download the converted M4V file optimized for Apple devices and streaming.

Key Features

Converts MOV files (QuickTime format) to M4V, an MP4-based container.
Supports common codecs such as H.264, HEVC for video and AAC for audio.
Preserves multiple audio tracks, subtitle streams, and chapter markers.
Creates files optimized for playback on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and QuickTime.
Delivers output compatible with many MP4 players and Apple ecosystem devices.

Examples

A professional video editor exports a high-quality ProRes MOV master from Final Cut Pro and converts it to M4V with H.264 + AAC for iPad and Apple TV viewing.
A content provider packages episodes with multiple audio tracks and subtitles into M4V format for iTunes Store distribution, optionally applying FairPlay DRM for protection.

Common Use Cases

Transcoding high-bitrate MOV exports into a delivery-ready M4V format for consumer playback.
Preparing purchased or rental videos with chapters, subtitles, and optional DRM for Apple/iTunes distribution.
Creating archival packages that maintain rich metadata while ensuring wide compatibility with MP4-based tools and players.

Tips & Best Practices

Choose encoding settings carefully to find a good balance between video quality and file size.
Be aware that converting from visually lossless formats like ProRes to H.264/HEVC in M4V involves re-encoding which may reduce quality.
Verify playback compatibility on your target devices, especially if DRM is applied or if uncommon audio codecs are used.
Rename M4V files to MP4 if needed for improved compatibility with some non-Apple players.

Limitations

Conversion can reduce quality when re-encoding from high-bitrate or lossless MOV codecs like ProRes.
Playback depends on codec support; some players may not support AC-3 audio or FairPlay DRM protection.
FairPlay DRM may prevent playback on unauthorized devices, limiting some distribution scenarios.
Large MOV files using uncompressed or high-bitrate codecs require significant processing time and storage during conversion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I convert MOV to M4V?: Converting MOV to M4V improves compatibility with Apple devices and many MP4 players, while allowing preservation of subtitles, chapters, and multiple audio tracks.
Will converting to M4V lower my video quality?: Re-encoding from high-quality MOV codecs like ProRes to lossy H.264 or HEVC in M4V can reduce quality, so it is important to choose appropriate encoding settings.
Can I play M4V files on non-Apple devices?: Many MP4-compatible players support M4V, but some may need the file renamed to .mp4 or may not support DRM-protected M4V files.

Key Terminology

MOV: A multimedia container format developed by Apple, supporting multiple audio, video, and text tracks, often used in professional video editing.
M4V: An Apple-developed MP4-based video container format supporting common codecs and features like multiple audio tracks and subtitles.
FairPlay DRM: Apple's digital rights management system that can protect M4V files to restrict playback on unauthorized devices.

Quick Knowledge Check

What is the main reason to convert MOV files to M4V?

To add new subtitles automatically

To improve playback compatibility on Apple devices

To reduce video length

Which video codecs are typically used inside M4V files?

ProRes and DV

H.264 and HEVC

MPEG-2 and VC-1

What limitation might you face with DRM-protected M4V files?

They can play on any device without restriction

Playback may be blocked on unauthorized devices

They cannot contain subtitles