What is the difference between M4V and MP4?

M4V is Apple's variant of the MP4 container, used for iTunes video, rentals and podcasts. The video inside is usually identical to MP4 — converting mainly standardizes the extension so non-Apple software recognizes and plays the file.

Can't I just rename .m4v to .mp4?

Sometimes that works, since the containers are close, but many players still refuse the renamed file or misread it. A proper conversion rewrites the container correctly so it plays reliably instead of by luck.

My M4V won't convert — is it protected?

iTunes purchases and rentals can carry Apple's FairPlay DRM, which locks playback to your authorized devices. The converter cannot remove DRM, so a DRM-free M4V converts, while a protected purchase must be played through Apple's apps.

Will converting M4V to MP4 lose quality?

No meaningful loss. The video is re-encoded into the same widely supported MP4 container, so quality at standard settings looks the same as the source.

Will the MP4 play on Android and Windows?

Yes — that is the main reason to convert. A plain MP4 plays on Android phones, Windows PCs, smart TVs and non-Apple software that may not recognize the .m4v extension at all.

Can I convert M4V podcasts and video I recorded?

Yes. DRM-free M4V files — video podcasts, screen recordings and exports from Apple apps — convert to MP4 so you can share, upload or edit them outside the Apple ecosystem.

Will chapters and audio be kept?

The audio track is kept in sync at its original quality. M4V chapter markers may not always carry across, but the video and sound play through normally in any standard MP4 player on any device.

Convert M4V to MP4 Online

Convert an M4V video — common for iTunes purchases, rentals and podcasts — to standard MP4 for any player or device.

or drag & drop them here · images, video, audio and documents · up to 2 GB

How to convert M4V to MP4

Click "Choose Files" and select your M4V file, or drag & drop it onto the page.
Make sure MP4 is selected as the target format.
Click "Convert" and wait a few seconds.
Download your new MP4 file.

Why Converters.live?

Free and unlimited — convert as many M4V videos to MP4 as you need, no daily limits.
Files up to 2 GB, processed with the same FFmpeg engine professional tools use, keeping video and audio in sync.
Your video files are deleted from the server immediately after conversion — nothing is stored.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between M4V and MP4?: M4V is Apple's variant of the MP4 container, used for iTunes video, rentals and podcasts. The video inside is usually identical to MP4 — converting mainly standardizes the extension so non-Apple software recognizes and plays the file.
Can't I just rename .m4v to .mp4?: Sometimes that works, since the containers are close, but many players still refuse the renamed file or misread it. A proper conversion rewrites the container correctly so it plays reliably instead of by luck.
My M4V won't convert — is it protected?: iTunes purchases and rentals can carry Apple's FairPlay DRM, which locks playback to your authorized devices. The converter cannot remove DRM, so a DRM-free M4V converts, while a protected purchase must be played through Apple's apps.
Will converting M4V to MP4 lose quality?: No meaningful loss. The video is re-encoded into the same widely supported MP4 container, so quality at standard settings looks the same as the source.
Will the MP4 play on Android and Windows?: Yes — that is the main reason to convert. A plain MP4 plays on Android phones, Windows PCs, smart TVs and non-Apple software that may not recognize the .m4v extension at all.
Can I convert M4V podcasts and video I recorded?: Yes. DRM-free M4V files — video podcasts, screen recordings and exports from Apple apps — convert to MP4 so you can share, upload or edit them outside the Apple ecosystem.
Will chapters and audio be kept?: The audio track is kept in sync at its original quality. M4V chapter markers may not always carry across, but the video and sound play through normally in any standard MP4 player on any device.

About M4V and MP4

Key things to know before you convert M4V to MP4:

M4V

M4V is Apple's variant of the MP4 container, used for iTunes video purchases, rentals and podcasts. Internally almost identical to MP4 — converting fixes the extension and removes any Apple-specific playback quirks.

MP4

MP4 with H.264 is the universal video format: phones, TVs, browsers, editors and messengers all play it. When in doubt, send MP4.

Related conversions

WEBM→MP4 MOV→MP4 AVI→MP4 MKV→MP4 GIF→MP4 WMV→MP4 FLV→MP4 MP4→WEBM