Flash Videos Won't Play Anymore
You have old FLV files from the Flash era, but nothing will play them. Adobe discontinued Flash in 2020, and browsers no longer support FLV playback. Those videos from early YouTube, web animations, and archived content are stuck in an obsolete format.
Converting to MOV brings those videos back to life. MOV is Apple's QuickTime format and works on Mac, iPhone, iPad, and most modern video players. In our testing, converted files play instantly on all Apple devices without any additional software.
How to Convert FLV to MOV
- Upload your FLV file - Drag and drop or click to select your Flash video
- Confirm MOV output - MOV is selected as the target format for Apple compatibility
- Download your video - Your converted MOV file is ready for playback and editing
The entire process takes seconds. No Flash Player required, no software to install.
Why FLV Became Obsolete
Flash Video (FLV) dominated web video from 2005 to 2015. YouTube originally used FLV, and countless websites embedded Flash video players. But security vulnerabilities and the rise of HTML5 video led to Flash's demise:
- 2010 - Apple refused Flash on iPhone and iPad
- 2017 - Adobe announced Flash end-of-life
- 2020 - Adobe officially discontinued Flash Player
- 2021 - Browsers blocked Flash content entirely
If you have FLV files from that era, conversion is now the only way to access them.
FLV vs MOV: Technical Comparison
Understanding the differences helps you know what to expect after conversion:
- Container format - FLV uses Flash-specific containers; MOV uses Apple's flexible QuickTime container
- Codec support - FLV typically contains Sorenson Spark or VP6; MOV supports H.264, HEVC, ProRes, and more
- Metadata - MOV stores richer metadata including chapter markers, multiple audio tracks, and timecode
- File size - MOV files may be slightly larger due to modern codec overhead, but quality improves
After conversion, your videos gain compatibility with professional editing software like Final Cut Pro and iMovie.
Common Use Cases
Archived Web Content
Websites that saved videos as FLV a decade ago now need those files in modern formats. MOV works for archival and playback.
Mac and iPhone Playback
Apple devices have never supported FLV. Converting to MOV makes videos play natively in QuickTime Player.
Video Editing Projects
Professional video editors like Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere, and DaVinci Resolve import MOV files easily. FLV requires conversion first.
Social Media Uploads
Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook accept MOV uploads. FLV files will be rejected.
Quality Expectations
Most FLV files were encoded at lower quality by today's standards - 480p or lower with basic audio. Our converter preserves whatever quality exists in your original file. You won't lose any detail, but don't expect the conversion to enhance poor source material.
For higher quality needs, consider converting to FLV to MP4 which offers excellent compression with H.264 encoding.
Alternative Formats
MOV is ideal for Apple users and video editors, but other formats may suit different needs:
- MP4 - Universal format for any device or platform
- MKV - Container for high-quality video with multiple audio tracks
- WEBM - Open format optimized for web embedding
Choose MOV when Apple compatibility or professional editing is your priority.
Works on Any Device
Our FLV to MOV converter runs entirely in your browser:
- Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook
- Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
- iPhone, iPad, Android tablets
No downloads, no registration, no limits. Convert your Flash videos from any device with an internet connection.