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M4V Converter - Transform iTunes Video Files

Convert Apple M4V videos for universal compatibility

Step 1: Upload your files

You can also Drag and drop files.

Step 2: Choose format
Step 3: Convert files

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What is M4V?

M4V is Apple's video container format, closely related to MP4 but used specifically for content in the iTunes ecosystem. It's the format used for movies, TV shows, and music videos purchased or rented from the iTunes Store.

M4V files are essentially MP4 files with an Apple-specific extension. Many M4V files from iTunes include FairPlay DRM (Digital Rights Management) copy protection, which limits playback to authorized Apple devices.

For personal videos created on Apple devices without DRM, M4V files can often be played by simply renaming them to .mp4. For DRM-protected content, special handling is required.

Why Convert M4V Files?

M4V conversion helps overcome Apple ecosystem limitations:

  • Cross-platform playback - Play Apple videos on Windows, Android, and other non-Apple devices
  • Universal compatibility - MP4 works everywhere while M4V is Apple-specific
  • Editing flexibility - Many video editors prefer MP4 over M4V format
  • Streaming support - Upload to YouTube and other platforms that prefer MP4
  • Device freedom - Watch your videos on any device, not just Apple products
  • Avoid confusion - MP4 is universally recognized; M4V causes compatibility questions

Convert M4V to Other Formats

Transform your Apple videos for universal compatibility:

M4V to MP4

The most common conversion. For DRM-free M4V files, this creates universally compatible video. The formats are nearly identical, so quality is perfectly preserved.

M4V to AVI

Convert for Windows-based video editing and legacy media player compatibility.

M4V to MOV

Transform to Apple's QuickTime format for professional video editing workflows.

M4V to MKV

Convert to MKV for archival with support for chapters, multiple audio tracks, and subtitles.

M4V to WebM

Create web-optimized video for HTML5 browser playback.

M4V to MP3

Extract audio from M4V videos as MP3 files.

Convert Other Formats to M4V

Create M4V files for Apple ecosystem integration:

MP4 to M4V

Convert for optimal iTunes library organization and Apple TV playback.

AVI to M4V

Transform Windows videos for Apple device compatibility.

MOV to M4V

Convert QuickTime videos for iTunes library integration.

MKV to M4V

Transform MKV files for Apple TV and iOS playback.

M4V Technical Specifications

  • Full name: MPEG-4 Video (Apple variant)
  • Developer: Apple Inc.
  • File extension: .m4v
  • MIME type: video/x-m4v
  • Video codec: H.264 (AVC)
  • Audio codecs: AAC, Dolby Digital (AC-3)
  • Container: MPEG-4 Part 14 (same as MP4)
  • DRM: Optional FairPlay protection on iTunes content
  • Relationship to MP4: Essentially identical, different extension

M4V Compatibility

Devices That Support M4V

  • All Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV)
  • iTunes on Windows and Mac
  • VLC Media Player (DRM-free files)
  • QuickTime Player

Devices With Limited M4V Support

  • Android devices (may require apps or conversion)
  • Windows Media Player (limited support)
  • Smart TVs (varies by brand)
  • Web browsers (usually need MP4)
  • Non-Apple streaming devices

How to Convert M4V Files

  1. Upload your M4V file - Drag and drop your Apple video or click to browse. Note: DRM-protected iTunes purchases cannot be converted.
  2. Choose your output format - Select MP4 for universal compatibility, or other formats as needed.
  3. Download converted file - Get your video ready to play on any device.

Pro Tip

Before converting, try simply renaming your M4V file to .mp4. If it plays normally, you're done-no conversion needed. This works for DRM-free M4V files since the formats are nearly identical.

Common Mistake

Assuming all M4V files are DRM-protected. Many M4V files (from personal recordings, third-party apps, etc.) have no DRM and convert easily. Only iTunes purchases have FairPlay protection.

Best For

M4V is designed for the Apple ecosystem-iTunes library, Apple TV, iPhone, iPad. It's the right choice when your content will stay within Apple devices.

Not Recommended

Don't use M4V when sharing videos with non-Apple users or uploading to non-Apple platforms. Convert to MP4 for universal compatibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

M4V is Apple's video format used for iTunes Store content. It's nearly identical to MP4 but with an Apple-specific extension. Some M4V files include DRM copy protection that limits playback to Apple devices.

M4V and MP4 use the same container and codecs. The main difference is M4V is Apple-branded and may include FairPlay DRM. DRM-free M4V files can often play as MP4 by simply changing the extension.

DRM-protected M4V files from iTunes purchases cannot be converted with standard tools due to legal copy protection. Only DRM-free M4V files (like personal recordings) can be freely converted.

Android doesn't natively support M4V. Convert to MP4 format for seamless Android playback, or use VLC for Android which can play DRM-free M4V files directly.

Converting M4V to MP4 provides universal compatibility. While M4V only reliably plays on Apple devices, MP4 works on all devices, browsers, and platforms without any issues.

For DRM-free M4V files, yes-simply changing the extension from .m4v to .mp4 often works because the formats are nearly identical. DRM-protected files won't play regardless of extension.

No quality loss occurs when converting between M4V and MP4 for DRM-free files, as they use the same codecs. It's essentially a container change, not re-encoding.

YouTube accepts M4V uploads, but recommends MP4 for best results. Converting to MP4 ensures smoother uploading and processing.

M4V files typically come from iTunes Store purchases/rentals, Apple TV app downloads, or videos synced through iTunes. Some video software also exports to M4V format.

No, they're essentially the same quality. MP4 is better for compatibility since it works everywhere, while M4V is only advantageous within the Apple ecosystem.

M4V Conversions & Related Converters

Quick access to the most commonly used file conversions.