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Convert MOV to FLV - QuickTime to Flash Video Made Simple

Transform Apple QuickTime MOV files to FLV format for legacy systems and archival workflows.

Step 1: Upload your files

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Step 2: Choose format
Step 3: Convert files

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Need FLV Files from Your MOV Videos?

You have MOV files from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, but you need them in FLV format. Maybe you're working with an older content management system, archiving videos for a legacy platform, or dealing with software that specifically requires Flash Video input.

While FLV format is no longer the web standard it once was, there are still legitimate reasons to convert to it. Our browser-based converter handles the transformation instantly-upload your MOV file, get your FLV, done.

How to Convert MOV to FLV

  1. Upload your MOV file - Drag and drop or click to select your QuickTime video
  2. Select FLV as output - Choose Flash Video format from the options
  3. Download your FLV - Get your converted video ready for use

The entire process happens in your browser. No software to install, no account to create, no waiting in conversion queues.

Understanding MOV and FLV Formats

MOV is Apple's QuickTime container format, introduced in 1991 and still the default video format for iPhones and iPads. It typically uses H.264 or HEVC compression with AAC audio, delivering excellent quality with efficient file sizes.

FLV (Flash Video) was developed by Macromedia (later Adobe) and became the dominant web video format in the mid-2000s. YouTube, Hulu, and countless other platforms relied on FLV before the HTML5 video revolution. In our testing, FLV files are typically 20-40% smaller than equivalent MOV files, though this comes with some quality trade-offs.

Technical Comparison

  • Container type: Both are container formats that hold video, audio, and metadata
  • Typical codecs: MOV uses H.264/HEVC; FLV uses Sorenson Spark or VP6
  • File size: FLV generally produces smaller files at comparable visual quality
  • Browser support: MOV plays natively in Safari; FLV requires dedicated players
  • Current status: MOV is actively developed; FLV was deprecated in 2020

Why Convert MOV to FLV Today?

Given that Adobe ended Flash Player support in December 2020, you might wonder why anyone would convert to FLV. Here are the legitimate use cases we encounter:

Legacy System Compatibility

Some older content management systems, digital signage platforms, and enterprise software still specifically require FLV input. If you're maintaining systems that haven't been updated, converting to FLV may be your only option.

Archive and Preservation

Digital archivists sometimes need to create FLV versions for historical preservation or to match existing archive formats. Maintaining consistency across an archive often outweighs format preferences.

Specific Software Requirements

Certain video editing tools, particularly older versions of Adobe products like Animate (formerly Flash), work best with FLV input. If your workflow depends on these tools, FLV conversion becomes necessary.

Embedded Player Compatibility

Some legacy web applications with custom-built Flash players still exist in corporate intranets. Until these systems are modernized, FLV remains the required format.

Important Considerations Before Converting

We believe in giving honest guidance. Before converting MOV to FLV, consider these factors:

FLV Is a Deprecated Format

Adobe officially ended Flash Player support on December 31, 2020. No browsers support FLV playback natively anymore. This means FLV files require dedicated players like VLC, KMPlayer, or GOM Player to view.

Modern Alternatives Exist

If you're not locked into FLV for legacy reasons, consider converting MOV to MP4 instead. MP4 offers better compression, universal compatibility, and active development. For web streaming, MOV to WebM provides excellent browser support with smaller file sizes.

Quality Differences

In our testing, converting from MOV's H.264 codec to FLV's older codecs (Sorenson Spark or VP6) can result in some quality loss, particularly in videos with fast motion or fine detail. If quality is paramount, keeping videos in MOV or converting to MP4 is preferable.

What Can Play FLV Files?

Since browsers no longer support Flash, you'll need dedicated software to play FLV files:

  • VLC Media Player - Free, open-source, works on Windows, Mac, and Linux. This is our top recommendation.
  • KMPlayer - Excellent for high-quality playback with subtitle support
  • GOM Player - Offers customizable playback options and built-in codec support
  • Elmedia Player - Solid choice for macOS users specifically
  • Adobe Animate - The successor to Flash Professional, can open and edit FLV files

VLC is the most reliable option across all platforms. It's free, regularly updated, and handles virtually every video format including FLV without any additional codec installation.

Batch Conversion for Multiple Files

Have a folder full of MOV files that need converting? Upload them all at once. Our batch conversion processes multiple files simultaneously, saving you from repetitive uploads and downloads. This is particularly useful when migrating video libraries to legacy systems.

Works on Any Device

Our converter runs entirely in your browser, meaning it works on:

  • Windows PCs and laptops
  • Mac computers (including Apple Silicon)
  • Linux systems
  • Chromebooks
  • iPhones and iPads (via Safari)
  • Android phones and tablets

No downloads, no installations, no plugins. Just open the page and start converting.

Privacy and Security

Your videos stay on your device. The conversion happens locally in your browser-we don't upload your files to any server, don't store them, and don't have access to your content. This browser-based approach is faster than cloud conversion and completely private.

Pro Tip

If you're maintaining a legacy system that requires FLV, consider setting up a parallel workflow that also archives in MP4. This future-proofs your content for when the legacy system is eventually modernized.

Common Mistake

Converting to FLV for web use without realizing browsers haven't supported Flash since 2020. Check your actual requirements before converting-most modern use cases are better served by MP4 or WebM.

Best For

Legacy content management systems, digital signage platforms from the 2000s-era, and Adobe Animate workflows that require FLV input. Also useful for video archivists maintaining format consistency.

Not Recommended

Modern web publishing, social media uploads, or any new project without specific FLV requirements. For these cases, MP4 provides better quality, smaller files, and universal compatibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but with limitations. While Adobe ended Flash Player support in December 2020 and browsers no longer play FLV natively, the format still works with dedicated media players like VLC, KMPlayer, and GOM Player. FLV remains relevant for legacy systems and archival purposes.

The main reason is legacy system compatibility. Some older content management systems, digital signage platforms, and enterprise software specifically require FLV input. If you're not constrained by legacy requirements, MP4 is generally the better choice for modern use.

There may be some quality reduction. MOV typically uses H.264 or HEVC codecs, while FLV uses older codecs like Sorenson Spark or VP6. In our testing, videos with fast motion or fine detail show the most noticeable differences. For quality-critical work, consider keeping the original MOV.

VLC Media Player is the most reliable free option, working on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Other options include KMPlayer, GOM Player, Elmedia Player (Mac), and Adobe Animate. Windows Media Player Classic also handles FLV with the right codecs installed.

FLV files are typically 20-40% smaller than equivalent MOV files at comparable visual quality. The exact reduction depends on the video content, resolution, and codec settings used in the original MOV file.

Yes. Our batch conversion feature lets you upload multiple MOV files and convert them all to FLV simultaneously. This is much faster than converting files one at a time, especially useful for migrating entire video libraries.

Yes. The converter works in Safari on iPhone and iPad. You can select MOV files from your Photos app or Files app, convert them to FLV, and download the results directly on your mobile device.

Completely. The conversion happens locally in your browser-your video files never leave your device. We don't upload, store, or have any access to your content. This browser-based approach is both faster and more private than cloud conversion services.

Adobe discontinued Flash Player on December 31, 2020, due to security concerns and the rise of HTML5. However, FLV files themselves remain playable through third-party software. The format persists in legacy systems and video archives created during Flash's dominance in the 2000s.

Generally yes. If you have FLV files you want to preserve long-term, converting to MP4 is recommended. MP4 offers better compatibility, continued development, and security. Our converter can also handle FLV to MP4 conversion for this purpose.

Our browser-based converter handles files up to several hundred megabytes effectively. For very large video files, conversion time depends on your device's processing power. Modern computers handle even lengthy videos without issues.

While YouTube historically used FLV internally, they now prefer MP4 uploads. Most social media platforms don't accept FLV uploads directly. For sharing on modern platforms, convert MOV to MP4 instead-it's universally accepted and provides excellent quality.

MOV Conversions & Related Converters

Quick access to the most commonly used file conversions.