ChangeMyFile - Free Online File ConverterChangeMyFile
Trusted by thousands of users worldwide

Convert MPEG to FLV – Legacy Flash Video Format

Transform MPEG videos to FLV format for Flash-based systems and legacy applications.

Step 1: Upload your files

You can also Drag and drop files.

Step 2: Choose format
Step 3: Convert files

Read Terms of use before using

Share:fXin@
500+ Formats
Lightning Fast
100% Secure
Always Free
Cloud Processing

When You Need Flash Video Format

FLV (Flash Video) was once the dominant format for online video streaming. While modern platforms have moved to MP4 and WEBM, certain legacy systems, archived websites, and older content management platforms still require FLV files. If you're maintaining older systems or working with archived content, converting your MPEG files to FLV may be necessary.

MPEG is a reliable format developed in 1993 that remains widely compatible, but some legacy Flash-based applications specifically need FLV input. In our testing, the conversion preserves video quality while creating files optimized for Flash playback environments.

How to Convert MPEG to FLV

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

The entire process happens in your browser. No software to install, no account required.

MPEG vs FLV: Format Comparison

Understanding the differences helps you know when each format is appropriate:

  • MPEG – Developed in 1993, uses MPEG-1/MPEG-2 compression, excellent for DVD and broadcast content, larger file sizes, universal playback support
  • FLV – Adobe's Flash Video container, optimized for web streaming, smaller file sizes, requires Flash Player or compatible software

MPEG files typically offer higher quality for archival purposes, while FLV was designed specifically for efficient web delivery in the Flash ecosystem.

Why Convert to FLV Today

Although Adobe discontinued Flash Player in December 2020, several scenarios still require FLV files:

Legacy Content Management Systems

Older CMS platforms and internal corporate systems may still be built around Flash video players that only accept FLV input.

Archive and Preservation Work

Digital archivists sometimes need to recreate original FLV files for historical preservation or to maintain compatibility with archived web content.

Specialized Industrial Applications

Some manufacturing, medical, and scientific equipment uses embedded Flash-based interfaces that require FLV format for video playback.

Educational Platform Maintenance

Legacy e-learning systems built on Flash technology may require FLV videos for continued operation while migration to modern platforms is planned.

What to Expect After Conversion

When converting MPEG to FLV, here's what changes:

  • File size – FLV files are typically 20-40% smaller than equivalent MPEG files due to different compression approaches
  • Quality – Visual quality remains comparable when using appropriate bitrate settings
  • Compatibility – FLV requires Flash Player, VLC, or compatible software for playback
  • Metadata – FLV supports metadata tags but not chapters or subtitles

In our testing, most MPEG videos convert smoothly to FLV while maintaining acceptable quality for their intended legacy use cases.

Alternative Formats to Consider

Before converting to FLV, consider whether a modern format might better serve your needs:

  • MPEG to MP4 – Best choice for modern web streaming and universal compatibility
  • MPEG to WEBM – Open format ideal for HTML5 video on websites
  • MPEG to MKV – Excellent for archiving with multiple audio tracks and subtitles

Only choose FLV if your specific system or workflow explicitly requires Flash Video format.

Browser-Based Conversion

Our converter works entirely in your web browser:

  • Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chromebook compatible
  • Works in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge
  • Mobile devices supported for smaller files
  • No plugins or downloads required

Your video files are processed locally, keeping your content private throughout the conversion process.

Pro Tip

If you're maintaining a legacy Flash-based system, consider creating both FLV and MP4 versions of your videos. This allows you to keep the legacy system running while preparing for eventual migration to modern video formats.

Common Mistake

Converting to FLV for new web projects. FLV requires Flash Player, which is no longer supported by any major browser. For web video, always use MP4 or WEBM instead.

Best For

Maintaining legacy content management systems, digital archival projects requiring FLV preservation, and specialized equipment with Flash-based video interfaces that cannot be updated.

Not Recommended

Any new video project, modern websites, social media uploads, or situations where viewers need to watch in web browsers. FLV is strictly for legacy compatibility scenarios.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main reasons are legacy system compatibility, maintaining older content management systems, digital archival work, and specialized industrial equipment that still uses Flash-based video players. While FLV is largely obsolete for new projects, existing systems may still require this format.

FLV files can be played by VLC Media Player, standalone Flash Player projectors, and various video editing applications. However, web browsers no longer support Flash content natively since Adobe discontinued Flash Player in December 2020.

Quality loss is minimal when using appropriate settings. FLV uses efficient compression, so while some quality reduction may occur during any transcoding process, the results are typically acceptable for legacy playback systems.

MPEG and MPG are the same format with different file extensions. MPG was commonly used on older systems with 8.3 filename limitations, while MPEG is the full extension. Both contain identical MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 video data.

Yes, the conversion is reversible. You can use our FLV to MPEG converter to transform Flash Video files back to MPEG format, though some quality may be lost in the round-trip conversion process.

Conversion time depends on your file size and computer processing power. A typical 5-minute video converts in 30-60 seconds. Larger files take proportionally longer. The process happens entirely in your browser.

Yes, FLV can contain HD video using codecs like H.264. However, the format was primarily designed for web streaming at standard definition. For HD content, modern formats like MP4 are generally more appropriate.

VLC Media Player is the most reliable option for playing FLV files on any operating system. Other options include PotPlayer, KMPlayer, and video editing software like Adobe Premiere. Web browsers require a standalone player since Flash is no longer supported.

Browser-based conversion works best with files under 500MB. Larger files may cause memory issues depending on your device. For very large MPEG files, consider desktop conversion software or splitting the video into segments.

Use MP4 for any new web video project. FLV is a legacy format that modern browsers don't support. MP4 with H.264 encoding is the current standard for web video, offering excellent quality and universal compatibility.

MPEG Conversions & Related Converters

Quick access to the most commonly used file conversions.