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

Convert MPG to M4V - Play MPEG Videos on Apple Devices

Transform MPG videos into M4V format for seamless iTunes and Apple device playback.

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

MPG Videos Won't Play in iTunes?

You have old MPG files from a DVD rip, camcorder recording, or downloaded video, but iTunes refuses to import them. Apple devices prefer the M4V format for video content, and MPG simply isn't compatible with the Apple ecosystem.

Converting MPG files to M4V solves this problem instantly. M4V is Apple's video format designed specifically for iTunes, iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV. Once converted, your videos integrate seamlessly into your Apple library.

How to Convert MPG to M4V

  1. Upload your MPG file - Drag and drop or click to select your MPEG video
  2. Confirm M4V as output - M4V is selected for Apple device compatibility
  3. Download your video - Your file is ready for iTunes import

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

Why Convert to M4V?

M4V is the format Apple uses for iTunes Store content. While it's essentially an MP4 container, M4V signals to Apple devices that the video is optimized for their ecosystem:

  • iTunes integration - Add videos directly to your iTunes library with proper metadata support
  • iPhone and iPad - Native playback without third-party apps
  • Apple TV - Stream your converted videos to your television
  • Chapter support - M4V can include chapter markers for easy navigation

In our testing, M4V files sync more reliably to iOS devices than generic MP4 files, especially when using iTunes.

MPG vs M4V: Technical Comparison

MPG (MPEG-1/MPEG-2) was developed in the early 1990s for VCDs and DVDs. M4V uses the more modern H.264 codec from the MPEG-4 standard:

  • Compression - M4V files are typically 50-70% smaller than equivalent MPG files
  • Quality - H.264 delivers better image quality at lower bitrates
  • Compatibility - M4V works across all Apple devices; MPG does not
  • Streaming - M4V supports progressive download and streaming; MPG requires full download

The only drawback is that M4V is Apple-centric. For universal compatibility, consider MPG to MP4 conversion instead.

Common Use Cases

Old Camcorder Footage

Many camcorders from the 2000s recorded in MPG format. Converting to M4V lets you organize these memories in your Apple Photos or iTunes library.

DVD Rips

If you've ripped DVDs to MPG files, converting to M4V makes them playable on iPad during travel or streamable to Apple TV at home.

Downloaded Videos

Older video downloads often come in MPG format. M4V conversion brings them into your modern Apple media setup.

M4V vs MP4: Which Should You Choose?

M4V and MP4 are technically very similar. The main differences:

  • Choose M4V - If you primarily use Apple devices and iTunes for media management
  • Choose MP4 - If you need cross-platform compatibility (Windows, Android, web)

For a purely Apple household, M4V is the better choice. For mixed device environments, MP4 may be more practical.

Works on Any Device

Our converter runs entirely in your browser:

  • Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook
  • Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
  • iPhone, iPad, Android tablets

Convert from anywhere, then sync to your Apple devices.

Pro Tip

After converting to M4V, you can add metadata in iTunes (right-click > Get Info) including movie artwork, descriptions, and genre tags. This makes your converted videos look professional in your library alongside purchased content.

Common Mistake

Using M4V when you need cross-platform compatibility. M4V is specifically optimized for Apple devices. If you share videos with Windows or Android users, convert to MP4 instead.

Best For

Building an iTunes video library from old MPG files. Ideal for organizing camcorder footage, DVD rips, or downloaded videos for playback on iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV.

Not Recommended

If you're not in the Apple ecosystem, skip M4V. Windows and Android users should convert MPG to MP4 for better native support without third-party apps.

Frequently Asked Questions

MPG uses older MPEG-1/MPEG-2 compression from the 1990s, while M4V uses modern H.264/MPEG-4 compression. M4V files are smaller, higher quality, and designed for Apple devices. MPG was made for DVDs and VCDs; M4V is made for iTunes and iOS.

M4V typically produces equal or better visual quality than MPG at smaller file sizes. The H.264 codec is more efficient than MPEG-2. Your converted video will look just as good, often in a file that's 50% smaller.

Yes, but with limitations. VLC and some other players handle M4V on Windows. Android requires third-party apps. If you need universal compatibility, MP4 is a better choice than M4V.

They're nearly identical technically. M4V is Apple's variant of MP4, using the same container and codecs. The main difference is that M4V can include Apple's FairPlay DRM (though our converter creates DRM-free files).

Simply drag the M4V file into iTunes, or use File > Add to Library. iTunes recognizes M4V natively and will organize it in your Movies or Home Videos section. You can then sync to iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV.

Yes. Upload several MPG files and convert them all to M4V in a single batch. This is useful when converting an entire video collection for your iTunes library.

Yes. M4V is fully compatible with Apple TV. After adding the file to iTunes, it will appear in your Apple TV library for streaming. You can also AirPlay M4V content from your iPhone or iPad.

Large files may take longer to process, but our converter handles them. M4V compression typically reduces file size significantly, so your output will be smaller than the original MPG.

No. The conversion happens entirely in your browser. Your video files stay on your device throughout the process and are never uploaded to any server.

MPG Conversions & Related Converters

Quick access to the most commonly used file conversions.