Need FLV for a Legacy System?
You have WMV files from Windows but need Flash Video format. Maybe you're working with an older e-learning platform, maintaining a legacy content management system, or dealing with software that specifically requires FLV input. Whatever the reason, converting WMV to FLV solves the compatibility problem.
In our testing, WMV to FLV conversion typically reduces file size by 15-30% while maintaining acceptable video quality. The process takes seconds for most files, and everything happens right in your browser.
How to Convert WMV to FLV
- Upload your WMV file - Drag and drop or click to select your Windows Media Video
- Confirm FLV output - FLV is selected as your target format
- Download your FLV - Your converted Flash Video is ready instantly
No software installation, no account creation, no waiting. Just upload, convert, and download.
WMV vs FLV: Technical Comparison
Understanding the differences between these formats helps you know what to expect from the conversion:
| Feature | WMV | FLV |
|---|---|---|
| Developer | Microsoft | Adobe (Macromedia) |
| Primary Codec | Windows Media Video 9 | Sorenson Spark / VP6 |
| Typical Use | Windows desktop playback | Web streaming (legacy) |
| File Size | Medium-large | Smaller (optimized for web) |
| Browser Support | Windows only (native) | Requires Flash Player or third-party app |
| Quality at Low Bitrate | Good | Excellent |
WMV was designed for Windows Media Player and local playback. FLV was optimized for web streaming with efficient compression. In our testing, FLV handles low-bandwidth scenarios better than WMV, which made it ideal for internet delivery before HTML5 video became standard.
When You Still Need FLV
Flash officially reached end-of-life in December 2020, but FLV files remain relevant in specific situations:
Legacy E-Learning Platforms
Many corporate training systems built in the 2000s and early 2010s were designed around Flash. If your organization still uses one of these platforms, FLV might be the only video format it accepts. Converting your WMV content to FLV keeps these systems functional.
Adobe Animate Projects
Adobe Animate (formerly Flash Professional) still supports FLV for animation projects. If you're importing video into an Animate project, FLV provides better integration than WMV.
Archival and Compatibility
Some video archives and content libraries were built around FLV. Converting new WMV content to FLV maintains format consistency across your collection.
Third-Party Players
VLC, PotPlayer, and other media players handle FLV files without any issues. If your target system supports FLV but struggles with WMV, this conversion solves the problem.
What About Quality?
Converting between lossy formats always involves some quality trade-off, but the difference is typically minimal for most use cases. In our testing with various WMV files:
- 720p video - Visual quality remained nearly identical after conversion
- 1080p video - Minor softening visible on close inspection, imperceptible at normal viewing distance
- Screen recordings - Text and UI elements stayed sharp and readable
- Presentations - Slides and graphics converted cleanly
For archival purposes where every bit of quality matters, consider keeping your original WMV files. For practical use where FLV is required, the conversion produces files that look great.
Better Alternatives for Modern Use
If you have flexibility in your target format, FLV might not be the best choice for new projects:
- WMV to MP4 - Universal compatibility, plays everywhere, best for sharing
- WMV to WebM - Open format, excellent for web embedding, HTML5 native
- WMV to MKV - Container format, preserves quality, good for archiving
Choose FLV only when you specifically need it for legacy systems. For everything else, MP4 or WebM are better options in 2025.
Batch Conversion
Have multiple WMV files to convert? Upload them all at once. Our converter processes multiple files simultaneously, saving you from repetitive one-by-one conversions. In our testing, batch conversion of 10 average-sized WMV files completed in under 2 minutes.
Browser-Based Conversion
Convert WMV to FLV directly in your browser without installing anything:
- Works on Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chromebook
- Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge all supported
- Mobile browsers work too - convert on iPhone, iPad, or Android
- No plugins or extensions required
Your files stay on your device during conversion. Nothing gets uploaded to external servers, which means faster processing and better privacy.
Understanding the Formats
About WMV
Windows Media Video (WMV) is Microsoft's proprietary video format, introduced in 1999. It uses the Advanced Systems Format (ASF) container and typically employs Windows Media Video 9 codec. WMV files play natively on Windows but require additional software on Mac and Linux.
About FLV
Flash Video (FLV) was developed by Macromedia (later acquired by Adobe) and became the dominant web video format from 2005 to 2015. Sites like YouTube, Hulu, and Vimeo originally used FLV before transitioning to HTML5 video. The format uses either Sorenson Spark or VP6 video codecs with MP3 or AAC audio.
While FLV files can no longer play directly in modern browsers, they remain useful for specific legacy applications and can be played using VLC or other third-party media players.