M4V is a video container format by Apple that has great similarity to the MP4 format. The major difference though is that M4V files present the option to use DRM protection which consequently prevents unauthorized content reproduction. In addition, M4V videos are well-supported on the Apple platform (like iTunes video) more than the MP4 format.
This article seeks to teach you the various ways to convert MP4 to M4V using some of the industry’s leading video converter software. Let’s dig in!
How to Convert MP4 to M4V on Windows & Mac
1. TalkHelper Video Converter (Recommended)
TalkHelper Video Converter comes to the best MP4 to M4V converter that guarantees both exemplary results and speedy conversions. It features specialized presets that help to output compatible iTunes m4V files without the need to tinker with lots of options.
That is in addition to supporting other file formats like Apple’s MOV, MPEG, MKV, AVI, MP3, and more. It’s also prudent to mention the top-tier algorithms that this M4V converter puts to use deliver crisp results so that you have a wholesome media experience on Apple devices, iTunes, among others.
Steps to Convert MP4 to M4V Using TalkHelper Video Converter:
Step 1: Choose an MP4 video file to transform into M4V. Expand the “Add Media” menu and then click on the “Add Video File…” option.
In the resulting window, head over to the source directory, select the MP4 file and open it.
Step 2: Set M4V as the target format. At the bottom part of the TalkHelper Video Converter interface, navigate to the “Video” tab, scroll through the formats till you get to “M4V”, click on the format and select the only format shown in the expanded menu.
Step 3: Adjust extra parameters and convert. (optional)
2. HandBrake
HandBrake is another MP4 to M4V converter that provides a ton of customizable presets to choose from. Specifically, you can natively convert MP4 files into the M4V equivalent or tailor the output to specific devices like Apple iPhones.
This encoder goes even further to provide some video editing options that allow you to refine the output even more. For instance, you get to adjust the video dimension, apply filters, and have a live preview of how the iTunes video will look like before conversion.
Even better, his program is free, open-source, and therefore fits as one of the best ways of converting MP4 to M4V, no matter the level of one’s experience. A special feature here is that you can queue conversions and therefore rid yourself of the need to process one file after another.
Steps to Change MP4 to M4V Format Using Handbrake:
Step 1: Add an MP4 file to convert. From the “Source Selection” side panel, click on the “File” option to open the File Explorer window. Navigate to the MP4 file directory, select the file to convert, and hit the “Open” button.
Step 2: Pick a preferred conversion preset and tweak it. Head over to the “Preset:” section, choose a preset depending on how you want the output to be, and tweak it even further using the tabbed options as indicated.
Step 3: Save as M4V and convert. Select “MP4” under the “Format:” section, configure the output directory and filename using the “Browse” button (remember to use .m4v as the suffix), and then hit the “Start Encode” option.
3. VLC Media Player
VLC Media Player is a popular, free, open-source, and multiplatform media player program that also boasts conversion options. Even while the features are not much compared to fully-fledged M4V converters, VLC still manages to provide built-in presets for you to choose from and save both time and effort.
In fact, there is almost no codec that this tool does not support. And this translates to a flawless MP4 to iTunes M4V conversion process. When the need arises, take advantage of the batch conversion option. To your satisfaction, VLC delivers high-quality results with an option to show the output live as the process continues. This way you can always monitor the conversion process and make adjustments where necessary.
Steps to turn MP4 into M4V for Free with VLC Media Player:
Step 1: Launch the conversion window. From the VLC Media Player main window, click on the “Media” menu, and from the expanded options, select the “Convert/Save…” option.
Step 2: Import an MP4 file to convert. From the “Open Media” window, head over to the “File” tab, hit the “Add..” button, click on the “Convert/Save” button to proceed.
Step 3: Set M4V as the conversion profile. Simply expand the “Profile” drop-down menu and pick one the has M4V as the target format.
Step 4: Choose a saving directory and convert. Click on the “Browse” button to configure where to save the output M4V file and remember to set (.m4v) as the suffix in the filename. Finally, hit the “Start” button to convert.
4. TunesKit M4V Converter
TunesKit M4V Converter is an all-around software that not only converts MP4s into M4V but also manages to convert other iTunes M4V files into the other formats (MOV, M4V, MPG, AVI, FLV, MP3, etc) that open up the content to an even wider audience.
TunesKit also brings you a convenient way of transferring the output to supported devices and therefore helping a lot in proper file management. Amazingly, this software integrates iTunes that comes in handy in album organization.
Steps to turn a MP4 file into M4V Using TunesKit M4V Converter:
Step 1: Add an MP4 file for conversion. To do this, click on the “Add Files” button to launch the “Open” interface. Using it, head over to the folder containing the MP4 file, select the specific file and then hit the “Open” button.
Step 2: Configure M4V as the output format. Click on the “Format:” options to open the “Format Setting” pop-up window. Navigate to the “General Video” tab, choose “M4V” from the listed formats, and next to the format icon, click on the settings button.
Step 3: Edit the video and convert.
Conclusion
In this article, we have covered the best ways to convert MP4 to M4V coupled with the very best software fit for the job. The step-by-step guides have been greatly simplified to give you heaven of a time whenever you need to convert MP4 files into M4V. Whether you want to prepare your MP4 files for DRM protections or make MP4 content play much better on Apple devices, the various tutorials covered here have got you covered.
