FLV (Flash Video) is a container audiovisual format that is used to carry digital video data over the internet with the help of the Adobe Flash Player plugin. FLV files work best on web pages and internet video sharing sites like YouTube compared to the MP4 format. Also, FLV files utilize a similar format like SWF to store both video and audio data.
Therefore, if you have MP4 files that you need to share for streaming on the web, converting to FLV is highly recommended, and here is a list of the best ways to convert MP4 to FLV.
The best way to convert MP4 to FLV on Windows
# TalkHelper Video Converter (Recommended)
TalkHelper Video Converter is the best MP4 to FLV converter software that helps you to convert between popular video and audio formats like MP4, MKV, MPEG, AVI, MOV, WMV, MP3, among others.
It boasts customizable built-in MP4 to FLV conversion presets, batch processing, full-range device compatibility, superior audio/video codecs, and adjustable FLV output quality levels (low, medium, high, or very high). Also, expect high-efficiency levels thanks to the use of top-notch conversion algorithms.
Steps to Convert MP4 to FLV Using TalkHelper Video Converter:
Step 1: Download and set up TalkHelper Video Converter. Click “Add Media” followed by “Add Video File…” to browse and open the source MP4 video.
Step 2: At the bottom part of the interface, pick the “Video” tab, scroll till you get to the “FLV (Flash Video)” format, and choose your preferred sub-format from the expanded menu.
Step 3: Click on the “More parameters” options, adjust the saving directory, quality level, click “OK” to save, and finally hit the “Start Convert” button to complete the MP4 to FLV conversion task.
How to convert MP4 to FLV with freeware
# VLC Media Player
VLC Media Player goes beyond just being a fully-fledged media player to also offer MP4 to FLV conversion options. It supports almost every codec including MPEG-2, MPEG-4, H.264, MKV, WebM, WMV, MP3, and more. VLC is capable of fast hardware decoding to deliver FLV files quickly besides advanced control options to ensure video and subtitle synchrony, audio/video filters, and rich video to flash converter profiles.
Limitations:
- No batch processing
- No video editing options
Steps to Change MP4 to FLV Using VLC Media Player:
Step 1: Launch VLC Media Player, head over to the “Media” menu, and click on “Convert/Save…”
Step 2: From the “File” section tab, click on “Add…” to import an MP4 file, expand the “Convert/Save” drop-down menu and select the “Convert Alt+O” option.
Step 3: VLC does not have a preset MP4 to FLV profile so create one using the “Create a new profile” but and give it a suitable name.
Step 4: Choose a saving directory, an appropriate filename with the “.flv” extension, and then click on “Start” to convert your MP4 file to FLV format.
# HandBrake
HandBrake is a free and open-source MP4 to FLV converter that works across Windows, Linux, and Mac platforms. It is mostly used for post-production tasks and can tailor the output to suit specific devices, web browsers, among others, through the use of presets. Apart from native formats, you can also convert MP4 files from DVD and Blu-ray sources as long as they are not copy-protected. Also, all popular video and audio codecs are supported.
Limitations:
- Does not circumvent copy-protection
- Cannot join multiple MP4 files
- A bit slow
Steps to Turn MP4 into FLV Using HandBrake:
Step 1: Start HandBrake and add the MP4 file to convert into FLV.
Step 2: Pick your preferred conversion profile and tweak the advanced options if necessary
Step 3: Change the saving filename (with .flv extension) and directory before clicking on the “Start Encode” button at the top part of the interface.
# FFmpeg
FFmpeg is a free and open-source suite of libraries/programs that help to convert MP4 to FLV, among other formats. This video to flash converter mainly operates from the command line to realize very efficient tasks. With it, you can perform video transcoding, besides applying simple video editing (joining, trimming, scaling), adding effects, and more. Also, FFmpeg offers a built-in video player to help preview the MP4 and FLV files.
Limitations:
- No graphical user interface
- Not beginner-friendly
Steps to Convert MP4 Format into FLV Using FFmpeg:
Step 1: Download and extract the FFmpeg executables
Step 2: Copy the MP4 file into the FFmpeg folder
Step 3: Open a command line in the folder containing the executables, type the command below, and hit the “Enter” key. (This example is done on Windows)
.\ffmpeg.exe -i input.mp4 output.flv
Find the converted FLV file in the same directory as the source MP4 file once the command is complete.
How to convert MP4 to FLV online
# CloudConvert
CloudConvert is a feature-rich online video to flash converter tool that supports all platforms. With it, you can convert single or multiple MP4 files using the batch convert feature when the need arises. This MP4 to FLV converter also gives you total control over the output FLV file with the option to tweak video/audio codec, resolution, quality, file size, trim, and more.
Steps to Convert MP4 to FLV Using CloudConvert:
Step 1: Navigate to https://cloudconvert.com/mp4-to-flv on your preferred web browser.
Step 2: Select the MP4 file to convert from your local storage, direct URL, Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive.
Step 3: Tweak extra output options using the spanner-like icon and then click on the “Convert” button to turn MP4 to FLV.
MP4 vs. FLV
While both MP4 and FLV contain video codecs, audio codecs, and other data, here is a more comprehensive comparison between the two video formats.
| Comparison parameter | MP4 | FLV |
| File extension | .mp4 | .flv |
| Developed by | Moving Picture Experts Group | Adobe Systems |
| Video codecs | H.263, H.264,H.265, MPEG-4, MPEG-2, VC-1, Dirac, and more | H.264, MPEG-4 ASP, ITU H.263 |
| Audio codecs | MP3, AC-3, AAC, ALS, Apple Lossless, SLS, and more | MP3, AAC |
| Device and OS compatibility | Compatibility spans across almost all devices and operating systems | Compatible with devices and OS’s that support Flash format |
Unfortunately, Adobe Media Encoder only supports the MP4 format and no longer supports the FLV format. As such, converting from MP4 to FLV or FLV to MP4 cannot be done on the Adobe Media Encoder.
Here are the top 6 MP4 to FLV Converters:
You can grab TalkHelper Video Converter as your go-to MP4 to FLV conversion software and follow the step-by-step guide below.
- Download, install and launch TalkHelper Video Converter.
- Click on “Add Media” to locate and import the MP4 file.
- Navigate to the “Video” tab at the bottom part of the interface.
- Scroll through the formats, select FLV (Flash Video), and your preferred resolution.
- Click “Start Convert” to convert MP4 to FLV.
To save a video file as FLV, you need a converter or encoder program like TalkHelper Video Converter. Using the conversion program, simply import a source video file, pick a preset of choice (tweak the settings if necessary), and then save/export as FLV.
