How do I Convert MOV to FLV?

The digital file format MOV (.mov) was developed by Apple® and is widely used by digital cameras as well as in the software program QuickTime®. The container-like structure of MOV is special and sets it apart from other media formats, while allowing it to both hold disparate contents — such as audio, video, text, images, and sprites — on distinct tracks as well as being capable of supporting Internet streaming video. The video file extension FLV belongs to Adobe® Flash® video and is widely used for playback of movies on websites and blogs. People may wish to convert MOV to FLV as a step in making their videos available online, as well as for other reasons.

There are several approaches you can take to convert MOV to FLV, which, due to the prevalence of the use of Flash® video on YouTube®, may be referred to as a “YouTube® Converter.” First, you could consider using a free online service, though if you do so, you should begin by reading the terms of service and considering the consequences should your video be made public. Downloading freeware from a trusted site is still free, and while you have to install a program on your computer, a thorough check of the site first can help. One way to circumvent problems is download the free trial of a paid program, but if you do this, be sure to consider the limitation that may be imposed on the trial version. You can also convert MOV to FLV with purchased software, and if this is something you do often, you may want the updates and support that usually accompanies a paid product and not a free one.

After you have determined and launched the software you have chosen, the steps to convert MOV to FLV will be fairly straightforward and pretty similar. First, you will either drag and drop the file you want to convert on the program interface or browse to the file in the way standard to your operating system. Note that some programs are able to undertake batch conversion. Upon opening the file, either the program will identify it, or you will select the file type as MOV. Second, you will choose your output options. Since many programs that convert MOV to FLV also convert other file types, there may be many choices of export file type.

There are a number of export decisions you can make besides choosing the file type. You can name the file and designate its output location, as well as make choices about the video and audio settings of the exported file. The video setting choices include the frame rate, mode, and resolution. Audio setting choices include bitrate, sample rate, bits/sample, and channel.