VLC not Converting to MP4 Issue: Reasons and Fixations to Learn

There is no doubt that VLC can play various video types, including MP4. Besides playing on the media, many people rely on VLC to convert videos quickly into different formats. However, while it is handy for such tasks, VLC is primarily a media player rather than a dedicated video converter. But there is a circulating question about why VLC only converts a part of a video, or VLC not converting to MP4 at all. To address this issue, we have decided to write this write-up. Thus, let us all learn the reasons for and fixations for this conversion issue of VLC.

Part 1. Reasons Why VLC Media Player Not Converting Videos to MP4

In actuality, there are various reasons why your VLC Player cannot convert video to MP4. However, we have come up with a giving you the three most common reasons that you probably experienced up to this writing.

Video Codecs are Not Supported

Your media player might fail to convert a video if it contains codecs that it doesn't support, such as the codecs in your iPhone videos, which are unsupported MP4.

The Video File is Corrupted

You might have a conversion failure due to a corrupted or damaged video file. It would help if you try playing the video in VLC to see if it plays correctly. Otherwise, get another video file from your iPhone.

VLC has Incorrect MP4 Output Settings

Did you know that VLC allows you to customize various output settings when converting videos to MP4? These customizations such as video codec, bitrate, resolution, etc. This means incorrect settings, such as incompatible video codec or bitrate, can cause conversion failures. There is also a case when MP4 has not yet been added to the output settings, which is why users thought that this format was not included in the list of VLC’s supported ones. That said, as a user, you must know the process of adding formats in the output or profile settings.

Part 2. Fixations to the Video Conversion Issue of VLC

With the common issues given above, here are the fixations that you can follow.

• For the unsupported codecs, you may first check the codecs used in the original video file by right-clicking on the file. Then, navigate to the Properties or Get Info and look for the codec information. Compare the file’s codec with the supported codecs list of VLC. You can find the list of details by going to Media>Convert/Save>Profile>Video Codec> Codec. If the original video uses unsupported codecs, then the least you can do is consider converting the video first to a format supported by VLC. On the other hand, you can try installing codec packs or using other software that supports those codecs.

• For the corrupted file, verify if it is indeed corrupted by playing it on your media player. The file might be corrupted if it shows errors or doesn't play properly during playback. Now, you must repair the video file using VLC or third-party video repair tools. Yes, VLC has a built-in feature to repair damaged or incomplete video files. You can find it when you go to Tools>Preferences>Input/Codecs>Always fix in the Damaged or incomplete AVI file option. If repairing the file doesn't work, consider redownloading the video.

• Perhaps VLC is not converting to MP4 because of the incorrect or missing MP4 setting. Yes, oftentimes, most of the output formats are missing in VLC. Thus, here is how you fix this: open the media player and go to Media>Convert / Save. In the next window, click on the Add button, select the video file you want to convert, and then click on the Convert / Save button. Now, go to the Profile dropdown menu and choose Video - H.264 + MP3 (MP4). Now, click on the button next to the dropdown menu and adjust the settings to ensure compatibility with the MP4 format. Set the Video codec to H-264, the Audio codec to AAC, and the Bitrate to the Suitable bitrate for your needs, and keep the original for the resolution.

Part 3. Alternative Way to Convert Files to MP4

If you have already been frustrated about the performance of VLC in converting your files to MP4, then we have the best alternative for you to use. Introducing our highly recommended Video Converter Ultimate, the handy tool for converting videos and audio quickly. This software converts up to 120 times faster due to its advanced Ultrafast technology. Furthermore, it supports over 1000 formats and devices like MP4, MOV, FLV, MKV, AVI, and various others, including iPhones and Samsung devices. You can even convert multiple video and audio files simultaneously without compromising their quality.

What makes you surely love it is that, besides converting, it also offers basic editing features and lets you create cool collages by combining videos and photos into one screen using over 40 templates. You can also add background music filters to your converted outputs easily! Overall, it's a versatile tool for both conversion and creative editing tasks without requiring you to set technical settings just to produce your desired output. FVC Video Converter Ultimate allows you to convert on a Mac or Windows computer. In the meantime, this will enable us to provide you with the step-by-step procedures using a desktop device.

Step 1. Start by downloading FVC-picked Video Converter Ultimate for either Windows or macOS. Use the download buttons shown below. Once the download is complete, install the software on your computer following the on-screen instructions.

Step 2. After installing the program, open it. Now, upload the videos you want to convert by clicking the Add Files or the Plus button at the center of the interface.

Step 3. Next, locate the Output Format option, usually represented by an inverted triangle at the tail part of each file. After clicking the triangle, a menu will appear. Now, navigate to the Video section and choose MP4 as your output format.

Step 4. After setting the right format, it’s time to click the Convert All button. This will immediately start the ultrafast conversion process.

Part 4. FAQs about VLC and MP4 Conversion

Conclusion

Since VLC doesn’t specialize in video conversion, you may probably really experience the issue of VLC not converting to MP4. Thankfully, fixations are available to solve the common problem that hinders you from doing the conversion in VLC.