Video Converter Online: What Features to Look For
An online video converter lets you change a video from one format to another without installing software. The most common need is converting MOV (iPhone), AVI, or WebM files to MP4 — the universal format that plays on every device and is accepted by every social media platform. This guide covers supported formats, quality settings, and when to use each.
Supported Input and Output Formats
iFormat's video converter accepts the most common video formats:
Input: MP4, MOV, AVI, WebM, MKV, FLV, WMV, M4V, 3GP, OGV
Output: MP4, MOV, AVI, WebM, MKV, and audio extraction to MP3
MP4 (H.264) is the recommended output for almost all uses — it's compatible with iPhones, Android, Windows, Mac, TVs, and every social media platform.
How to Convert a Video Online
Step 1: Go to iFormat.io Video Converter.
Step 2: Upload your video file (up to 500MB).
Step 3: Select the output format.
Step 4: Click Convert and download when ready.
Common Conversion Use Cases
MOV to MP4: iPhone videos are saved as MOV (or HEVC). Converting to MP4 makes them compatible with Android, Windows, and web uploads.
AVI to MP4: AVI is an older Windows format. MP4 is smaller and more compatible for modern uses.
WebM to MP4: Chrome screen recordings and web-downloaded videos are often WebM. MP4 works everywhere WebM doesn't.
MKV to MP4: MKV is popular for high-quality video but many devices and apps don't support it natively. MP4 is universally compatible.
Quality and File Size
Video conversion re-encodes the file, which involves some quality trade-off. At standard settings, the difference is not visible. The output uses H.264 encoding at a bitrate appropriate for the input resolution — the video will look correct on any screen.
If file size matters, the video compressor gives you direct control over quality (CRF) and resolution (1080p/720p/480p), which are the two biggest levers for reducing video file size.
Format Quick Reference
MP4 (H.264): Best for sharing, social media, editing — universally compatible
MOV: Best for Apple ecosystem (Final Cut Pro, iMovie)
WebM: Best for web embedding in HTML5 players
MKV: Best for archiving high-quality video with multiple subtitles
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the converter work on iPhone or Android?
Yes — the converter runs in any mobile browser. On iPhone use Safari; on Android use Chrome. Tap Choose File to select from your camera roll or Files app.
Is there a file size limit?
The online converter accepts files up to 500MB. For larger files, consider compressing the video first or using a desktop tool like HandBrake (free).
Which Video Format Should You Convert To?
The answer depends on where the video needs to play:
MP4 (H.264): Best for everything. Plays on iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, smart TVs, WhatsApp, and every social platform. If you're not sure, convert to MP4.
MOV: Apple's format. Best for editing in iMovie or Final Cut Pro. Larger files than MP4. Not ideal for sharing — convert MOV to MP4 before sending.
WebM: Best for websites. Smaller than MP4 at the same quality. Doesn't play on iPhone natively. Good for embedding in Chrome/Firefox.
MKV: Best for high-quality archives with multiple subtitle and audio tracks. Not supported by most phones or social platforms without conversion.
AVI: Old Windows format. Avoid for new content — use MP4 instead. Some older editing workflows still produce AVI; convert to MP4 before sharing.
How to Convert Video Without Losing Quality
Video conversion always involves some re-encoding, which means some quality loss. To minimize this:
1. Start from the highest quality source available. Converting an already-compressed 360p video to 1080p does not increase quality — it just makes the file larger.
2. Choose a high bitrate setting. Higher bitrate = better quality, larger file.
3. Match the output resolution to your source. If the original is 720p, set output to 720p, not 1080p.
4. For important conversions, compare the output at 100% zoom before deleting the source.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won't my video play on WhatsApp after conversion?
WhatsApp accepts MP4 (H.264 video, AAC audio) under 16MB. If your converted MP4 is too large, compress it before sending. WhatsApp also recompresses video on its own when you send it, which reduces quality further — starting with a smaller, well-compressed file gives better results.
Can I convert video to audio (extract MP3)?
Yes. Most video converters can extract the audio track from a video and save it as MP3, AAC, or WAV. Use the MP4 to MP3 converter to extract audio from MP4, MOV, AVI, or WebM files.
How do I reduce video file size before converting?
Reduce the output resolution (e.g., from 1080p to 720p), lower the bitrate setting, or trim the video to remove unnecessary sections before converting. A 1-minute clip at 720p is typically 5–15MB as MP4 — a 10-minute video at 1080p can be 300–500MB. If you're sharing via WhatsApp or email, 720p is usually sufficient and keeps the file under size limits.
