How to Convert FLV Files for Free
FLV used to be everywhere when it came to streaming or sharing videos online. But things change fast, and now, if you want your clips to play pretty much anywhere, you’ve got to convert FLV files into something like MP4, MOV, or AVI.
Here, you’ll find 3 different ways to transform FLV: some with downloadable software, others with online tools. I’ll walk you through each method, step by step, and break down what’s great (and not so good) about each option.
FLV video converters: summary table
| Converter | Output video formats | Output audio formats | Other settings |
|---|---|---|---|
| VLC Media Player |
MP4, Webm, TS, ASF, MOV, MKV, and AVI
|
OGG, MP3, FLAC, WAV, and CD
|
Customization options (manually adjust codecs, select RAW format, etc.)
|
| FreeConvert |
3GP, AVI, MKV, MOV, MP4, OGV, Webm, WMV
|
ACC, AIFF, ALAC, AMR, FLAC, M4A, MP3, OGG, WAV, and WMA
|
Device-specific video output formats (Android, iPad, iPhone, Kindle, Mobile, PSP, and Xbox)
|
| Zamzar (Desktop) |
3GP, 3G2, AVI, MOV, MP4, MPG, Webm, WMV, and GIF
|
AAC, AC3, FLAC, MP3, OGG, and WAV
|
Device-specific video output formats (iPhone, iPod, and iPad)
|
What is a FLV file
An FLV (that’s short for Flash Video File) is basically a container for digital footage. People used it a lot to stream clips online when Adobe Flash Player was everywhere - think YouTube, Hulu, all those big sites back in the day.
Format:
- Packs both video (H.263 or H.264) and audio (MP3 or AAC) together.
Advantages:
- Efficient Streaming. Built to make broadcasting smooth and fast.
- Wide Adoption. For a long time, just about every browser and platform played nicely with FLV.
Disadvantages:
- Decline in Use. Aren’t very common anymore since Flash faded out and HTML5 took over.
- Compatibility. These days, most devices won’t play FLV unless you go out of your way to install extra plugins or software.
Method 1. VLC Media Player
VLC Media Player is a reliable option for converting FLV to MP4 and other formats. The program is free to download, works on different operating systems, and has a user-friendly interface.
How to convert FLV videos with VLC Media Player
- Download VLC Media Player and install it on your computer. Launch the application.
- In the top menu, hit "File" and select "Convert / Stream".
- Employ the "Open Media" button to browse the FLV you want to convert.
- In the "Choose Profile" field, pick the output format from the dropdown list.
- Click "Save as File" and then "Browse..." to select the destination where you want to save the resulting file. Select the folder and enter the name. Hit "Save".
- Press "Save" again to begin the processing. The FLV converter will display the progress in the player's interface.
- Once finished, go to the folder you selected earlier to access your output.
Pros:
- Open-Source. VLC Media Player is free to download and utilize. It's also open-source free video converting software, which means it's continually updated and improved by a community of developers.
- Multi-Platform . The app is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and other OS, making it accessible to a wide audience.
- Versatility. VLC supports a broad spectrum of footage and audio (you can even convert FLV to MP3).
- User-Friendly Interface. The conversion process in VLC is relatively simple and suitable for beginners.
Cons:
- Speed. Depending on the size and your system specifications, VLC's conversion process might take longer compared to dedicated video converters.
- Limited Advanced Options. While VLC provides basic conversion adjustments, it lacks some advanced options for finer control over output settings.
Method 2. FreeConvert
FreeConvert is a convenient web service to convert FLV files. This online video converter is free and supports many output types.
How to convert FLV to another format with FreeConvert
- Open your web browser and go to FreeConvert.
- In the "Tools" menu, locate and select the "Video Converter" option. Alternatively, simply hit "Choose Files" on the main page and upload your FLV.
- Click the "Output" to bring up the dropdown menu and choose the desired extension. With the gear icon, adjust the advanced settings if needed.
- Hit "Convert" to process your clip. Download the result .
Pros:
- Free and Online. This is a web-based converter that's available at no cost.
- Simple Interface. The service offers a straightforward interface, making it easy for users of any background to work with the utility.
- Various File Formats Supported. The converter facilitates a vast array of options for conversion, including FLV to MP4, along with some advanced settings.
Cons:
- Internet Dependency. As an online tool, this FLV converter requires a stable internet connection for file upload, conversion, and download processes.
- Limitations Apply. Despite the name, the FreeConvert website only allows 25 free operations per day with 5-minute limits on the duration of each video.
- Distracting Ads. There are advertisements around the working area of the converter.
Method 3. Zamzar Video Converter
Zamzar is another online tool for converting FLV to MP4 and other formats. It also offers a convenient desktop app for Windows and macOS.
How to use Zamzar Video Converter
- Download the version of the program for your operating system.
- Complete the installation process. The converter will launch automatically. There will be instructions on how to convert files with this app.
- Go to your folders and locate the needed FLV. Right-click on it.
- In the drop-down menu, you will see the Zamzar icon and the "Convert to..." option. Select one of the output formats.
- The converted video will be saved in the same folder as the original FLV.
Pros:
- Has a Free Version. You can install and use the FLV converter for free.
- Other File Converters. Apart from video conversion, the app comes with an image converter, eBook converter, and more.
Cons:
- Limitations. There are only 25 free conversions with the unpaid version.
- Long processing. The conversion process takes significant time.
How to open FLV files
If you’ve run into FLV and aren’t sure how to play it, don’t worry - there are a bunch of ways to get the job done.
| Program | Description |
|---|---|
| Adobe Flash Player | FLV extension was made for this app. But since it is long gone, this isn’t a reliable choice anymore. |
| VLC Media Player | VLC is a lifesaver. It's compatible with almost any material. You can also utilize it to transcode FLVs into other formats. |
| Online Tools | There are lots of websites that enable you watch or convert FLV files directly in your browser. Jumpshare is one example, and FreeConvert is handy for changing FLVs to more common settings. |
| Media Players with Codec Support | Besides VLC, some applications can process FLV format if the appropriate encoders are installed. For example, Windows Media Player and QuickTime simply require a coding pack. |
| Extensions | Some browsers have integrations that make it possible to view FLV content without leaving your tab. Search the store for "FLV Player" add-ons. |
Heads up: What works best really depends on your device, OS, and which software versions you have. If you want the simplest route, just grab a good multimedia player (like VLC) that supports a bunch of types, including FLV.
So yeah - opening FLV files isn’t complicated once you’ve picked the right tool for your setup. Choose what fits, and you’re good to go.
FLV vs other video formats: table
| Feature | FLV | MP4 | AVI | MKV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| File Size | Generally compact | Small to medium | Larger than FLV and MP4 | Can be sizable |
| Quality | Moderate, lower compression | Excellent, well-balanced | High, potential for lossless | High, enables lossless |
| Compatibility | Limited, Flash-specific | Universally supported | Requires additional codecs | Broadly backed (via VLC) |
| Compression | Extensive, with reduced quality | Efficient, balanced | Low, high fidelity | Flexible, effective |
| Streaming | Suitable | Ideal | Not optimized | Fine |
| Usage | Primarily older web content | Standard extension for all uses | Typically raw footage | Versatile, high-quality media |
| Audio | Basic capabilities | Facilitates multiple formats | Limited file types | Extensive support |
FAQ
- Can I change the format of an FLV file to MP4?
- Absolutely! There are loads of free online converters that can do the job.
- Can I save an FLV without losing quality?
- You can maintain excellent clarity if you utilize robust, professional applications and adjust the settings accordingly. However, since FLV and MP4 use different codecs, you may notice minor changes, but nothing significant.
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of converting FLV files to MP4?
- The main benefit of switching to MP4 is that it gives your videos much more flexibility. MP4 works better almost everywhere—on phones, computers, etc. However, you might see a slight dip in clarity due to the way the two codecs handle footage, though it's usually barely noticeable.
- Do mobile devices support FLV files, and how can I play them on smartphones or tablets?
- Unfortunately, most gadgets don’t play FLV straight out of the box. Luckily, you can get around that by downloading a media player from the app store.
Conclusion
So, turning FLVs into other formats isn’t hard at all. You’ve got plenty of ways to do it - online video file converters, special software, even some media players will handle it for you.
With all these options, moving your clips from FLV to something else is pretty smooth. That means you can watch your content wherever you want, on any device.
Content Managing Editor at PDF Candy
