Recording the screen on your computer or smartphone is not very complicated, and there is no shortage of tools that let you complete this action. Most of these tools also support recording audio and including your webcam feed, which means the videos made with them can look gorgeous and fulfill many different purposes, from showcasing your gaming accomplishments to serving as software tutorials.
On the other hand, there is the small but crucial matter of compatibility to consider. Screen recordings can created be in many file formats, including AVI, GIF, MOV, and many others. While each format has its own advantages, none is more broadly accepted as the most optimal than MP4. This is why conversion to MP4 is sometimes a necessary step in the video creation process, as you want to make sure your video can be viewed by the largest audience possible.
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For the past 20 years, MP4 has been one of the most widely used file formats for saving digital audio and video, and with good reason. The full name of the format is actually MPEG-4 Part 14, and it can be recognized by the characteristic file extension .mp4. Compared to other digital video formats, MP4 offers several distinct advantages that lead to its widespread adoption and a well-earned reputation as a reliable technology.
Most importantly, MP4 offers an excellent ratio between media quality and file size, allowing content creators to use high-resolution recordings without making the final file too unwieldy. It also allows for video streaming in addition to normal offline playback, which makes it perfectly suited for the modern ultra-connected environment. Nearly all video and audio playback apps can recognize MP4 along with some physical media players, so this format is the safest when you are unsure how the file will be opened. All of these properties contribute to the uninterrupted dominance of MP4 as the go-to format for screen recordings and other multimedia content.
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Some users fail to appreciate the impact of having the recording in the most appropriate format and don’t bother to convert their files. This attitude can severely limit the appeal of the video and prevent it from gaining a larger audience or making the intended impression. Converting finished screen recordings into MP4 should be standard action in all cases where broad compatibility and good size-to-quality ratio are the chief priorities.
Video conversion is especially important when videos are posted online, as they are likely to be opened on different devices with variable broadband speeds. It’s no accident that a vast majority of leading content creators and video advertisers prefer MP4 to any other format – it allows them to reach larger audiences while avoiding any technical problems. Since conversion to MP4 takes only a few moments and can be performed by people with basic technology skills, there are no obstacles to wider adoption of this tried-and-true digital content format.
If you have never converted video files into a new format, this procedure can seem complex and confusing. In reality, conversion is nearly completely automated and you just need to enter your preferences and hit the right button. The key is to choose a great converter software that gives you plenty of options and supports the MP4 format while also having an intuitive interface. We will present you with a couple of good options and instruct you on how to use these tools to transfer your recordings to your preferred format.
Clippa is a user-friendly, free online video editor that allows you to edit videos and export the final result without any watermarks. You have the option to upload existing videos, record new ones, or choose from a stock video library to edit. What’s more, it also allows you to convert screen recordings to MP4 files easily.
Key Features:
Follow the steps below to convert your screen recordings to MP4 files:
Step 1. Go to the Clippa video editor website in your browser > Upload your screen recording to Clippa. You can edit your screen recording.
Step 2. When the video editing is completed, please click the “Export” button and select the “MP4” format. Then, you can download the MP4 file to your computer.
This app is a part of the well-known Adobe visual package and it represents one of the most reliable options for video conversion. With Adobe Express you can effortlessly transfer your recording from its native format to MP4 without any need for technical skills or expensive tools. Just access this free online software and complete the following actions:
Step 1. Go to the Adobe Express website and sign in with your credentials
Step 2. Upload a video in any format that is not longer than 60 minutes
Step 3. Click on Convert to MP4 and wait for the platform to execute the conversion
Step 4. Download the video back to your computer and save it to the hard disc
Gemoo Recorder is a simple but effective video capturing and processing suite that can be used by virtually anyone and is compatible with both major OS platforms. As a comprehensive screen recording tool, it offers simultaneous recording of screen and sound, customizable recording area selection, and a range of video editing features. It enables users to create captivating videos using a single tool. Additionally, Gemoo Recorder is compatible with Windows 10, 8, and low-end PCs.
Step 1. Free download Gemoo Recorder and install it on your computer. Start Gemoo Recorder on your computer and sign into your account. Select the Screen Only mode.
Step 2. Once the three-second countdown is complete, the screen recording will begin.
Step 3. When you are done with the recording, you can click on the red ‘Stop’ button located in the left menu or use the ‘Finish Recording’ button to conclude the screen recording process.
Should I expect a loss of video and audio quality when I convert my video to MP4?
One of the main reasons for the enduring popularity of MP4 is that losses of quality during the conversion process are minimal. When the compression rate is reasonable, MP4 will retain practically identical levels of quality from the original recording, but after a certain point loss becomes inevitable.
Is MP4 a good format to use for screen recordings from video games?
MP4 is highly suitable for dynamic video content such as gaming recordings and is frequently used when posting or streaming such videos online. Gamers love this format since it allows them to upload their clips quickly while guaranteeing broad compatibility and accessibility.
Which other popular video formats can be used as alternatives to MP4?
There are plenty of other formats that are commonly used to save screen recordings. If you are not satisfied with what MP4 can offer, you might prefer to use MKV, AVI, or MOV format. However, you will need specialized conversion tools if your default screen recorder doesn’t support these extensions.
Anyone with lots of experience in multimedia production will attest to the advantages of the MP4 format, which is why it’s prudent to learn how to convert screen recordings to MP4. Capable converter apps are not hard to find on the web, and most of them are free to use and easy to learn. That’s why you should make it a standard practice to convert your videos before you share them online or present them to offline viewers. What are your experiences with the best video formats and which MP4 converter would you recommend? Tell us all about it in the comment section.