How To Convert A Screen Recording To MP4

Screen recordings are useless if you can’t upload them to where you need them to be seen.

If you’re using a screen recorder that records to a format other than MP4, it’s time-consuming (and annoying) when you have to find a converter, upload your video, and wait for the online tool to do its magic.

In this article, learn how to convert a screen recording to MP4—or skip past that section and find out how to create screen recordings that are MP4 by default.

Why MP4 in the first place?

Remember MP3 players? MP3 quickly became the de-facto standard for music uploads and most audio files you come across online.

MP4 is the video version of MP3. Recognised as the most suitable video file type for broadcasting, streaming, and editing, its quality, native support, and integration, make it the most common file type supported by video players.

Trying to upload in any other format really is a pain.

While every platform you wish to upload on has its own requirements for file size, using the MP4 format sets you up for the fastest route to upload.

MP4 is used on the following platforms:

• YouTube

• Vimeo

• Dailymotion

• Instagram

• TikTok

• LinkedIn

• Twitter

• Facebook

MP4 is supported on the following devices:

• Smart TVs (Sony, Samsung, Panasonic, LG, and TCL confirmed)

• Apple TV

• Apple phones and tablets

• Android phones and tablets

• Xbox 360 and One

• Playstation 4 and 5

• Windows PCs and laptops (Windows 7 onwards)

That said, there are still some video and screen recorders that create your recording in the MOV format. Proprietary to Apple devices, MOV is also supported by some online video platforms—but not all.

And, if you plan on sending your screen recording to someone without an Apple device, you or they will need to convert it to MP4 before watching it.

How do I convert a screen recording to MP4?

If you’ve done this before, you’re probably familiar with this sight:

If you never want to do this again, scroll down to the final section where we introduce a screen recorder that automatically records in MP4.

To convert an existing screen recording to MP4, use the following instructions. This method works for both Windows and Mac.

Open your web browser and go to MOVAVI and click on the Add Your Media button on the right-hand side.

Select the screen recording you need to convert to MP4.

Your video file will appear on the Added files screen. Note, you can only convert one file at a time.

By default, MP4 will be selected as the conversion type. It won’t hurt to check you haven’t accidentally clicked on something else here.

Now, click convert!

When ready, the Convert button will change to Download.

Click download and find your MP4 screen recording in your Downloads folder/tray.

You can now upload your screen recording to your favourite platform or send it to a friend/colleague to watch.

Also note the option to download the desktop app. 

This will save you scrambling around for the reliable MP4 converter you previously used. You can also use the desktop app for editing functions like trimming, compressing, and adding visual effects.

You can download this free for 7 days on both Windows and Mac. After your 7-day trial, there’s a one-off cost of £51.95 for lifetime access (or £9.95 per month).

Secret tip: if you go to uninstall the desktop app, you’ll unlock 20% off the lifetime license 😉

You may also like: What Screen Recorders Do YouTubers Use?

How do I convert videos to MP4 for free?

If you want to convert videos to MP4 for free, either use MOVAVI in a browser or the 7-day free trial of the desktop app.

You could also remove the video conversion step completely by recording in MP4 in the first place.

Next time you have a video to record, head to tella.tv and record your video here.