Facebook is one of the most popular social media platforms, with billions of users worldwide. Many people use Facebook to share videos with friends, family, and their wider social circles. However, Facebook videos use the .flv file format, which isn’t compatible with many media players and devices. Converting Facebook videos to the more universal MP4 format makes it easier to download, edit, and share them offline. Here’s a quick overview of how to convert Facebook videos to MP4 using free online converters or desktop software.
Benefits of Converting Facebook Videos to MP4
There are several advantages to converting your Facebook videos to MP4 format:
- MP4 is compatible with more devices and software. MP4 will play on smartphones, tablets, computers, TVs, DVD players, and more.
- MP4 files are smaller and more compressed. This makes them faster to download and share.
- You can edit MP4 files using common video editing software.
- Converting to MP4 lets you download and save Facebook videos to watch offline.
- MP4 is a standardized format that will remain usable in the future.
In summary, converting Facebook vids to MP4 makes them more versatile and future-proof. The MP4 format is a digital container that can store both video and audio data compressed using modern codecs. This allows high quality video to be shared in a relatively small file size.
Free Online Converters
The easiest way to convert Facebook videos to MP4 is using a free online converter tool. Here are some of the best options:
ClipConverter.cc
ClipConverter is one of the most popular free online video converters available. To use it:
- Go to https://www.clipconverter.cc.
- Paste the Facebook video URL into the input box.
- Click the “Continue” button.
- Select MP4 as the output format.
- Click the “Convert Video!” button.
- When finished, download the MP4 video file to your computer.
ClipConverter supports many video sites besides Facebook, is very fast, and does not require registration. However, there are daily conversion limits without logging in.
OnlineVideoConverter.com
OnlineVideoConverter has a simple interface and converts audio, video, and even image files. To use:
- Go to https://www.onlinevideoconverter.com/video-converter.
- Paste the Facebook video URL and click “Convert file”.
- Choose MP4 as the output format.
- Click “Convert file” to start conversion.
- When complete, download the MP4 video.
This tool is easy to use but has file size limits for anonymous users. Creating a free account allows converting longer videos. It also provides options to compress MP4s for smaller files.
OnlineConvertFree
OnlineConvertFree is another excellent online video converter with support for more than 200 different file formats. To convert Facebook videos:
- Go to https://onlineconvertfree.com.
- Select “Convert Video” under the Video Converter heading.
- Paste the Facebook video URL and choose MP4 as the output format.
- Click “Start Conversion” to convert the video.
- Download the MP4 when finished.
OnlineConvertFree allows unlimited conversions and has no required registration. But an account unlocks additional features like faster conversion speed.
Other Online Converters
There are many other free online tools for converting Facebook videos to MP4. Some other good options include:
- Convertio
- FileZigZag
- Online Converter
- VideoToolbox
- VideoConvert.com
The process is similar for most online video converters. Just paste the Facebook video URL, choose MP4 as the output, and convert. Look for converters with no limits, fast speeds, and simple interfaces.
Desktop Software for Converting Facebook Videos
Using desktop video converter software is another way to change Facebook videos into the MP4 format. Here are some of the top choices:
HandBrake
HandBrake is an open source, cross-platform video converter available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. To use it for Facebook videos:
- Install HandBrake from https://handbrake.fr.
- Open the program and click “File” then “Open Source”. Select the downloaded Facebook MP4 video.
- Click the “Browse” button to choose where to save the converted MP4. Then select MP4 as the output format.
- Click “Start” to convert the video. It will be saved in the chosen output location.
HandBrake provides fine-tuned control over video compression settings. But the interface is less intuitive than some paid software.
WinX HD Video Converter
WinX HD Video Converter has a straightforward interface for converting video on Windows PCs. To convert Facebook videos:
- Download and install WinX HD Video Converter.
- Run the program, click “Add Video(s)” and find the Facebook MP4 video file.
- Click the “MP4 Video” profile under “Common Video”.
- Click “Run” to start conversion. The MP4 will save to the same folder.
This software makes converting Facebook and other videos easy. But upgrading from the free version unlocks faster speeds and higher output quality.
Wondershare UniConverter
Wondershare UniConverter (originally Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate) is a popular paid tool for Windows and Mac. To use it:
- Install and launch Wondershare UniConverter.
- Click the + button or “Add Files” to add the Facebook video.
- Select MP4 as the output format from the dropdown menu.
- Choose a save folder and hit “Convert All” to convert.
Wondershare provides many advanced settings for control over the MP4 conversion process. But it does cost money to purchase.
Other Desktop Converter Apps
Some other good desktop programs for converting Facebook videos to MP4 include:
- Any Video Converter
- Freemake Video Converter
- Xilisoft Video Converter
- Aimersoft Video Converter
- Aconvert Video Converter
Look for converters optimized for speed, format support, and usability. Make sure to download from trusted sources, as some free converters bundle extra software during installation.
How to Download Facebook Videos
To convert Facebook videos, you first need to download them. Here are a few ways to save Facebook videos:
- Right click the video and choose “Save Video As”. (This option may be hidden)
- Use an online Facebook downloader tool or browser extension.
- Copy the video URL and paste it into an online video downloader.
- Use desktop Facebook downloader software like 4K Video Downloader.
Saving the video lets you then add it to one of the converter tools above. Make sure to only download videos you have permission or rights to use.
Choosing the Best MP4 Conversion Settings
When converting Facebook videos to MP4, you can tweak these settings for the best quality and file size:
- Video Codec – H.264 is the most common and compatible codec.
- Resolution – Retain the original video resolution if possible.
- Framerate – Keep the source framerate the same.
- Bitrate – Higher is better quality. YouTube recommends 8,000-12,000 kbps.
- Audio Codec – AAC is standard for MP4. Bitrate of 192+ kbps is recommended.
The “High”, “HD”, or “720p” presets in most converters will optimize settings. Balancing file size and quality depends on the video use. Faster motion video benefits from higher bitrates.
How to Convert and Compress Facebook Videos on Mobile
You can also convert and compress Facebook videos to MP4 using mobile apps. Here are some top choices for Android and iOS:
Android
- Video Converter by InShot – Free app with NO watermark and unlimited use.
- Video Compress – Also free with no limits, clean interface.
- Video Convertor – No watermark or ads. Supports Facebook downloading.
iOS/iPhone
- Video Convert – Free video converter and compressor app.
- Video Compress – Allows compressing video up to 90% with no quality loss.
- Video Master – Convert to MP4, MOV, GIF and more. No compression limits.
Look for mobile apps with batch conversion, custom sizing/compression, and offline use options. Steer clear of apps that brand videos with watermarks without a paid upgrade.
Conclusion
Converting Facebook videos to the more compatible MP4 format is easy using free online converters or desktop apps. To summarize:
- Online tools like ClipConverter provide a quick way to convert Facebook vids to MP4.
- Programs like HandBrake give advanced control for optimizing MP4 conversion settings.
- Mobile video converter apps allow compressing and converting Facebook videos right on your smartphone.
- Adjusting resolution, bitrate, framerate, and other options can balance quality and file size.
Converting to MP4 makes downloading, editing, sharing, and archiving Facebook videos much more accessible. The format???s compression algorithms also create smaller file sizes versus other formats like MOV or AVI. Look for a converter tool that is unlimited, easy to use, and provides output quality options for the best Facebook to MP4 experience.