VLC to MP4 Conversion Guide: Steps, Fixes & Alternative

There are many reasons that people convert VLC videos to MP4, such as better device compatibility, fixing upload rejections, reducing file size, easier sharing, and more. It is true that you can convert a video to MP4 using VLC or convert a file that opens in VLC. But VLC is not a good choice as a free video converter. The common user complaints include slow video conversion speeds, video and audio out of sync, lack of batch video conversions, and so on. If you are ready, see the steps below to convert VLC files to MP4.

Convert VLC Videos to MP4 with VLC Media Player

Best for: It works well for quick, one-time video conversions. But the results are not always reliable.

Step 1Open VLC and click the "Media" button in the top menu. Then click the "Convert/Save" option from the list that appears.

Step 2In the "Open Media" window, click the "Add…" button to upload your video. Then click the Convert/Save" button to move on.

Step 3In the "Convert" window, unfold the "Profile" list. Click the "Video - H.264 + MP3 (MP4)" option.

Step 4Click the "Settings" button. You can adjust output video settings, including video bitrate, quality, frame rate, and more.

Step 5Later, choose a destination folder and click the "Start" button to turn a VLC file into an MP4 video.

VLC Conversion Fails? Use 4Easysoft Total Video Converter

When you only need a quick conversion, VLC is enough. But if you often deal with different codecs, many files, or device-specific formats, 4Easysoft Total Video Converter provides a more stable way to convert videos to MP4 without the usual VLC conversion problems.

Step 1Open 4Easysoft Total Video Converter. Click the "Add Files" button to import your video.

Step 2MP4 should be the default output format in the "Convert All to" list on the top right corner of the program. If not, you can change it to MP4 manually.

Step 3Click the "Settings" button. You can increase or decrease video resolution, bitrate, frame rate, and more settings.

Step 4If you want to edit videos, you can click the "Edit" button to get more tools. At last, click the "Convert All" button to export your MP4 video.

Common Problems When Converting VLC to MP4

Problem 1: VLC Output is 0KB or 1KB.

Reason: The codec and container mismatch in the selected profile. It is also possible that the write permission is blocked on the destination folder.

Solution: You can save the video to your desktop instead. As for Windows users, you can run VLC as an administrator. Or you can switch to 4Easysoft Total Video Converter as an alternative.

Problem 2: The MP4 video plays in VLC but nowhere else.

Reason: The output contains HEVC with an HEV1 codec tag. Platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn need standard H.264.

Solution: You can re-encode specifically to H.264, or you can convert video files to MP4 using FFmpeg with libx264 or 4Easysoft Total Video Converter.

Problem 3: The converted MP4 video has no sound.

Reason: The audio settings are causing a compatibility issue. Your source file and the selected profile use different codecs.

Solution: Edit the profile and switch the audio codec to AAC. Or you can use a video converter that auto-detects audio codecs.

Problem 4: The VLC to MP4 finishes instantly, but the file is corrupted.

Reason: VLC silently failed in the mid-process.

Solution: Always check the output file size. If your multi-minute video is under 1MB, it means the video conversion fails. You can re-run the VLC conversion or use other video converters.

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