Free to Use: The Top 10 Public Domain Image Sites

10 Best Public Domain Image Websites

Liza Brown

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Finding an image you like on the Internet doesn’t take long, since almost every website you can stumble upon, contains at least one picture. This doesn’t mean that you can just download any photo and use it in your blog, online marketing campaign or for any other purpose. Moreover, stock image websites like Getty Images or iStock let you purchase the right to use a photo commercially. As a reaction to an expanding stock image industry, many photographers, museums and cultural institutions are choosing to forfeit their rights and to publish public domain images. So, in this article, we are going to take you through the ten best public domain image websites where you can download pictures for free.

What Are Public Domain Images?

By definition, public domain images are photos, vectors or clip art that are available to anyone because their copyright has either expired or they never had a copyright owner. Consequently, anyone can use these images for both commercial or private projects without having to purchase the rights to do so. An image can enter a public domain under the following circumstances:

• Scientists, educators or artists can use the Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license to dedicate their images to the public domain
• A picture’s copyright is no longer in effect
• A photo was never the subject to copyright

It is of utmost importance to check if an image is within the public domain before you use it publicly in order to avoid potential legal complications.

How and Where to Find Public Domain Images?

A simple google search will reveal hundreds of websites that let you download public domain and royalty-free images. Which source you’re going to use depends on the type of image you’re looking for, since some websites are dedicated only to photography, while others feature impressive collections of public domain images of artworks. In addition, you’ll only want to download public domain images from the websites that offer information about the author because using a public domain image without crediting its author is strictly prohibited.

Best Websites for Downloading Public Domain Images

We’ve searched the Internet and we utilized our results to compile a collection of the most reliable websites that grant its users access to vast numbers of public domain images. Let’s take a look at some of the best websites that let you download public domain images.

1. Pexels

Graphic designers and all other creatives in constant need of a fresh supply of public domain images don’t need a special introduction to Pexels. The stock image platform is dedicated to photography and video, so you can’t use it to search for vectors or clip art. Even so, you can use Pexles to search for public domain images based on a particular keyword or browse through its collection of free images and discover photos spontaneously. Clicking on the Popular Searches tab will enable you to see the images from Light, Nature or Animals and it will shorten the amount of time you have to spend looking for a photo you want to download.

Pros:

• Neatly organized website
• Free and easy sign-up
• Offers a huge selection of free public domain images and videos according to the CC0 license
• Hand-picked High quality Images

Cons:

• Some categories should contain more images
• Optimizing the search terms can be difficult

2. Pixabay

Besides offering an impressive collection of royalty-free photos, Pixabay also lets you search for public domain vectors, illustrations, and videos. The website hosts more than a million high-resolution photos and videos you can download for free. To make things even better, becoming a member of the Pixabay’s community and creating an account on this platform won’t take more than a few minutes of your time. Pixabay also offers advanced search tools that enable you to combine searches, search for the author of an image or group search terms. In addition, you can also browse through the photographers that contribute their images to the platform on a regular basis.

Pros:

• Powerful search tools and various filters
• Huge collection of public domain images

Cons

• Customer support could be better

3. Wikimedia Commons

This is probably the largest website on the Internet where you can download public domain images. There are more than 49 million images, illustrations, vector graphics and videos available that can be downloaded for free. Some media files on Wikimedia Commons have certain restrictions, but these restrictions are mostly related to image citations, which means that you can use them only if you credit the author. Such a huge selection of media files can be overwhelming for the newcomers to the Wikimedia Commons platform, but once you grow accustomed to the website’s interface discovering images becomes a straightforward process.

Pros:

• All images are available in high resolution
• Nearly all images can be used without any restrictions

Cons:

• Getting used to the website’s interface takes time
• The number of search results can be overwhelming

4. Flickr Commons

For more than a decade Flickr has been a popular online destination for photographers in need of a platform that enables them to present their work. The Flickr Commons is a project that unites more than a hundred institutions in an effort to create a library of public domain images. The project makes available a stunning amount of historical photographs and it grants you access to highly esteemed collections of photographs. Flick Commons is perfectly suited for researchers and scholars in need of public domain photos, they can use in their essays or research papers.

Pros:

• Unlimited access to historical photos
• Extends the knowledge available to the general public

Cons:

• Doesn’t offer videos or illustrations
• Search results are poorly organized

5. Unsplash

With a library that contains over 800,000 photos, Unsplash is easily one of the largest websites that offer public domain images. All pictures on this platform are organized into different categories, which makes finding a photo you want to use in a commercial or non-commercial project a relatively simple process. Alternatively, you can insert a keyword into a search bar and Unsplash will show you the results within seconds. However, the images you can find on this platform are similar to those you can purchase on stock photography websites, although some of them have an artistic touch that is hard to find on the majority of stock photos.

Pros:

• Excellent source of high-resolution photos
• Quick and easy search

Cons:

• Unsplash is dedicated solely to photography
• Limited amount of available public domain images

6. From Old Books

In case you are searching for images from old books you should look no further. This is a private collection of 2,600 images that are hard to find anywhere else on the Internet. You can browse through woodcuts, old texts or old holiday images, which makes this platform an excellent choice for anyone interested in rare images that were featured in old books. All pictures you can find on the From Old Books website are free to use on non-commercial projects, but you must pay a small fee if you want to download a high-resolution image you can use on a commercial project.

• Images are organized into categories
• Access to rare images

Cons

• Some images are not free
• Rudimentary website design

7. Morguefile

Morguefile is a website that offers stock footage to its users, but some of the images can’t be downloaded for free. That’s why you must click on the Free Photos tab before you start searching for public domain images on this website. The website hosts nearly 400.000 photos, videos, and vector graphics, but you must make sure that a file you want to download is within the public domain before you download it. The only downside is that the images aren’t organized into categories which can make finding the images you’re searching for more difficult than it needs to be.

Pros:

• Creating an account on Morguefile is free
• All free photos can be used on commercial projects

Cons:

• Images can be organized better
• Fewer free images than on other public domain image websites

8. Public Domain Archive

As the website’s name indicates, this is an archive of public domain images you can download for free and use in commercial contexts. All photos are organized into categories like abstract, free stock photos, people or wood which makes the search simpler. However, these categories don’t contain more than a few hundred photos and some of them offer as few as five pictures you can download. All photos are in high resolution and ready for professional use. The download process can be completed effortlessly in just a few quick steps. New images are added on a weekly basis.

Pros:

• Professional quality of images
• All images are free

Cons:

• A limited selection of photos
• Doesn’t offer vector graphics

9. NYPL Digital Gallery

NYPL Digital Gallery is an excellent resource for anyone who is not interested in stock photography. The New Your Public Library has made hundreds of thousands of historical images available to the public and you can use it to browse through items, collections or divisions. Before you enter a keyword you should click on the search only public domain materials tick box to ensure that the search results are going to display only images that can be used without restrictions. Additionally, the NYPL Digital Gallery lets you browse through its collection of digital books while its collections of photographs include the work of some of the highly esteemed American photographers.

Pros

• Public domain images are available in different resolutions
• Offers valuable research materials

Cons

• Some images are subject to copyright
• Only aimed at scholars and researchers

10. Viintage

Viintage is a gold mine for graphic designers as it grants them access to hundreds of vintage posters, book covers, and images. However, the amount of public domain images this website offers is limited and if you want to download the images from the collections of works created by famous artists from the late 19th and early 20th centuries you must purchase the premium version of Viintage. The website lacks some basic search options as it only allows you to type in the search term into the search bar. The images are not organized into categories which further complicates the process of finding a public domain image you’re looking for.

Pros:

• Offers a collection of rare vintage public domain images
• A great resource for graphic designers

Cons:

• Most images on Viintage can’t be downloaded for free
• Search tools are far from perfect

You may also like: Best Image Hosting Sites >>

How to Cite Public Domain Images Properly?

If you’re planning on using a public domain image in a blog or on your website, you must cite the source from which you acquired a particular image. The image citations should include the following information:

• The title of the image
• Author’s name
• Information about the institution at which an image is kept
• The source from which you acquired an image

In case you don’t have access to all of these information or if the information is simply not available you should include all details about a public domain image you have the access to. Furthermore, there are several styles of image citations that depend on the source from which an image was acquired.

Conclusion

Spending large sums of money on images you can use in commercial or private projects is not always necessary. The public domain images are widely available and they can be used in a broad range of contexts. Which website that lets you download public domain images do you like to use the most? Leave a comment and share your opinions with us.

Dont worry when you forget the syntax of an HTML element, like and iframe, a link, a table, an image or anything else. Visit HTML CheatSheet and generate the code you need.

Liza Brown

Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Liza Brown

Liza Brown

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Finding an image you like on the Internet doesn’t take long, since almost every website you can stumble upon, contains at least one picture. This doesn’t mean that you can just download any photo and use it in your blog, online marketing campaign or for any other purpose. Moreover, stock image websites like Getty Images or iStock let you purchase the right to use a photo commercially. As a reaction to an expanding stock image industry, many photographers, museums and cultural institutions are choosing to forfeit their rights and to publish public domain images. So, in this article, we are going to take you through the ten best public domain image websites where you can download pictures for free.

What Are Public Domain Images?

By definition, public domain images are photos, vectors or clip art that are available to anyone because their copyright has either expired or they never had a copyright owner. Consequently, anyone can use these images for both commercial or private projects without having to purchase the rights to do so. An image can enter a public domain under the following circumstances:

• Scientists, educators or artists can use the Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license to dedicate their images to the public domain
• A picture’s copyright is no longer in effect
• A photo was never the subject to copyright

It is of utmost importance to check if an image is within the public domain before you use it publicly in order to avoid potential legal complications.

How and Where to Find Public Domain Images?

A simple google search will reveal hundreds of websites that let you download public domain and royalty-free images. Which source you’re going to use depends on the type of image you’re looking for, since some websites are dedicated only to photography, while others feature impressive collections of public domain images of artworks. In addition, you’ll only want to download public domain images from the websites that offer information about the author because using a public domain image without crediting its author is strictly prohibited.

Best Websites for Downloading Public Domain Images

We’ve searched the Internet and we utilized our results to compile a collection of the most reliable websites that grant its users access to vast numbers of public domain images. Let’s take a look at some of the best websites that let you download public domain images.

1. Pexels

Graphic designers and all other creatives in constant need of a fresh supply of public domain images don’t need a special introduction to Pexels. The stock image platform is dedicated to photography and video, so you can’t use it to search for vectors or clip art. Even so, you can use Pexles to search for public domain images based on a particular keyword or browse through its collection of free images and discover photos spontaneously. Clicking on the Popular Searches tab will enable you to see the images from Light, Nature or Animals and it will shorten the amount of time you have to spend looking for a photo you want to download.

Pros:

• Neatly organized website
• Free and easy sign-up
• Offers a huge selection of free public domain images and videos according to the CC0 license
• Hand-picked High quality Images

Cons:

• Some categories should contain more images
• Optimizing the search terms can be difficult

2. Pixabay

Besides offering an impressive collection of royalty-free photos, Pixabay also lets you search for public domain vectors, illustrations, and videos. The website hosts more than a million high-resolution photos and videos you can download for free. To make things even better, becoming a member of the Pixabay’s community and creating an account on this platform won’t take more than a few minutes of your time. Pixabay also offers advanced search tools that enable you to combine searches, search for the author of an image or group search terms. In addition, you can also browse through the photographers that contribute their images to the platform on a regular basis.

Pros:

• Powerful search tools and various filters
• Huge collection of public domain images

Cons

• Customer support could be better

3. Wikimedia Commons

This is probably the largest website on the Internet where you can download public domain images. There are more than 49 million images, illustrations, vector graphics and videos available that can be downloaded for free. Some media files on Wikimedia Commons have certain restrictions, but these restrictions are mostly related to image citations, which means that you can use them only if you credit the author. Such a huge selection of media files can be overwhelming for the newcomers to the Wikimedia Commons platform, but once you grow accustomed to the website’s interface discovering images becomes a straightforward process.

Pros:

• All images are available in high resolution
• Nearly all images can be used without any restrictions

Cons:

• Getting used to the website’s interface takes time
• The number of search results can be overwhelming

4. Flickr Commons

For more than a decade Flickr has been a popular online destination for photographers in need of a platform that enables them to present their work. The Flickr Commons is a project that unites more than a hundred institutions in an effort to create a library of public domain images. The project makes available a stunning amount of historical photographs and it grants you access to highly esteemed collections of photographs. Flick Commons is perfectly suited for researchers and scholars in need of public domain photos, they can use in their essays or research papers.

Pros:

• Unlimited access to historical photos
• Extends the knowledge available to the general public

Cons:

• Doesn’t offer videos or illustrations
• Search results are poorly organized

5. Unsplash

With a library that contains over 800,000 photos, Unsplash is easily one of the largest websites that offer public domain images. All pictures on this platform are organized into different categories, which makes finding a photo you want to use in a commercial or non-commercial project a relatively simple process. Alternatively, you can insert a keyword into a search bar and Unsplash will show you the results within seconds. However, the images you can find on this platform are similar to those you can purchase on stock photography websites, although some of them have an artistic touch that is hard to find on the majority of stock photos.

Pros:

• Excellent source of high-resolution photos
• Quick and easy search

Cons:

• Unsplash is dedicated solely to photography
• Limited amount of available public domain images

6. From Old Books

In case you are searching for images from old books you should look no further. This is a private collection of 2,600 images that are hard to find anywhere else on the Internet. You can browse through woodcuts, old texts or old holiday images, which makes this platform an excellent choice for anyone interested in rare images that were featured in old books. All pictures you can find on the From Old Books website are free to use on non-commercial projects, but you must pay a small fee if you want to download a high-resolution image you can use on a commercial project.

• Images are organized into categories
• Access to rare images

Cons

• Some images are not free
• Rudimentary website design

7. Morguefile

Morguefile is a website that offers stock footage to its users, but some of the images can’t be downloaded for free. That’s why you must click on the Free Photos tab before you start searching for public domain images on this website. The website hosts nearly 400.000 photos, videos, and vector graphics, but you must make sure that a file you want to download is within the public domain before you download it. The only downside is that the images aren’t organized into categories which can make finding the images you’re searching for more difficult than it needs to be.

Pros:

• Creating an account on Morguefile is free
• All free photos can be used on commercial projects

Cons:

• Images can be organized better
• Fewer free images than on other public domain image websites

8. Public Domain Archive

As the website’s name indicates, this is an archive of public domain images you can download for free and use in commercial contexts. All photos are organized into categories like abstract, free stock photos, people or wood which makes the search simpler. However, these categories don’t contain more than a few hundred photos and some of them offer as few as five pictures you can download. All photos are in high resolution and ready for professional use. The download process can be completed effortlessly in just a few quick steps. New images are added on a weekly basis.

Pros:

• Professional quality of images
• All images are free

Cons:

• A limited selection of photos
• Doesn’t offer vector graphics

9. NYPL Digital Gallery

NYPL Digital Gallery is an excellent resource for anyone who is not interested in stock photography. The New Your Public Library has made hundreds of thousands of historical images available to the public and you can use it to browse through items, collections or divisions. Before you enter a keyword you should click on the search only public domain materials tick box to ensure that the search results are going to display only images that can be used without restrictions. Additionally, the NYPL Digital Gallery lets you browse through its collection of digital books while its collections of photographs include the work of some of the highly esteemed American photographers.

Pros

• Public domain images are available in different resolutions
• Offers valuable research materials

Cons

• Some images are subject to copyright
• Only aimed at scholars and researchers

10. Viintage

Viintage is a gold mine for graphic designers as it grants them access to hundreds of vintage posters, book covers, and images. However, the amount of public domain images this website offers is limited and if you want to download the images from the collections of works created by famous artists from the late 19th and early 20th centuries you must purchase the premium version of Viintage. The website lacks some basic search options as it only allows you to type in the search term into the search bar. The images are not organized into categories which further complicates the process of finding a public domain image you’re looking for.

Pros:

• Offers a collection of rare vintage public domain images
• A great resource for graphic designers

Cons:

• Most images on Viintage can’t be downloaded for free
• Search tools are far from perfect

You may also like: Best Image Hosting Sites >>

How to Cite Public Domain Images Properly?

If you’re planning on using a public domain image in a blog or on your website, you must cite the source from which you acquired a particular image. The image citations should include the following information:

• The title of the image
• Author’s name
• Information about the institution at which an image is kept
• The source from which you acquired an image

In case you don’t have access to all of these information or if the information is simply not available you should include all details about a public domain image you have the access to. Furthermore, there are several styles of image citations that depend on the source from which an image was acquired.

Conclusion

Spending large sums of money on images you can use in commercial or private projects is not always necessary. The public domain images are widely available and they can be used in a broad range of contexts. Which website that lets you download public domain images do you like to use the most? Leave a comment and share your opinions with us.

Dont worry when you forget the syntax of an HTML element, like and iframe, a link, a table, an image or anything else. Visit HTML CheatSheet and generate the code you need.

Liza Brown

Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Liza Brown

Liza Brown

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Finding an image you like on the Internet doesn’t take long, since almost every website you can stumble upon, contains at least one picture. This doesn’t mean that you can just download any photo and use it in your blog, online marketing campaign or for any other purpose. Moreover, stock image websites like Getty Images or iStock let you purchase the right to use a photo commercially. As a reaction to an expanding stock image industry, many photographers, museums and cultural institutions are choosing to forfeit their rights and to publish public domain images. So, in this article, we are going to take you through the ten best public domain image websites where you can download pictures for free.

What Are Public Domain Images?

By definition, public domain images are photos, vectors or clip art that are available to anyone because their copyright has either expired or they never had a copyright owner. Consequently, anyone can use these images for both commercial or private projects without having to purchase the rights to do so. An image can enter a public domain under the following circumstances:

• Scientists, educators or artists can use the Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license to dedicate their images to the public domain
• A picture’s copyright is no longer in effect
• A photo was never the subject to copyright

It is of utmost importance to check if an image is within the public domain before you use it publicly in order to avoid potential legal complications.

How and Where to Find Public Domain Images?

A simple google search will reveal hundreds of websites that let you download public domain and royalty-free images. Which source you’re going to use depends on the type of image you’re looking for, since some websites are dedicated only to photography, while others feature impressive collections of public domain images of artworks. In addition, you’ll only want to download public domain images from the websites that offer information about the author because using a public domain image without crediting its author is strictly prohibited.

Best Websites for Downloading Public Domain Images

We’ve searched the Internet and we utilized our results to compile a collection of the most reliable websites that grant its users access to vast numbers of public domain images. Let’s take a look at some of the best websites that let you download public domain images.

1. Pexels

Graphic designers and all other creatives in constant need of a fresh supply of public domain images don’t need a special introduction to Pexels. The stock image platform is dedicated to photography and video, so you can’t use it to search for vectors or clip art. Even so, you can use Pexles to search for public domain images based on a particular keyword or browse through its collection of free images and discover photos spontaneously. Clicking on the Popular Searches tab will enable you to see the images from Light, Nature or Animals and it will shorten the amount of time you have to spend looking for a photo you want to download.

Pros:

• Neatly organized website
• Free and easy sign-up
• Offers a huge selection of free public domain images and videos according to the CC0 license
• Hand-picked High quality Images

Cons:

• Some categories should contain more images
• Optimizing the search terms can be difficult

2. Pixabay

Besides offering an impressive collection of royalty-free photos, Pixabay also lets you search for public domain vectors, illustrations, and videos. The website hosts more than a million high-resolution photos and videos you can download for free. To make things even better, becoming a member of the Pixabay’s community and creating an account on this platform won’t take more than a few minutes of your time. Pixabay also offers advanced search tools that enable you to combine searches, search for the author of an image or group search terms. In addition, you can also browse through the photographers that contribute their images to the platform on a regular basis.

Pros:

• Powerful search tools and various filters
• Huge collection of public domain images

Cons

• Customer support could be better

3. Wikimedia Commons

This is probably the largest website on the Internet where you can download public domain images. There are more than 49 million images, illustrations, vector graphics and videos available that can be downloaded for free. Some media files on Wikimedia Commons have certain restrictions, but these restrictions are mostly related to image citations, which means that you can use them only if you credit the author. Such a huge selection of media files can be overwhelming for the newcomers to the Wikimedia Commons platform, but once you grow accustomed to the website’s interface discovering images becomes a straightforward process.

Pros:

• All images are available in high resolution
• Nearly all images can be used without any restrictions

Cons:

• Getting used to the website’s interface takes time
• The number of search results can be overwhelming

4. Flickr Commons

For more than a decade Flickr has been a popular online destination for photographers in need of a platform that enables them to present their work. The Flickr Commons is a project that unites more than a hundred institutions in an effort to create a library of public domain images. The project makes available a stunning amount of historical photographs and it grants you access to highly esteemed collections of photographs. Flick Commons is perfectly suited for researchers and scholars in need of public domain photos, they can use in their essays or research papers.

Pros:

• Unlimited access to historical photos
• Extends the knowledge available to the general public

Cons:

• Doesn’t offer videos or illustrations
• Search results are poorly organized

5. Unsplash

With a library that contains over 800,000 photos, Unsplash is easily one of the largest websites that offer public domain images. All pictures on this platform are organized into different categories, which makes finding a photo you want to use in a commercial or non-commercial project a relatively simple process. Alternatively, you can insert a keyword into a search bar and Unsplash will show you the results within seconds. However, the images you can find on this platform are similar to those you can purchase on stock photography websites, although some of them have an artistic touch that is hard to find on the majority of stock photos.

Pros:

• Excellent source of high-resolution photos
• Quick and easy search

Cons:

• Unsplash is dedicated solely to photography
• Limited amount of available public domain images

6. From Old Books

In case you are searching for images from old books you should look no further. This is a private collection of 2,600 images that are hard to find anywhere else on the Internet. You can browse through woodcuts, old texts or old holiday images, which makes this platform an excellent choice for anyone interested in rare images that were featured in old books. All pictures you can find on the From Old Books website are free to use on non-commercial projects, but you must pay a small fee if you want to download a high-resolution image you can use on a commercial project.

• Images are organized into categories
• Access to rare images

Cons

• Some images are not free
• Rudimentary website design

7. Morguefile

Morguefile is a website that offers stock footage to its users, but some of the images can’t be downloaded for free. That’s why you must click on the Free Photos tab before you start searching for public domain images on this website. The website hosts nearly 400.000 photos, videos, and vector graphics, but you must make sure that a file you want to download is within the public domain before you download it. The only downside is that the images aren’t organized into categories which can make finding the images you’re searching for more difficult than it needs to be.

Pros:

• Creating an account on Morguefile is free
• All free photos can be used on commercial projects

Cons:

• Images can be organized better
• Fewer free images than on other public domain image websites

8. Public Domain Archive

As the website’s name indicates, this is an archive of public domain images you can download for free and use in commercial contexts. All photos are organized into categories like abstract, free stock photos, people or wood which makes the search simpler. However, these categories don’t contain more than a few hundred photos and some of them offer as few as five pictures you can download. All photos are in high resolution and ready for professional use. The download process can be completed effortlessly in just a few quick steps. New images are added on a weekly basis.

Pros:

• Professional quality of images
• All images are free

Cons:

• A limited selection of photos
• Doesn’t offer vector graphics

9. NYPL Digital Gallery

NYPL Digital Gallery is an excellent resource for anyone who is not interested in stock photography. The New Your Public Library has made hundreds of thousands of historical images available to the public and you can use it to browse through items, collections or divisions. Before you enter a keyword you should click on the search only public domain materials tick box to ensure that the search results are going to display only images that can be used without restrictions. Additionally, the NYPL Digital Gallery lets you browse through its collection of digital books while its collections of photographs include the work of some of the highly esteemed American photographers.

Pros

• Public domain images are available in different resolutions
• Offers valuable research materials

Cons

• Some images are subject to copyright
• Only aimed at scholars and researchers

10. Viintage

Viintage is a gold mine for graphic designers as it grants them access to hundreds of vintage posters, book covers, and images. However, the amount of public domain images this website offers is limited and if you want to download the images from the collections of works created by famous artists from the late 19th and early 20th centuries you must purchase the premium version of Viintage. The website lacks some basic search options as it only allows you to type in the search term into the search bar. The images are not organized into categories which further complicates the process of finding a public domain image you’re looking for.

Pros:

• Offers a collection of rare vintage public domain images
• A great resource for graphic designers

Cons:

• Most images on Viintage can’t be downloaded for free
• Search tools are far from perfect

You may also like: Best Image Hosting Sites >>

How to Cite Public Domain Images Properly?

If you’re planning on using a public domain image in a blog or on your website, you must cite the source from which you acquired a particular image. The image citations should include the following information:

• The title of the image
• Author’s name
• Information about the institution at which an image is kept
• The source from which you acquired an image

In case you don’t have access to all of these information or if the information is simply not available you should include all details about a public domain image you have the access to. Furthermore, there are several styles of image citations that depend on the source from which an image was acquired.

Conclusion

Spending large sums of money on images you can use in commercial or private projects is not always necessary. The public domain images are widely available and they can be used in a broad range of contexts. Which website that lets you download public domain images do you like to use the most? Leave a comment and share your opinions with us.

Dont worry when you forget the syntax of an HTML element, like and iframe, a link, a table, an image or anything else. Visit HTML CheatSheet and generate the code you need.

Liza Brown

Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Liza Brown

Liza Brown

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Finding an image you like on the Internet doesn’t take long, since almost every website you can stumble upon, contains at least one picture. This doesn’t mean that you can just download any photo and use it in your blog, online marketing campaign or for any other purpose. Moreover, stock image websites like Getty Images or iStock let you purchase the right to use a photo commercially. As a reaction to an expanding stock image industry, many photographers, museums and cultural institutions are choosing to forfeit their rights and to publish public domain images. So, in this article, we are going to take you through the ten best public domain image websites where you can download pictures for free.

What Are Public Domain Images?

By definition, public domain images are photos, vectors or clip art that are available to anyone because their copyright has either expired or they never had a copyright owner. Consequently, anyone can use these images for both commercial or private projects without having to purchase the rights to do so. An image can enter a public domain under the following circumstances:

• Scientists, educators or artists can use the Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license to dedicate their images to the public domain
• A picture’s copyright is no longer in effect
• A photo was never the subject to copyright

It is of utmost importance to check if an image is within the public domain before you use it publicly in order to avoid potential legal complications.

How and Where to Find Public Domain Images?

A simple google search will reveal hundreds of websites that let you download public domain and royalty-free images. Which source you’re going to use depends on the type of image you’re looking for, since some websites are dedicated only to photography, while others feature impressive collections of public domain images of artworks. In addition, you’ll only want to download public domain images from the websites that offer information about the author because using a public domain image without crediting its author is strictly prohibited.

Best Websites for Downloading Public Domain Images

We’ve searched the Internet and we utilized our results to compile a collection of the most reliable websites that grant its users access to vast numbers of public domain images. Let’s take a look at some of the best websites that let you download public domain images.

1. Pexels

Graphic designers and all other creatives in constant need of a fresh supply of public domain images don’t need a special introduction to Pexels. The stock image platform is dedicated to photography and video, so you can’t use it to search for vectors or clip art. Even so, you can use Pexles to search for public domain images based on a particular keyword or browse through its collection of free images and discover photos spontaneously. Clicking on the Popular Searches tab will enable you to see the images from Light, Nature or Animals and it will shorten the amount of time you have to spend looking for a photo you want to download.

Pros:

• Neatly organized website
• Free and easy sign-up
• Offers a huge selection of free public domain images and videos according to the CC0 license
• Hand-picked High quality Images

Cons:

• Some categories should contain more images
• Optimizing the search terms can be difficult

2. Pixabay

Besides offering an impressive collection of royalty-free photos, Pixabay also lets you search for public domain vectors, illustrations, and videos. The website hosts more than a million high-resolution photos and videos you can download for free. To make things even better, becoming a member of the Pixabay’s community and creating an account on this platform won’t take more than a few minutes of your time. Pixabay also offers advanced search tools that enable you to combine searches, search for the author of an image or group search terms. In addition, you can also browse through the photographers that contribute their images to the platform on a regular basis.

Pros:

• Powerful search tools and various filters
• Huge collection of public domain images

Cons

• Customer support could be better

3. Wikimedia Commons

This is probably the largest website on the Internet where you can download public domain images. There are more than 49 million images, illustrations, vector graphics and videos available that can be downloaded for free. Some media files on Wikimedia Commons have certain restrictions, but these restrictions are mostly related to image citations, which means that you can use them only if you credit the author. Such a huge selection of media files can be overwhelming for the newcomers to the Wikimedia Commons platform, but once you grow accustomed to the website’s interface discovering images becomes a straightforward process.

Pros:

• All images are available in high resolution
• Nearly all images can be used without any restrictions

Cons:

• Getting used to the website’s interface takes time
• The number of search results can be overwhelming

4. Flickr Commons

For more than a decade Flickr has been a popular online destination for photographers in need of a platform that enables them to present their work. The Flickr Commons is a project that unites more than a hundred institutions in an effort to create a library of public domain images. The project makes available a stunning amount of historical photographs and it grants you access to highly esteemed collections of photographs. Flick Commons is perfectly suited for researchers and scholars in need of public domain photos, they can use in their essays or research papers.

Pros:

• Unlimited access to historical photos
• Extends the knowledge available to the general public

Cons:

• Doesn’t offer videos or illustrations
• Search results are poorly organized

5. Unsplash

With a library that contains over 800,000 photos, Unsplash is easily one of the largest websites that offer public domain images. All pictures on this platform are organized into different categories, which makes finding a photo you want to use in a commercial or non-commercial project a relatively simple process. Alternatively, you can insert a keyword into a search bar and Unsplash will show you the results within seconds. However, the images you can find on this platform are similar to those you can purchase on stock photography websites, although some of them have an artistic touch that is hard to find on the majority of stock photos.

Pros:

• Excellent source of high-resolution photos
• Quick and easy search

Cons:

• Unsplash is dedicated solely to photography
• Limited amount of available public domain images

6. From Old Books

In case you are searching for images from old books you should look no further. This is a private collection of 2,600 images that are hard to find anywhere else on the Internet. You can browse through woodcuts, old texts or old holiday images, which makes this platform an excellent choice for anyone interested in rare images that were featured in old books. All pictures you can find on the From Old Books website are free to use on non-commercial projects, but you must pay a small fee if you want to download a high-resolution image you can use on a commercial project.

• Images are organized into categories
• Access to rare images

Cons

• Some images are not free
• Rudimentary website design

7. Morguefile

Morguefile is a website that offers stock footage to its users, but some of the images can’t be downloaded for free. That’s why you must click on the Free Photos tab before you start searching for public domain images on this website. The website hosts nearly 400.000 photos, videos, and vector graphics, but you must make sure that a file you want to download is within the public domain before you download it. The only downside is that the images aren’t organized into categories which can make finding the images you’re searching for more difficult than it needs to be.

Pros:

• Creating an account on Morguefile is free
• All free photos can be used on commercial projects

Cons:

• Images can be organized better
• Fewer free images than on other public domain image websites

8. Public Domain Archive

As the website’s name indicates, this is an archive of public domain images you can download for free and use in commercial contexts. All photos are organized into categories like abstract, free stock photos, people or wood which makes the search simpler. However, these categories don’t contain more than a few hundred photos and some of them offer as few as five pictures you can download. All photos are in high resolution and ready for professional use. The download process can be completed effortlessly in just a few quick steps. New images are added on a weekly basis.

Pros:

• Professional quality of images
• All images are free

Cons:

• A limited selection of photos
• Doesn’t offer vector graphics

9. NYPL Digital Gallery

NYPL Digital Gallery is an excellent resource for anyone who is not interested in stock photography. The New Your Public Library has made hundreds of thousands of historical images available to the public and you can use it to browse through items, collections or divisions. Before you enter a keyword you should click on the search only public domain materials tick box to ensure that the search results are going to display only images that can be used without restrictions. Additionally, the NYPL Digital Gallery lets you browse through its collection of digital books while its collections of photographs include the work of some of the highly esteemed American photographers.

Pros

• Public domain images are available in different resolutions
• Offers valuable research materials

Cons

• Some images are subject to copyright
• Only aimed at scholars and researchers

10. Viintage

Viintage is a gold mine for graphic designers as it grants them access to hundreds of vintage posters, book covers, and images. However, the amount of public domain images this website offers is limited and if you want to download the images from the collections of works created by famous artists from the late 19th and early 20th centuries you must purchase the premium version of Viintage. The website lacks some basic search options as it only allows you to type in the search term into the search bar. The images are not organized into categories which further complicates the process of finding a public domain image you’re looking for.

Pros:

• Offers a collection of rare vintage public domain images
• A great resource for graphic designers

Cons:

• Most images on Viintage can’t be downloaded for free
• Search tools are far from perfect

You may also like: Best Image Hosting Sites >>

How to Cite Public Domain Images Properly?

If you’re planning on using a public domain image in a blog or on your website, you must cite the source from which you acquired a particular image. The image citations should include the following information:

• The title of the image
• Author’s name
• Information about the institution at which an image is kept
• The source from which you acquired an image

In case you don’t have access to all of these information or if the information is simply not available you should include all details about a public domain image you have the access to. Furthermore, there are several styles of image citations that depend on the source from which an image was acquired.

Conclusion

Spending large sums of money on images you can use in commercial or private projects is not always necessary. The public domain images are widely available and they can be used in a broad range of contexts. Which website that lets you download public domain images do you like to use the most? Leave a comment and share your opinions with us.

Dont worry when you forget the syntax of an HTML element, like and iframe, a link, a table, an image or anything else. Visit HTML CheatSheet and generate the code you need.

Liza Brown

Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.

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Aiff Converter Reviews and Ratings: Make an Informed Decision

Your Most Essential Guide Towards Picking Best Aiff Converter

An easy yet powerful editor

Numerous effects to choose from

Detailed tutorials provided by the official channel

Try It Free Try It Free

“I need to convert some general audio files to AIFF, do you have any recommendations?”

We do, in fact, have some recommendations for you! The AIFF file format, while generally obscure, is accepted by most general audio converters! So, we didn’t have any problem finding some that you can use to AIFF converter!

In this article

01 [What’s So Good About AIFF?](#Part 1)

02 [How to Convert M4A to AIFF Free and Easily](#Part 2)

03 [What Makes AIFF Converter the Best Free Online Tool for Mac Users?](#Part 3)

Part 1 What’s So Good About AIFF?

But okay, what’s the deal with AIFF? Is it really all that good? And, if it is, why? For the first part of this article, we’ve prepared a short overview on the AIFF file format You can skip ahead though if you’d prefer to see the tutorial on AIFF Converters or our list of recommendations.

01What’s AIFF?

AIFF, also called the Audio Interchange File Format, is an audio file format that was popularized in 1988. It was based on the Electronic Arts Interchange File Format and is probably most familiar for Mac users. It’s accepted by most media players, including Apple Music and the Apple QuickTime Player.

02Why Is It So Popular?

Why? Well, it all has to do with the loss of quality. AIFF files are notable because they are uncompressed — leading to an inarguably better sound. That makes it popular with content creators, who want to provide the best possible listening experience to their audience. The caveat to this, of course, is that its uncompressed state means that it takes up a lot more space on one’s disk drive. But, many people would be willing to give that up in exchange for the enhanced sound.

Part 2 How to Convert M4A to AIFF Free and Easily

For this next section, we’ll be teaching you how to convert M4A to AIFF with an online AIFF converter. The benefit of using an online converter like the one we’ll be showing you how to use is that it is usually FREE and very efficient. This makes it a perfect solution for those who are just looking to convert to or from AIFF occasionally and thus has no need for a more permanent solution.

01Step 1: Launch Online AIFF Converter & Upload Files

The first thing that you have to do is open up the online AIFF Converter that you want to use. For our example, we’ve chosen FreeConvert, but there are plenty of other ones out there for you to choose from

Once you’re on-site, make use of the upload options to prepare your file to be converted. In this case, we uploaded an MP3 file, but it will work for M4A to AIFF just as well (along with other file formats.)

02Step 2: Convert to ‘AIFF’

Once the file that you want to convert has finished uploading, confirm that the output file format has been set to “AIFF”.

03Step 3: Play with Advanced Settings

This is optional, but if you want, you can adjust certain audio parameters by taking advantage of the ‘Advanced Settings’ option

04Step 4: Convert M4A to AIFF

Now it’s time to finally convert In this case, that is as easy as selecting the ‘Convert to AIFF’ button.

05Step 5: Download AIFF

When the conversion has been completed, click the ‘Download AIFF’ to finish up and save the converted AIFF file to your computer.

Part 3 What Makes AIFF Converter the Best Free Online Tool for Mac Users?

For this next part, we’ll be demonstrating an AIFF Converter that can be downloaded and used by Mac users. And then we’ll be following it up with a long list of all the best AIFF Converters available online and for both Windows and Mac users

01How to Use Free Audio AIFF Converter on Win/Mac?

As promised, this first part is a demonstration on how you can convert M4A to AIFF with a converter that will work for both Windows and Mac. This free audio converter is called ‘MediaHuman Audio Converter.’ It’s a really simple converter and is a great option for those who see themselves requiring an audio converter often but still don’t feel it necessary to cough up extra money for premium software when they can get a free one

**Step 1: Add File(s) for Conversion

First things first, upload the file that you want to convert With MediaHuman, you can do this in one of three ways:

● Drop media onto the specified area

● Click the “+” file option in order to manually add file

● Click the “+ folder” option in order to manually add files

**Step 2: Select Format

Once your file has been uploaded, select the “Format” button in the middle of the toolbar This will cause a pop-up to appear where you can choose your desired output format Of course, in our case, we chose “AIFF”

**Step 3: Start Conversion

Next, click ‘Start Conversion’ This will initiate the conversion. After which, you’ll be able to save your converted AIFF file and store it for use.

0210 Best AIFF Converter for Lossless Conversion

Now for our list of the best AIFF Converters available right now We’ve made sure to pick a good variety of them that you can choose from. Some of which are online tools, like we introduced in Part 1, while the others will be downloaded software that you can have at the ready at all times, like what we introduced in Part 2, Section 1

Keywords: aiff converter, m4a to aiff, convert m4a to aiff

**1. Zamzar

For the first AIFF Converter on this list, we have ZAMZAR ZAMZAR is an online file conversion tool that is capable of converting in a variety of file formats. Of course, the one that we’ll be looking at today is Zamzar’s AIFF Converter — which is almost 100% FREE to use (there’s a max upload file size that can only be unlocked if you pay the premium fee).

Highlights	Highlights
● FREEmium Online AIFF Converter● Wide variety of input and output file formats to choose from● No loss of quality and efficient conversion speed	● Not 100% FREE, must pay to unlock certain functions● There is a max upload size for the FREE version (50MB)● Internet is required in order for use

**2. ConvertOnMac

Our next recommended tool is Convert on Mac This is another online tool that can be used to convert a variety of files (i.e., audio, video, image, document, etc). The one that we’ll be focusing on though is Convert on Mac’s AIFF Converter

Highlights	Highlights
● Supports a variety of file input and output formats● Special AIFF Converter available for easy conversion● File upload can be done both manually or through a URL	● Available online only● Most compatible for Mac users (as is evident from the name)● Not the best for bulk conversions

**3. Online Converter

The next one up is Online Converter This one is more like ZAMZAR than Convert on Mac. If only because it also comes with a max file size that is locked. It’s more limited though — in that it doesn’t support as many input and output formats. And, as you can no doubt guess from the interface, quite old-school as well.

Highlights	Highlights
● Specialized AIFF Converter● Functions as a converter for other file types as well● Large max file size	● Available online only● Max upload file size is 200MB● Slower, less efficient conversion speed

**4. Wondershare Filmora Video Editor

For this next AIFF Converter, we make a complete departure from your general converters by introducing a completely different beast altogether Specifically, in the form of a Video Editor called Filmora. Filmora is an incredibly advanced video editing tool. And, because of this, it’s capable of most things related to video and audio editing. Including, in this case, AIFF conversion

Highlights	Highlights
● Advanced video and audio functions for adjusting audio output parameters● Supports dozens of audio and video file formats● Produces high-quality end product	● FREEmium product, certain functions are locked in the FREE version● Download and installation is required● Not the most beginner-friendly

**5. EaseUS Video Converter

With ‘EaseUS Video Converter’ we continue on our trend of AIFF conversion software This one, despite its name suggesting otherwise, functions as a solid Audio Converter So far, it’s closest to Filmora Pro when compared to all the others on this list. It’s a one-trick kind of pony though. Seeing as, unlike with Filmora, you can really only use this to convert files.

Highlights	Highlights
● High-quality video and audio conversion● Supports dozens of input and output formats● FREE trial available	● Limited FREE Trial● Supports Windows OS only● Download and installation is required for use

**6. Wondershare UniConverter

This next software, the ‘Wondershare UniConverter’ is a bit of a mix between Filmora and EaseUS Video Converter. As is evident from the UI (shown-off in the screenshot provided), it has the makings of a straightforward converter but with extra tools (i.e., video editor, video compressor, merger, screen recorder, etc.) that you can take advantage of while working on your conversions.

Highlights	Highlights
● Extra features for editing input and output files● Supports up to 1000 formats● High-speed Conversion rates	● FREEmium program● Certain functions are locked in the FREE version of the program● Download and installation is required for use

**7. VSDC Free Audio Converter

Next up, we have VSDC VSDC is a FREE Audio Converter. It’s pretty old-school (as is perhaps evident from the UI example) but it supports a variety of audio formats, including AIFF, which earned it a spot on this list of ours

Highlights	Highlights
● Supports all the key formats for both input and output● Built-in editor for trimming audio● High-conversion quality	● Open-source, and thus not update as often● The conversion speed is slow● Old-school interface

**8. Switch Audio File Converter

Switch Audio File Converter is a Mac AIFF Converter. You can find it on the Mac APP Store, or purchase it directly on the NCH Software website. For the FREE app version, you have access to certain functions, with the rest being locked under in-app purchases.

Highlights	Highlights
● Supports over 40+ audio file formats● Batch conversion functionalities available● Convert from video to audio easily	● Convert from video to audio easily● Faulty AIFF to OGG conversion● Comes with lots of bugs

**9. iTunes - Apple

This is a hidden feature that not many people know about, but iTunes actually works as a pretty serviceable AIFF Converter. It’s not the most efficient, but with iTunes’ AIFF Encoder, conversion to AIFF is possible (converting from AIFF to MP3, and WAV is also possible because iTunes provides Encoders for those as well).

Highlights	Highlights
● FREE software, pre-installed on Mac computers● Quality settings to ensure good sound quality● AIFF-specific converter	● No bulk-conversions available● Inefficient AIFF conversion● It will need to be downloaded and installed manually for Windows

**10. Convertio

Last, but not least, is Convertio We circle back with this fourth and last online converter It’s actually quite advanced. Although, just like many of the other FREEmium online converters we’ve listed, it’s not 100% FREE and comes with a lot of limitations.

Highlights	Highlights
● Supports all the general audio files● Various ways to upload● High-quality conversions	● FREEmium online converter● 100MB upload limit for the FREE version● Slow conversion

Key Takeaways from This Episode

● The AIFF file format is notable because it results in higher-quality sound. This is because AIFF, unlike the more general, MP3 file format, is not a compressed format.

● There are various ways that you can convert from and to the AIFF file format. The first method that we introduced was an online tool that would be available for use no matter what computer or device you’re using The second was chosen specifically because it was FREE and available for both Windows and Mac

● If you’re interested in looking through other options, the ten other converters we introduced should provide a healthy lot for you to choose from — with various levels of usefulness depending on what you need an AIFF Converter.

Try It Free Try It Free

“I need to convert some general audio files to AIFF, do you have any recommendations?”

We do, in fact, have some recommendations for you! The AIFF file format, while generally obscure, is accepted by most general audio converters! So, we didn’t have any problem finding some that you can use to AIFF converter!

In this article

01 [What’s So Good About AIFF?](#Part 1)

02 [How to Convert M4A to AIFF Free and Easily](#Part 2)

03 [What Makes AIFF Converter the Best Free Online Tool for Mac Users?](#Part 3)

Part 1 What’s So Good About AIFF?

But okay, what’s the deal with AIFF? Is it really all that good? And, if it is, why? For the first part of this article, we’ve prepared a short overview on the AIFF file format You can skip ahead though if you’d prefer to see the tutorial on AIFF Converters or our list of recommendations.

01What’s AIFF?

AIFF, also called the Audio Interchange File Format, is an audio file format that was popularized in 1988. It was based on the Electronic Arts Interchange File Format and is probably most familiar for Mac users. It’s accepted by most media players, including Apple Music and the Apple QuickTime Player.

02Why Is It So Popular?

Why? Well, it all has to do with the loss of quality. AIFF files are notable because they are uncompressed — leading to an inarguably better sound. That makes it popular with content creators, who want to provide the best possible listening experience to their audience. The caveat to this, of course, is that its uncompressed state means that it takes up a lot more space on one’s disk drive. But, many people would be willing to give that up in exchange for the enhanced sound.

Part 2 How to Convert M4A to AIFF Free and Easily

For this next section, we’ll be teaching you how to convert M4A to AIFF with an online AIFF converter. The benefit of using an online converter like the one we’ll be showing you how to use is that it is usually FREE and very efficient. This makes it a perfect solution for those who are just looking to convert to or from AIFF occasionally and thus has no need for a more permanent solution.

01Step 1: Launch Online AIFF Converter & Upload Files

The first thing that you have to do is open up the online AIFF Converter that you want to use. For our example, we’ve chosen FreeConvert, but there are plenty of other ones out there for you to choose from

Once you’re on-site, make use of the upload options to prepare your file to be converted. In this case, we uploaded an MP3 file, but it will work for M4A to AIFF just as well (along with other file formats.)

02Step 2: Convert to ‘AIFF’

Once the file that you want to convert has finished uploading, confirm that the output file format has been set to “AIFF”.

03Step 3: Play with Advanced Settings

This is optional, but if you want, you can adjust certain audio parameters by taking advantage of the ‘Advanced Settings’ option

04Step 4: Convert M4A to AIFF

Now it’s time to finally convert In this case, that is as easy as selecting the ‘Convert to AIFF’ button.

05Step 5: Download AIFF

When the conversion has been completed, click the ‘Download AIFF’ to finish up and save the converted AIFF file to your computer.

Part 3 What Makes AIFF Converter the Best Free Online Tool for Mac Users?

For this next part, we’ll be demonstrating an AIFF Converter that can be downloaded and used by Mac users. And then we’ll be following it up with a long list of all the best AIFF Converters available online and for both Windows and Mac users

01How to Use Free Audio AIFF Converter on Win/Mac?

As promised, this first part is a demonstration on how you can convert M4A to AIFF with a converter that will work for both Windows and Mac. This free audio converter is called ‘MediaHuman Audio Converter.’ It’s a really simple converter and is a great option for those who see themselves requiring an audio converter often but still don’t feel it necessary to cough up extra money for premium software when they can get a free one

**Step 1: Add File(s) for Conversion

First things first, upload the file that you want to convert With MediaHuman, you can do this in one of three ways:

● Drop media onto the specified area

● Click the “+” file option in order to manually add file

● Click the “+ folder” option in order to manually add files

**Step 2: Select Format

Once your file has been uploaded, select the “Format” button in the middle of the toolbar This will cause a pop-up to appear where you can choose your desired output format Of course, in our case, we chose “AIFF”

**Step 3: Start Conversion

Next, click ‘Start Conversion’ This will initiate the conversion. After which, you’ll be able to save your converted AIFF file and store it for use.

0210 Best AIFF Converter for Lossless Conversion

Now for our list of the best AIFF Converters available right now We’ve made sure to pick a good variety of them that you can choose from. Some of which are online tools, like we introduced in Part 1, while the others will be downloaded software that you can have at the ready at all times, like what we introduced in Part 2, Section 1

Keywords: aiff converter, m4a to aiff, convert m4a to aiff

**1. Zamzar

For the first AIFF Converter on this list, we have ZAMZAR ZAMZAR is an online file conversion tool that is capable of converting in a variety of file formats. Of course, the one that we’ll be looking at today is Zamzar’s AIFF Converter — which is almost 100% FREE to use (there’s a max upload file size that can only be unlocked if you pay the premium fee).

Highlights	Highlights
● FREEmium Online AIFF Converter● Wide variety of input and output file formats to choose from● No loss of quality and efficient conversion speed	● Not 100% FREE, must pay to unlock certain functions● There is a max upload size for the FREE version (50MB)● Internet is required in order for use

**2. ConvertOnMac

Our next recommended tool is Convert on Mac This is another online tool that can be used to convert a variety of files (i.e., audio, video, image, document, etc). The one that we’ll be focusing on though is Convert on Mac’s AIFF Converter

Highlights	Highlights
● Supports a variety of file input and output formats● Special AIFF Converter available for easy conversion● File upload can be done both manually or through a URL	● Available online only● Most compatible for Mac users (as is evident from the name)● Not the best for bulk conversions

**3. Online Converter

The next one up is Online Converter This one is more like ZAMZAR than Convert on Mac. If only because it also comes with a max file size that is locked. It’s more limited though — in that it doesn’t support as many input and output formats. And, as you can no doubt guess from the interface, quite old-school as well.

Highlights	Highlights
● Specialized AIFF Converter● Functions as a converter for other file types as well● Large max file size	● Available online only● Max upload file size is 200MB● Slower, less efficient conversion speed

**4. Wondershare Filmora Video Editor

For this next AIFF Converter, we make a complete departure from your general converters by introducing a completely different beast altogether Specifically, in the form of a Video Editor called Filmora. Filmora is an incredibly advanced video editing tool. And, because of this, it’s capable of most things related to video and audio editing. Including, in this case, AIFF conversion

Highlights	Highlights
● Advanced video and audio functions for adjusting audio output parameters● Supports dozens of audio and video file formats● Produces high-quality end product	● FREEmium product, certain functions are locked in the FREE version● Download and installation is required● Not the most beginner-friendly

**5. EaseUS Video Converter

With ‘EaseUS Video Converter’ we continue on our trend of AIFF conversion software This one, despite its name suggesting otherwise, functions as a solid Audio Converter So far, it’s closest to Filmora Pro when compared to all the others on this list. It’s a one-trick kind of pony though. Seeing as, unlike with Filmora, you can really only use this to convert files.

Highlights	Highlights
● High-quality video and audio conversion● Supports dozens of input and output formats● FREE trial available	● Limited FREE Trial● Supports Windows OS only● Download and installation is required for use

**6. Wondershare UniConverter

This next software, the ‘Wondershare UniConverter’ is a bit of a mix between Filmora and EaseUS Video Converter. As is evident from the UI (shown-off in the screenshot provided), it has the makings of a straightforward converter but with extra tools (i.e., video editor, video compressor, merger, screen recorder, etc.) that you can take advantage of while working on your conversions.

Highlights	Highlights
● Extra features for editing input and output files● Supports up to 1000 formats● High-speed Conversion rates	● FREEmium program● Certain functions are locked in the FREE version of the program● Download and installation is required for use

**7. VSDC Free Audio Converter

Next up, we have VSDC VSDC is a FREE Audio Converter. It’s pretty old-school (as is perhaps evident from the UI example) but it supports a variety of audio formats, including AIFF, which earned it a spot on this list of ours

Highlights	Highlights
● Supports all the key formats for both input and output● Built-in editor for trimming audio● High-conversion quality	● Open-source, and thus not update as often● The conversion speed is slow● Old-school interface

**8. Switch Audio File Converter

Switch Audio File Converter is a Mac AIFF Converter. You can find it on the Mac APP Store, or purchase it directly on the NCH Software website. For the FREE app version, you have access to certain functions, with the rest being locked under in-app purchases.

Highlights	Highlights
● Supports over 40+ audio file formats● Batch conversion functionalities available● Convert from video to audio easily	● Convert from video to audio easily● Faulty AIFF to OGG conversion● Comes with lots of bugs

**9. iTunes - Apple

This is a hidden feature that not many people know about, but iTunes actually works as a pretty serviceable AIFF Converter. It’s not the most efficient, but with iTunes’ AIFF Encoder, conversion to AIFF is possible (converting from AIFF to MP3, and WAV is also possible because iTunes provides Encoders for those as well).

Highlights	Highlights
● FREE software, pre-installed on Mac computers● Quality settings to ensure good sound quality● AIFF-specific converter	● No bulk-conversions available● Inefficient AIFF conversion● It will need to be downloaded and installed manually for Windows

**10. Convertio

Last, but not least, is Convertio We circle back with this fourth and last online converter It’s actually quite advanced. Although, just like many of the other FREEmium online converters we’ve listed, it’s not 100% FREE and comes with a lot of limitations.

Highlights	Highlights
● Supports all the general audio files● Various ways to upload● High-quality conversions	● FREEmium online converter● 100MB upload limit for the FREE version● Slow conversion

Key Takeaways from This Episode

● The AIFF file format is notable because it results in higher-quality sound. This is because AIFF, unlike the more general, MP3 file format, is not a compressed format.

● There are various ways that you can convert from and to the AIFF file format. The first method that we introduced was an online tool that would be available for use no matter what computer or device you’re using The second was chosen specifically because it was FREE and available for both Windows and Mac

● If you’re interested in looking through other options, the ten other converters we introduced should provide a healthy lot for you to choose from — with various levels of usefulness depending on what you need an AIFF Converter.

Try It Free Try It Free

“I need to convert some general audio files to AIFF, do you have any recommendations?”

We do, in fact, have some recommendations for you! The AIFF file format, while generally obscure, is accepted by most general audio converters! So, we didn’t have any problem finding some that you can use to AIFF converter!

In this article

01 [What’s So Good About AIFF?](#Part 1)

02 [How to Convert M4A to AIFF Free and Easily](#Part 2)

03 [What Makes AIFF Converter the Best Free Online Tool for Mac Users?](#Part 3)

Part 1 What’s So Good About AIFF?

But okay, what’s the deal with AIFF? Is it really all that good? And, if it is, why? For the first part of this article, we’ve prepared a short overview on the AIFF file format You can skip ahead though if you’d prefer to see the tutorial on AIFF Converters or our list of recommendations.

01What’s AIFF?

AIFF, also called the Audio Interchange File Format, is an audio file format that was popularized in 1988. It was based on the Electronic Arts Interchange File Format and is probably most familiar for Mac users. It’s accepted by most media players, including Apple Music and the Apple QuickTime Player.

02Why Is It So Popular?

Why? Well, it all has to do with the loss of quality. AIFF files are notable because they are uncompressed — leading to an inarguably better sound. That makes it popular with content creators, who want to provide the best possible listening experience to their audience. The caveat to this, of course, is that its uncompressed state means that it takes up a lot more space on one’s disk drive. But, many people would be willing to give that up in exchange for the enhanced sound.

Part 2 How to Convert M4A to AIFF Free and Easily

For this next section, we’ll be teaching you how to convert M4A to AIFF with an online AIFF converter. The benefit of using an online converter like the one we’ll be showing you how to use is that it is usually FREE and very efficient. This makes it a perfect solution for those who are just looking to convert to or from AIFF occasionally and thus has no need for a more permanent solution.

01Step 1: Launch Online AIFF Converter & Upload Files

The first thing that you have to do is open up the online AIFF Converter that you want to use. For our example, we’ve chosen FreeConvert, but there are plenty of other ones out there for you to choose from

Once you’re on-site, make use of the upload options to prepare your file to be converted. In this case, we uploaded an MP3 file, but it will work for M4A to AIFF just as well (along with other file formats.)

02Step 2: Convert to ‘AIFF’

Once the file that you want to convert has finished uploading, confirm that the output file format has been set to “AIFF”.

03Step 3: Play with Advanced Settings

This is optional, but if you want, you can adjust certain audio parameters by taking advantage of the ‘Advanced Settings’ option

04Step 4: Convert M4A to AIFF

Now it’s time to finally convert In this case, that is as easy as selecting the ‘Convert to AIFF’ button.

05Step 5: Download AIFF

When the conversion has been completed, click the ‘Download AIFF’ to finish up and save the converted AIFF file to your computer.

Part 3 What Makes AIFF Converter the Best Free Online Tool for Mac Users?

For this next part, we’ll be demonstrating an AIFF Converter that can be downloaded and used by Mac users. And then we’ll be following it up with a long list of all the best AIFF Converters available online and for both Windows and Mac users

01How to Use Free Audio AIFF Converter on Win/Mac?

As promised, this first part is a demonstration on how you can convert M4A to AIFF with a converter that will work for both Windows and Mac. This free audio converter is called ‘MediaHuman Audio Converter.’ It’s a really simple converter and is a great option for those who see themselves requiring an audio converter often but still don’t feel it necessary to cough up extra money for premium software when they can get a free one

**Step 1: Add File(s) for Conversion

First things first, upload the file that you want to convert With MediaHuman, you can do this in one of three ways:

● Drop media onto the specified area

● Click the “+” file option in order to manually add file

● Click the “+ folder” option in order to manually add files

**Step 2: Select Format

Once your file has been uploaded, select the “Format” button in the middle of the toolbar This will cause a pop-up to appear where you can choose your desired output format Of course, in our case, we chose “AIFF”

**Step 3: Start Conversion

Next, click ‘Start Conversion’ This will initiate the conversion. After which, you’ll be able to save your converted AIFF file and store it for use.

0210 Best AIFF Converter for Lossless Conversion

Now for our list of the best AIFF Converters available right now We’ve made sure to pick a good variety of them that you can choose from. Some of which are online tools, like we introduced in Part 1, while the others will be downloaded software that you can have at the ready at all times, like what we introduced in Part 2, Section 1

Keywords: aiff converter, m4a to aiff, convert m4a to aiff

**1. Zamzar

For the first AIFF Converter on this list, we have ZAMZAR ZAMZAR is an online file conversion tool that is capable of converting in a variety of file formats. Of course, the one that we’ll be looking at today is Zamzar’s AIFF Converter — which is almost 100% FREE to use (there’s a max upload file size that can only be unlocked if you pay the premium fee).

Highlights	Highlights
● FREEmium Online AIFF Converter● Wide variety of input and output file formats to choose from● No loss of quality and efficient conversion speed	● Not 100% FREE, must pay to unlock certain functions● There is a max upload size for the FREE version (50MB)● Internet is required in order for use

**2. ConvertOnMac

Our next recommended tool is Convert on Mac This is another online tool that can be used to convert a variety of files (i.e., audio, video, image, document, etc). The one that we’ll be focusing on though is Convert on Mac’s AIFF Converter

Highlights	Highlights
● Supports a variety of file input and output formats● Special AIFF Converter available for easy conversion● File upload can be done both manually or through a URL	● Available online only● Most compatible for Mac users (as is evident from the name)● Not the best for bulk conversions

**3. Online Converter

The next one up is Online Converter This one is more like ZAMZAR than Convert on Mac. If only because it also comes with a max file size that is locked. It’s more limited though — in that it doesn’t support as many input and output formats. And, as you can no doubt guess from the interface, quite old-school as well.

Highlights	Highlights
● Specialized AIFF Converter● Functions as a converter for other file types as well● Large max file size	● Available online only● Max upload file size is 200MB● Slower, less efficient conversion speed

**4. Wondershare Filmora Video Editor

For this next AIFF Converter, we make a complete departure from your general converters by introducing a completely different beast altogether Specifically, in the form of a Video Editor called Filmora. Filmora is an incredibly advanced video editing tool. And, because of this, it’s capable of most things related to video and audio editing. Including, in this case, AIFF conversion

Highlights	Highlights
● Advanced video and audio functions for adjusting audio output parameters● Supports dozens of audio and video file formats● Produces high-quality end product	● FREEmium product, certain functions are locked in the FREE version● Download and installation is required● Not the most beginner-friendly

**5. EaseUS Video Converter

With ‘EaseUS Video Converter’ we continue on our trend of AIFF conversion software This one, despite its name suggesting otherwise, functions as a solid Audio Converter So far, it’s closest to Filmora Pro when compared to all the others on this list. It’s a one-trick kind of pony though. Seeing as, unlike with Filmora, you can really only use this to convert files.

Highlights	Highlights
● High-quality video and audio conversion● Supports dozens of input and output formats● FREE trial available	● Limited FREE Trial● Supports Windows OS only● Download and installation is required for use

**6. Wondershare UniConverter

This next software, the ‘Wondershare UniConverter’ is a bit of a mix between Filmora and EaseUS Video Converter. As is evident from the UI (shown-off in the screenshot provided), it has the makings of a straightforward converter but with extra tools (i.e., video editor, video compressor, merger, screen recorder, etc.) that you can take advantage of while working on your conversions.

Highlights	Highlights
● Extra features for editing input and output files● Supports up to 1000 formats● High-speed Conversion rates	● FREEmium program● Certain functions are locked in the FREE version of the program● Download and installation is required for use

**7. VSDC Free Audio Converter

Next up, we have VSDC VSDC is a FREE Audio Converter. It’s pretty old-school (as is perhaps evident from the UI example) but it supports a variety of audio formats, including AIFF, which earned it a spot on this list of ours

Highlights	Highlights
● Supports all the key formats for both input and output● Built-in editor for trimming audio● High-conversion quality	● Open-source, and thus not update as often● The conversion speed is slow● Old-school interface

**8. Switch Audio File Converter

Switch Audio File Converter is a Mac AIFF Converter. You can find it on the Mac APP Store, or purchase it directly on the NCH Software website. For the FREE app version, you have access to certain functions, with the rest being locked under in-app purchases.

Highlights	Highlights
● Supports over 40+ audio file formats● Batch conversion functionalities available● Convert from video to audio easily	● Convert from video to audio easily● Faulty AIFF to OGG conversion● Comes with lots of bugs

**9. iTunes - Apple

This is a hidden feature that not many people know about, but iTunes actually works as a pretty serviceable AIFF Converter. It’s not the most efficient, but with iTunes’ AIFF Encoder, conversion to AIFF is possible (converting from AIFF to MP3, and WAV is also possible because iTunes provides Encoders for those as well).

Highlights	Highlights
● FREE software, pre-installed on Mac computers● Quality settings to ensure good sound quality● AIFF-specific converter	● No bulk-conversions available● Inefficient AIFF conversion● It will need to be downloaded and installed manually for Windows

**10. Convertio

Last, but not least, is Convertio We circle back with this fourth and last online converter It’s actually quite advanced. Although, just like many of the other FREEmium online converters we’ve listed, it’s not 100% FREE and comes with a lot of limitations.

Highlights	Highlights
● Supports all the general audio files● Various ways to upload● High-quality conversions	● FREEmium online converter● 100MB upload limit for the FREE version● Slow conversion

Key Takeaways from This Episode

● The AIFF file format is notable because it results in higher-quality sound. This is because AIFF, unlike the more general, MP3 file format, is not a compressed format.

● There are various ways that you can convert from and to the AIFF file format. The first method that we introduced was an online tool that would be available for use no matter what computer or device you’re using The second was chosen specifically because it was FREE and available for both Windows and Mac

● If you’re interested in looking through other options, the ten other converters we introduced should provide a healthy lot for you to choose from — with various levels of usefulness depending on what you need an AIFF Converter.

Try It Free Try It Free

“I need to convert some general audio files to AIFF, do you have any recommendations?”

We do, in fact, have some recommendations for you! The AIFF file format, while generally obscure, is accepted by most general audio converters! So, we didn’t have any problem finding some that you can use to AIFF converter!

In this article

01 [What’s So Good About AIFF?](#Part 1)

02 [How to Convert M4A to AIFF Free and Easily](#Part 2)

03 [What Makes AIFF Converter the Best Free Online Tool for Mac Users?](#Part 3)

Part 1 What’s So Good About AIFF?

But okay, what’s the deal with AIFF? Is it really all that good? And, if it is, why? For the first part of this article, we’ve prepared a short overview on the AIFF file format You can skip ahead though if you’d prefer to see the tutorial on AIFF Converters or our list of recommendations.

01What’s AIFF?

AIFF, also called the Audio Interchange File Format, is an audio file format that was popularized in 1988. It was based on the Electronic Arts Interchange File Format and is probably most familiar for Mac users. It’s accepted by most media players, including Apple Music and the Apple QuickTime Player.

02Why Is It So Popular?

Why? Well, it all has to do with the loss of quality. AIFF files are notable because they are uncompressed — leading to an inarguably better sound. That makes it popular with content creators, who want to provide the best possible listening experience to their audience. The caveat to this, of course, is that its uncompressed state means that it takes up a lot more space on one’s disk drive. But, many people would be willing to give that up in exchange for the enhanced sound.

Part 2 How to Convert M4A to AIFF Free and Easily

For this next section, we’ll be teaching you how to convert M4A to AIFF with an online AIFF converter. The benefit of using an online converter like the one we’ll be showing you how to use is that it is usually FREE and very efficient. This makes it a perfect solution for those who are just looking to convert to or from AIFF occasionally and thus has no need for a more permanent solution.

01Step 1: Launch Online AIFF Converter & Upload Files

The first thing that you have to do is open up the online AIFF Converter that you want to use. For our example, we’ve chosen FreeConvert, but there are plenty of other ones out there for you to choose from

Once you’re on-site, make use of the upload options to prepare your file to be converted. In this case, we uploaded an MP3 file, but it will work for M4A to AIFF just as well (along with other file formats.)

02Step 2: Convert to ‘AIFF’

Once the file that you want to convert has finished uploading, confirm that the output file format has been set to “AIFF”.

03Step 3: Play with Advanced Settings

This is optional, but if you want, you can adjust certain audio parameters by taking advantage of the ‘Advanced Settings’ option

04Step 4: Convert M4A to AIFF

Now it’s time to finally convert In this case, that is as easy as selecting the ‘Convert to AIFF’ button.

05Step 5: Download AIFF

When the conversion has been completed, click the ‘Download AIFF’ to finish up and save the converted AIFF file to your computer.

Part 3 What Makes AIFF Converter the Best Free Online Tool for Mac Users?

For this next part, we’ll be demonstrating an AIFF Converter that can be downloaded and used by Mac users. And then we’ll be following it up with a long list of all the best AIFF Converters available online and for both Windows and Mac users

01How to Use Free Audio AIFF Converter on Win/Mac?

As promised, this first part is a demonstration on how you can convert M4A to AIFF with a converter that will work for both Windows and Mac. This free audio converter is called ‘MediaHuman Audio Converter.’ It’s a really simple converter and is a great option for those who see themselves requiring an audio converter often but still don’t feel it necessary to cough up extra money for premium software when they can get a free one

**Step 1: Add File(s) for Conversion

First things first, upload the file that you want to convert With MediaHuman, you can do this in one of three ways:

● Drop media onto the specified area

● Click the “+” file option in order to manually add file

● Click the “+ folder” option in order to manually add files

**Step 2: Select Format

Once your file has been uploaded, select the “Format” button in the middle of the toolbar This will cause a pop-up to appear where you can choose your desired output format Of course, in our case, we chose “AIFF”

**Step 3: Start Conversion

Next, click ‘Start Conversion’ This will initiate the conversion. After which, you’ll be able to save your converted AIFF file and store it for use.

0210 Best AIFF Converter for Lossless Conversion

Now for our list of the best AIFF Converters available right now We’ve made sure to pick a good variety of them that you can choose from. Some of which are online tools, like we introduced in Part 1, while the others will be downloaded software that you can have at the ready at all times, like what we introduced in Part 2, Section 1

Keywords: aiff converter, m4a to aiff, convert m4a to aiff

**1. Zamzar

For the first AIFF Converter on this list, we have ZAMZAR ZAMZAR is an online file conversion tool that is capable of converting in a variety of file formats. Of course, the one that we’ll be looking at today is Zamzar’s AIFF Converter — which is almost 100% FREE to use (there’s a max upload file size that can only be unlocked if you pay the premium fee).

Highlights	Highlights
● FREEmium Online AIFF Converter● Wide variety of input and output file formats to choose from● No loss of quality and efficient conversion speed	● Not 100% FREE, must pay to unlock certain functions● There is a max upload size for the FREE version (50MB)● Internet is required in order for use

**2. ConvertOnMac

Our next recommended tool is Convert on Mac This is another online tool that can be used to convert a variety of files (i.e., audio, video, image, document, etc). The one that we’ll be focusing on though is Convert on Mac’s AIFF Converter

Highlights	Highlights
● Supports a variety of file input and output formats● Special AIFF Converter available for easy conversion● File upload can be done both manually or through a URL	● Available online only● Most compatible for Mac users (as is evident from the name)● Not the best for bulk conversions

**3. Online Converter

The next one up is Online Converter This one is more like ZAMZAR than Convert on Mac. If only because it also comes with a max file size that is locked. It’s more limited though — in that it doesn’t support as many input and output formats. And, as you can no doubt guess from the interface, quite old-school as well.

Highlights	Highlights
● Specialized AIFF Converter● Functions as a converter for other file types as well● Large max file size	● Available online only● Max upload file size is 200MB● Slower, less efficient conversion speed

**4. Wondershare Filmora Video Editor

For this next AIFF Converter, we make a complete departure from your general converters by introducing a completely different beast altogether Specifically, in the form of a Video Editor called Filmora. Filmora is an incredibly advanced video editing tool. And, because of this, it’s capable of most things related to video and audio editing. Including, in this case, AIFF conversion

Highlights	Highlights
● Advanced video and audio functions for adjusting audio output parameters● Supports dozens of audio and video file formats● Produces high-quality end product	● FREEmium product, certain functions are locked in the FREE version● Download and installation is required● Not the most beginner-friendly

**5. EaseUS Video Converter

With ‘EaseUS Video Converter’ we continue on our trend of AIFF conversion software This one, despite its name suggesting otherwise, functions as a solid Audio Converter So far, it’s closest to Filmora Pro when compared to all the others on this list. It’s a one-trick kind of pony though. Seeing as, unlike with Filmora, you can really only use this to convert files.

Highlights	Highlights
● High-quality video and audio conversion● Supports dozens of input and output formats● FREE trial available	● Limited FREE Trial● Supports Windows OS only● Download and installation is required for use

**6. Wondershare UniConverter

This next software, the ‘Wondershare UniConverter’ is a bit of a mix between Filmora and EaseUS Video Converter. As is evident from the UI (shown-off in the screenshot provided), it has the makings of a straightforward converter but with extra tools (i.e., video editor, video compressor, merger, screen recorder, etc.) that you can take advantage of while working on your conversions.

Highlights	Highlights
● Extra features for editing input and output files● Supports up to 1000 formats● High-speed Conversion rates	● FREEmium program● Certain functions are locked in the FREE version of the program● Download and installation is required for use

**7. VSDC Free Audio Converter

Next up, we have VSDC VSDC is a FREE Audio Converter. It’s pretty old-school (as is perhaps evident from the UI example) but it supports a variety of audio formats, including AIFF, which earned it a spot on this list of ours

Highlights	Highlights
● Supports all the key formats for both input and output● Built-in editor for trimming audio● High-conversion quality	● Open-source, and thus not update as often● The conversion speed is slow● Old-school interface

**8. Switch Audio File Converter

Switch Audio File Converter is a Mac AIFF Converter. You can find it on the Mac APP Store, or purchase it directly on the NCH Software website. For the FREE app version, you have access to certain functions, with the rest being locked under in-app purchases.

Highlights	Highlights
● Supports over 40+ audio file formats● Batch conversion functionalities available● Convert from video to audio easily	● Convert from video to audio easily● Faulty AIFF to OGG conversion● Comes with lots of bugs

**9. iTunes - Apple

This is a hidden feature that not many people know about, but iTunes actually works as a pretty serviceable AIFF Converter. It’s not the most efficient, but with iTunes’ AIFF Encoder, conversion to AIFF is possible (converting from AIFF to MP3, and WAV is also possible because iTunes provides Encoders for those as well).

Highlights	Highlights
● FREE software, pre-installed on Mac computers● Quality settings to ensure good sound quality● AIFF-specific converter	● No bulk-conversions available● Inefficient AIFF conversion● It will need to be downloaded and installed manually for Windows

**10. Convertio

Last, but not least, is Convertio We circle back with this fourth and last online converter It’s actually quite advanced. Although, just like many of the other FREEmium online converters we’ve listed, it’s not 100% FREE and comes with a lot of limitations.

Highlights	Highlights
● Supports all the general audio files● Various ways to upload● High-quality conversions	● FREEmium online converter● 100MB upload limit for the FREE version● Slow conversion

Key Takeaways from This Episode

● The AIFF file format is notable because it results in higher-quality sound. This is because AIFF, unlike the more general, MP3 file format, is not a compressed format.

● There are various ways that you can convert from and to the AIFF file format. The first method that we introduced was an online tool that would be available for use no matter what computer or device you’re using The second was chosen specifically because it was FREE and available for both Windows and Mac

● If you’re interested in looking through other options, the ten other converters we introduced should provide a healthy lot for you to choose from — with various levels of usefulness depending on what you need an AIFF Converter.

The Complete Chromecast Handbook: Streaming Any Video Format Like a Pro

How to Stream Any Video Format to Google Chromecast

Ollie Mattison

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Google Chromecast is a digital media player that allows you to stream MP4, WebM, MPEG-DASH, Smooth Streaming, and HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) video formats on your High Definition Television (HDTV). It requires a wireless connection using the Internet or a network-connected computer, tablet, or smartphone. You can play various multimedia content, but only Google Cast-supported formats can be streamed directly.

If you would like to play unsupported formats, such as MKV, VOB, FLV, and AVI, you will need to get a video format converter to stream movies, TV shows, and music videos with unsupported formats. We’ve picked some best video converters that you can use which also support 4K footage. Check the list of thebest 4K video converters here. In this article, you will learn about supported and unsupported video formats and how you can stream them using your Chromecast media player.

---

This article contains:

• Part 1: Chromecast Supported and Unsupported Video Formats
• Part 2: Three Ways to Stream Supported Videos
• Part 3: Comparison Methods for Streaming Supported Videos
• Part 4: Three Ways to Stream Unsupported Videos
• Part 5: Comparison Methods for Streaming Unsupported Videos

---

Part 1: Chromecast Supported and Unsupported Video Formats

The default Chromecast video formats are MP4 and WebM. It also supports MPEG-DASH, Smooth Streaming, and HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) video files. All other video formats are unsupported. The following information provides a brief introduction of supported and unsupported formats.

Standard supported Chromecast video formats include:

• MP4 - MPEG 4 or MP4 video files use the standard .mp4 extension. It is most commonly used to store video and audio files.
• WebM – An open video format for the web that allows everyone to stream video and audio codecs.

Some unsupported video formats include:

• AVI – AVI (Audio Video Interleave), the most common format for audio/video data on the PC, is a multimedia container format with video and audio.
• MKV – The Matroska Multimedia Container holds video, audio, picture, or subtitle tracks in one file.
• FLV – Flash video formats are video files that are streamed over the Internet using the Adobe Flash Player.
• MOV – MOV is a multimedia file format that contains one and more tracks of data, such as audio, video or text.
• VOB – VOB (Video Object) files are DVD-Video file formats that contain digital video audio, audio, and subtitles relevant to DVDs.
• 3G2 – This is a video container file for audio, video, and text that is an extension of MP4.

What are the differences between each format? Check What’s Video Format?

Since Chromecast only supports few video formats, it is recommended that you get avideo streaming application that allows you to stream unsupported formats, such as M2TS, 3GP, DIVX, RM, RMVB, ASF, TS, DV, F4V, OGV, TOD. Wondershare Video Converter for example allows you to use Chromecast to stream unsupported formats through your Windows computer to your television.

---

Part 2: Three Ways to Stream Supported Videos

There are various ways that you can stream supported videos using your Chromecast media player, but here you will learn three of the most commonly used methods. You will learn how to connect using a computer, mobile device, and through the YouTube app.

1.Connect with your Mobile device

To stream videos using your mobile device, you will need to download and open the Chromecast app on your Android or iOS smartphone or tablet using Google Play or the App Store. The Chromecast app is available for Android tablets and smartphones through Google Play and for iPhones and iPads in the App store.

Note: You should ensure that your mobile device is connected to your Wi-Fi and not your mobile network. Also, you must have the latest app installed and be on the same network as your Chromecast digital media player.

2.Connect with your Computer

Chromecast allows you to stream videos on your TV using your Mac or PC running the Chrome browser. This is the only browser that Chromecast is compatible with. Follow the instructions below to connect with your computer.

Step 1. Open the Chrome browser on your computer and then set up Chromecast.

Step 2. Download the Chromecast app to your computer.

Step 3. Select the instruction below that is applicable to your computer.

i. On your Windows computer, Save the file, run the Chromecast app and follow the prompts to complete setting up Chromecast.
ii. On your Mac OS X computer, drag and drop the Chromecast app into your Applications folder. You will need to open the folder, run the application, and then select the Chromecast device. Follow the instructions to complete the setup process.

3. Connect with YouTube

Follow the instructions below to download and set up YouTube to watch videos on your TV using your Chromecast device.

Step 1. Connect your Chromecast device to an available HDMI slot on your HDTV.
Step 2. When your Chromecast digital media player is securely connected to your TV you will see the Chromecast Home screen with your Wi-Fi name at the bottom of the screen.
Step 3. Now, download the YouTube app on your Android or Apple tablet or smartphone.
Step 4. Connect your Android or Apple device to the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast device.
Step 5. Open the YouTube app on your Android or Apple device and click the Cast button to start streaming videos.

---

Part 3: Comparison Methods for Streaming Supported Videos

The following chart provides a list of requirements for streaming supported videos using a computer, YouTube, and a mobile device.

| | Computer | YouTube | Mobile Devices | |
| ———————– | ———————————————- | —————————————– | ————– |
| TELEVISION | HDTV | HDTV | HDTV |
| OPERATING SYSTEM | Mac OS X 7 or higher or Windows 7 or higher | Android or iOS | Android or iOS |
| MOBILE APPLICATION | Chromecast | YouTube | Chromecast |
| INTERNET CONNECTION | Wireless | Wireless | Wireless |
| GOOGLE DEVICE | Chromecast | Chromecast | Chromecast |
| BROWSER | Chrome | | |
| MOBILE DEVICE | iPad, iPhone, and Android smartphone or Tablet | iPad, iPhone, and Android Phone or Tablet | |

---

Part 4: Three Ways to Stream Unsupported Videos

• Wondershare Video Converter – It provides a powerful plugin called “Media Server” which allows you to directly stream both supported and unsupported audio and video formats to Chromecast.

• Wondershare DreamStream Application - DreamStream allows HD streaming from PC and tablet to TV through Chromecast. It allows you to stream TV shows, movies, and music videos with any video format to your TV.

• RealPlayer Cloud– The Real Player Cloud app allows you to stream unsupported videos to your TV with your computer or mobile device.

---

Part 5: Comparison Methods for Streaming Unsupported Videos

The following chart provides a list of requirements for streaming unsupported videos to your TV using iDealShare video converter, RealPlayer Cloud app, and Wondershare DreamStream.

| | Wondershare Video Converter | Wondershare DreamStream Application | RealPlayer Cloud | |
| —————————————————————————– | —————————————————————————————- | ————————————————————————————————————————– | ————————————————————– |
| VIDEO FORMATS | MKV, AVI , MP4 , Apple ProRes, MOV, FLV, VOB, DAV, MPG, MXF, avchd, WTV, WMV , ASF, RMVB | MP4 , WebM, AVI , MKV , RM, RMVB, MOV, MPG, VOB, FLV , WMV, ASF, TS, M2TS, 3G2, 3GP, DIVX, DV, F4V, MTS, OGV, TOD, TP, TRP | FLV , WMV , MKV , DIVX, XVID, MOV, AVI , and MP4 . |
| AUDIO FORMATS | LAC, DTS, AIFF, APE, WAV, WMA, Apple Lossless, M4A, OGG, CAF | MP3, WMA, APE, FLAC, OGG, M4A, WAV, AC3, MP2 | Android or iOS |
| OPERATING SYSTEM | Mac OS X and Windows | Windows | Chromecast |
| PRICE | $49.95 | Free Lite, $4.99 mo. (Registered) | Free app, $4.99 to $29.99 mo. (25 to 300 GB Storage) |
| BROWSER | Firefox, Chrome, Safari, etc | All Browsers (Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer, Chrome, etc) | All Browsers (Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer, Chrome, etc) |
| MOBILE DEVICE | Windows Tablet | iPhone, iPad, Android tablet and smartphone | |

At the end of the day, streaming supported and unsupported video formats to your TV with Chromecast are easy to accomplish with any of the methods and tools discussed.

Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Google Chromecast is a digital media player that allows you to stream MP4, WebM, MPEG-DASH, Smooth Streaming, and HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) video formats on your High Definition Television (HDTV). It requires a wireless connection using the Internet or a network-connected computer, tablet, or smartphone. You can play various multimedia content, but only Google Cast-supported formats can be streamed directly.

If you would like to play unsupported formats, such as MKV, VOB, FLV, and AVI, you will need to get a video format converter to stream movies, TV shows, and music videos with unsupported formats. We’ve picked some best video converters that you can use which also support 4K footage. Check the list of thebest 4K video converters here. In this article, you will learn about supported and unsupported video formats and how you can stream them using your Chromecast media player.

---

This article contains:

• Part 1: Chromecast Supported and Unsupported Video Formats
• Part 2: Three Ways to Stream Supported Videos
• Part 3: Comparison Methods for Streaming Supported Videos
• Part 4: Three Ways to Stream Unsupported Videos
• Part 5: Comparison Methods for Streaming Unsupported Videos

---

Part 1: Chromecast Supported and Unsupported Video Formats

The default Chromecast video formats are MP4 and WebM. It also supports MPEG-DASH, Smooth Streaming, and HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) video files. All other video formats are unsupported. The following information provides a brief introduction of supported and unsupported formats.

Standard supported Chromecast video formats include:

• MP4 - MPEG 4 or MP4 video files use the standard .mp4 extension. It is most commonly used to store video and audio files.
• WebM – An open video format for the web that allows everyone to stream video and audio codecs.

Some unsupported video formats include:

• AVI – AVI (Audio Video Interleave), the most common format for audio/video data on the PC, is a multimedia container format with video and audio.
• MKV – The Matroska Multimedia Container holds video, audio, picture, or subtitle tracks in one file.
• FLV – Flash video formats are video files that are streamed over the Internet using the Adobe Flash Player.
• MOV – MOV is a multimedia file format that contains one and more tracks of data, such as audio, video or text.
• VOB – VOB (Video Object) files are DVD-Video file formats that contain digital video audio, audio, and subtitles relevant to DVDs.
• 3G2 – This is a video container file for audio, video, and text that is an extension of MP4.

What are the differences between each format? Check What’s Video Format?

Since Chromecast only supports few video formats, it is recommended that you get avideo streaming application that allows you to stream unsupported formats, such as M2TS, 3GP, DIVX, RM, RMVB, ASF, TS, DV, F4V, OGV, TOD. Wondershare Video Converter for example allows you to use Chromecast to stream unsupported formats through your Windows computer to your television.

---

Part 2: Three Ways to Stream Supported Videos

There are various ways that you can stream supported videos using your Chromecast media player, but here you will learn three of the most commonly used methods. You will learn how to connect using a computer, mobile device, and through the YouTube app.

1.Connect with your Mobile device

To stream videos using your mobile device, you will need to download and open the Chromecast app on your Android or iOS smartphone or tablet using Google Play or the App Store. The Chromecast app is available for Android tablets and smartphones through Google Play and for iPhones and iPads in the App store.

Note: You should ensure that your mobile device is connected to your Wi-Fi and not your mobile network. Also, you must have the latest app installed and be on the same network as your Chromecast digital media player.

2.Connect with your Computer

Chromecast allows you to stream videos on your TV using your Mac or PC running the Chrome browser. This is the only browser that Chromecast is compatible with. Follow the instructions below to connect with your computer.

Step 1. Open the Chrome browser on your computer and then set up Chromecast.

Step 2. Download the Chromecast app to your computer.

Step 3. Select the instruction below that is applicable to your computer.

i. On your Windows computer, Save the file, run the Chromecast app and follow the prompts to complete setting up Chromecast.
ii. On your Mac OS X computer, drag and drop the Chromecast app into your Applications folder. You will need to open the folder, run the application, and then select the Chromecast device. Follow the instructions to complete the setup process.

3. Connect with YouTube

Follow the instructions below to download and set up YouTube to watch videos on your TV using your Chromecast device.

Step 1. Connect your Chromecast device to an available HDMI slot on your HDTV.
Step 2. When your Chromecast digital media player is securely connected to your TV you will see the Chromecast Home screen with your Wi-Fi name at the bottom of the screen.
Step 3. Now, download the YouTube app on your Android or Apple tablet or smartphone.
Step 4. Connect your Android or Apple device to the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast device.
Step 5. Open the YouTube app on your Android or Apple device and click the Cast button to start streaming videos.

---

Part 3: Comparison Methods for Streaming Supported Videos

The following chart provides a list of requirements for streaming supported videos using a computer, YouTube, and a mobile device.

| | Computer | YouTube | Mobile Devices | |
| ———————– | ———————————————- | —————————————– | ————– |
| TELEVISION | HDTV | HDTV | HDTV |
| OPERATING SYSTEM | Mac OS X 7 or higher or Windows 7 or higher | Android or iOS | Android or iOS |
| MOBILE APPLICATION | Chromecast | YouTube | Chromecast |
| INTERNET CONNECTION | Wireless | Wireless | Wireless |
| GOOGLE DEVICE | Chromecast | Chromecast | Chromecast |
| BROWSER | Chrome | | |
| MOBILE DEVICE | iPad, iPhone, and Android smartphone or Tablet | iPad, iPhone, and Android Phone or Tablet | |

---

Part 4: Three Ways to Stream Unsupported Videos

• Wondershare Video Converter – It provides a powerful plugin called “Media Server” which allows you to directly stream both supported and unsupported audio and video formats to Chromecast.

• Wondershare DreamStream Application - DreamStream allows HD streaming from PC and tablet to TV through Chromecast. It allows you to stream TV shows, movies, and music videos with any video format to your TV.

• RealPlayer Cloud– The Real Player Cloud app allows you to stream unsupported videos to your TV with your computer or mobile device.

---

Part 5: Comparison Methods for Streaming Unsupported Videos

The following chart provides a list of requirements for streaming unsupported videos to your TV using iDealShare video converter, RealPlayer Cloud app, and Wondershare DreamStream.

| | Wondershare Video Converter | Wondershare DreamStream Application | RealPlayer Cloud | |
| —————————————————————————– | —————————————————————————————- | ————————————————————————————————————————– | ————————————————————– |
| VIDEO FORMATS | MKV, AVI , MP4 , Apple ProRes, MOV, FLV, VOB, DAV, MPG, MXF, avchd, WTV, WMV , ASF, RMVB | MP4 , WebM, AVI , MKV , RM, RMVB, MOV, MPG, VOB, FLV , WMV, ASF, TS, M2TS, 3G2, 3GP, DIVX, DV, F4V, MTS, OGV, TOD, TP, TRP | FLV , WMV , MKV , DIVX, XVID, MOV, AVI , and MP4 . |
| AUDIO FORMATS | LAC, DTS, AIFF, APE, WAV, WMA, Apple Lossless, M4A, OGG, CAF | MP3, WMA, APE, FLAC, OGG, M4A, WAV, AC3, MP2 | Android or iOS |
| OPERATING SYSTEM | Mac OS X and Windows | Windows | Chromecast |
| PRICE | $49.95 | Free Lite, $4.99 mo. (Registered) | Free app, $4.99 to $29.99 mo. (25 to 300 GB Storage) |
| BROWSER | Firefox, Chrome, Safari, etc | All Browsers (Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer, Chrome, etc) | All Browsers (Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer, Chrome, etc) |
| MOBILE DEVICE | Windows Tablet | iPhone, iPad, Android tablet and smartphone | |

At the end of the day, streaming supported and unsupported video formats to your TV with Chromecast are easy to accomplish with any of the methods and tools discussed.

Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Google Chromecast is a digital media player that allows you to stream MP4, WebM, MPEG-DASH, Smooth Streaming, and HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) video formats on your High Definition Television (HDTV). It requires a wireless connection using the Internet or a network-connected computer, tablet, or smartphone. You can play various multimedia content, but only Google Cast-supported formats can be streamed directly.

If you would like to play unsupported formats, such as MKV, VOB, FLV, and AVI, you will need to get a video format converter to stream movies, TV shows, and music videos with unsupported formats. We’ve picked some best video converters that you can use which also support 4K footage. Check the list of thebest 4K video converters here. In this article, you will learn about supported and unsupported video formats and how you can stream them using your Chromecast media player.

---

This article contains:

• Part 1: Chromecast Supported and Unsupported Video Formats
• Part 2: Three Ways to Stream Supported Videos
• Part 3: Comparison Methods for Streaming Supported Videos
• Part 4: Three Ways to Stream Unsupported Videos
• Part 5: Comparison Methods for Streaming Unsupported Videos

---

Part 1: Chromecast Supported and Unsupported Video Formats

The default Chromecast video formats are MP4 and WebM. It also supports MPEG-DASH, Smooth Streaming, and HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) video files. All other video formats are unsupported. The following information provides a brief introduction of supported and unsupported formats.

Standard supported Chromecast video formats include:

• MP4 - MPEG 4 or MP4 video files use the standard .mp4 extension. It is most commonly used to store video and audio files.
• WebM – An open video format for the web that allows everyone to stream video and audio codecs.

Some unsupported video formats include:

• AVI – AVI (Audio Video Interleave), the most common format for audio/video data on the PC, is a multimedia container format with video and audio.
• MKV – The Matroska Multimedia Container holds video, audio, picture, or subtitle tracks in one file.
• FLV – Flash video formats are video files that are streamed over the Internet using the Adobe Flash Player.
• MOV – MOV is a multimedia file format that contains one and more tracks of data, such as audio, video or text.
• VOB – VOB (Video Object) files are DVD-Video file formats that contain digital video audio, audio, and subtitles relevant to DVDs.
• 3G2 – This is a video container file for audio, video, and text that is an extension of MP4.

What are the differences between each format? Check What’s Video Format?

Since Chromecast only supports few video formats, it is recommended that you get avideo streaming application that allows you to stream unsupported formats, such as M2TS, 3GP, DIVX, RM, RMVB, ASF, TS, DV, F4V, OGV, TOD. Wondershare Video Converter for example allows you to use Chromecast to stream unsupported formats through your Windows computer to your television.

---

Part 2: Three Ways to Stream Supported Videos

There are various ways that you can stream supported videos using your Chromecast media player, but here you will learn three of the most commonly used methods. You will learn how to connect using a computer, mobile device, and through the YouTube app.

1.Connect with your Mobile device

To stream videos using your mobile device, you will need to download and open the Chromecast app on your Android or iOS smartphone or tablet using Google Play or the App Store. The Chromecast app is available for Android tablets and smartphones through Google Play and for iPhones and iPads in the App store.

Note: You should ensure that your mobile device is connected to your Wi-Fi and not your mobile network. Also, you must have the latest app installed and be on the same network as your Chromecast digital media player.

2.Connect with your Computer

Chromecast allows you to stream videos on your TV using your Mac or PC running the Chrome browser. This is the only browser that Chromecast is compatible with. Follow the instructions below to connect with your computer.

Step 1. Open the Chrome browser on your computer and then set up Chromecast.

Step 2. Download the Chromecast app to your computer.

Step 3. Select the instruction below that is applicable to your computer.

i. On your Windows computer, Save the file, run the Chromecast app and follow the prompts to complete setting up Chromecast.
ii. On your Mac OS X computer, drag and drop the Chromecast app into your Applications folder. You will need to open the folder, run the application, and then select the Chromecast device. Follow the instructions to complete the setup process.

3. Connect with YouTube

Follow the instructions below to download and set up YouTube to watch videos on your TV using your Chromecast device.

Step 1. Connect your Chromecast device to an available HDMI slot on your HDTV.
Step 2. When your Chromecast digital media player is securely connected to your TV you will see the Chromecast Home screen with your Wi-Fi name at the bottom of the screen.
Step 3. Now, download the YouTube app on your Android or Apple tablet or smartphone.
Step 4. Connect your Android or Apple device to the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast device.
Step 5. Open the YouTube app on your Android or Apple device and click the Cast button to start streaming videos.

---

Part 3: Comparison Methods for Streaming Supported Videos

The following chart provides a list of requirements for streaming supported videos using a computer, YouTube, and a mobile device.

| | Computer | YouTube | Mobile Devices | |
| ———————– | ———————————————- | —————————————– | ————– |
| TELEVISION | HDTV | HDTV | HDTV |
| OPERATING SYSTEM | Mac OS X 7 or higher or Windows 7 or higher | Android or iOS | Android or iOS |
| MOBILE APPLICATION | Chromecast | YouTube | Chromecast |
| INTERNET CONNECTION | Wireless | Wireless | Wireless |
| GOOGLE DEVICE | Chromecast | Chromecast | Chromecast |
| BROWSER | Chrome | | |
| MOBILE DEVICE | iPad, iPhone, and Android smartphone or Tablet | iPad, iPhone, and Android Phone or Tablet | |

---

Part 4: Three Ways to Stream Unsupported Videos

• Wondershare Video Converter – It provides a powerful plugin called “Media Server” which allows you to directly stream both supported and unsupported audio and video formats to Chromecast.

• Wondershare DreamStream Application - DreamStream allows HD streaming from PC and tablet to TV through Chromecast. It allows you to stream TV shows, movies, and music videos with any video format to your TV.

• RealPlayer Cloud– The Real Player Cloud app allows you to stream unsupported videos to your TV with your computer or mobile device.

---

Part 5: Comparison Methods for Streaming Unsupported Videos

The following chart provides a list of requirements for streaming unsupported videos to your TV using iDealShare video converter, RealPlayer Cloud app, and Wondershare DreamStream.

| | Wondershare Video Converter | Wondershare DreamStream Application | RealPlayer Cloud | |
| —————————————————————————– | —————————————————————————————- | ————————————————————————————————————————– | ————————————————————– |
| VIDEO FORMATS | MKV, AVI , MP4 , Apple ProRes, MOV, FLV, VOB, DAV, MPG, MXF, avchd, WTV, WMV , ASF, RMVB | MP4 , WebM, AVI , MKV , RM, RMVB, MOV, MPG, VOB, FLV , WMV, ASF, TS, M2TS, 3G2, 3GP, DIVX, DV, F4V, MTS, OGV, TOD, TP, TRP | FLV , WMV , MKV , DIVX, XVID, MOV, AVI , and MP4 . |
| AUDIO FORMATS | LAC, DTS, AIFF, APE, WAV, WMA, Apple Lossless, M4A, OGG, CAF | MP3, WMA, APE, FLAC, OGG, M4A, WAV, AC3, MP2 | Android or iOS |
| OPERATING SYSTEM | Mac OS X and Windows | Windows | Chromecast |
| PRICE | $49.95 | Free Lite, $4.99 mo. (Registered) | Free app, $4.99 to $29.99 mo. (25 to 300 GB Storage) |
| BROWSER | Firefox, Chrome, Safari, etc | All Browsers (Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer, Chrome, etc) | All Browsers (Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer, Chrome, etc) |
| MOBILE DEVICE | Windows Tablet | iPhone, iPad, Android tablet and smartphone | |

At the end of the day, streaming supported and unsupported video formats to your TV with Chromecast are easy to accomplish with any of the methods and tools discussed.

Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Google Chromecast is a digital media player that allows you to stream MP4, WebM, MPEG-DASH, Smooth Streaming, and HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) video formats on your High Definition Television (HDTV). It requires a wireless connection using the Internet or a network-connected computer, tablet, or smartphone. You can play various multimedia content, but only Google Cast-supported formats can be streamed directly.

If you would like to play unsupported formats, such as MKV, VOB, FLV, and AVI, you will need to get a video format converter to stream movies, TV shows, and music videos with unsupported formats. We’ve picked some best video converters that you can use which also support 4K footage. Check the list of thebest 4K video converters here. In this article, you will learn about supported and unsupported video formats and how you can stream them using your Chromecast media player.

---

This article contains:

• Part 1: Chromecast Supported and Unsupported Video Formats
• Part 2: Three Ways to Stream Supported Videos
• Part 3: Comparison Methods for Streaming Supported Videos
• Part 4: Three Ways to Stream Unsupported Videos
• Part 5: Comparison Methods for Streaming Unsupported Videos

---

Part 1: Chromecast Supported and Unsupported Video Formats

The default Chromecast video formats are MP4 and WebM. It also supports MPEG-DASH, Smooth Streaming, and HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) video files. All other video formats are unsupported. The following information provides a brief introduction of supported and unsupported formats.

Standard supported Chromecast video formats include:

• MP4 - MPEG 4 or MP4 video files use the standard .mp4 extension. It is most commonly used to store video and audio files.
• WebM – An open video format for the web that allows everyone to stream video and audio codecs.

Some unsupported video formats include:

• AVI – AVI (Audio Video Interleave), the most common format for audio/video data on the PC, is a multimedia container format with video and audio.
• MKV – The Matroska Multimedia Container holds video, audio, picture, or subtitle tracks in one file.
• FLV – Flash video formats are video files that are streamed over the Internet using the Adobe Flash Player.
• MOV – MOV is a multimedia file format that contains one and more tracks of data, such as audio, video or text.
• VOB – VOB (Video Object) files are DVD-Video file formats that contain digital video audio, audio, and subtitles relevant to DVDs.
• 3G2 – This is a video container file for audio, video, and text that is an extension of MP4.

What are the differences between each format? Check What’s Video Format?

Since Chromecast only supports few video formats, it is recommended that you get avideo streaming application that allows you to stream unsupported formats, such as M2TS, 3GP, DIVX, RM, RMVB, ASF, TS, DV, F4V, OGV, TOD. Wondershare Video Converter for example allows you to use Chromecast to stream unsupported formats through your Windows computer to your television.

---

Part 2: Three Ways to Stream Supported Videos

There are various ways that you can stream supported videos using your Chromecast media player, but here you will learn three of the most commonly used methods. You will learn how to connect using a computer, mobile device, and through the YouTube app.

1.Connect with your Mobile device

To stream videos using your mobile device, you will need to download and open the Chromecast app on your Android or iOS smartphone or tablet using Google Play or the App Store. The Chromecast app is available for Android tablets and smartphones through Google Play and for iPhones and iPads in the App store.

Note: You should ensure that your mobile device is connected to your Wi-Fi and not your mobile network. Also, you must have the latest app installed and be on the same network as your Chromecast digital media player.

2.Connect with your Computer

Chromecast allows you to stream videos on your TV using your Mac or PC running the Chrome browser. This is the only browser that Chromecast is compatible with. Follow the instructions below to connect with your computer.

Step 1. Open the Chrome browser on your computer and then set up Chromecast.

Step 2. Download the Chromecast app to your computer.

Step 3. Select the instruction below that is applicable to your computer.

i. On your Windows computer, Save the file, run the Chromecast app and follow the prompts to complete setting up Chromecast.
ii. On your Mac OS X computer, drag and drop the Chromecast app into your Applications folder. You will need to open the folder, run the application, and then select the Chromecast device. Follow the instructions to complete the setup process.

3. Connect with YouTube

Follow the instructions below to download and set up YouTube to watch videos on your TV using your Chromecast device.

Step 1. Connect your Chromecast device to an available HDMI slot on your HDTV.
Step 2. When your Chromecast digital media player is securely connected to your TV you will see the Chromecast Home screen with your Wi-Fi name at the bottom of the screen.
Step 3. Now, download the YouTube app on your Android or Apple tablet or smartphone.
Step 4. Connect your Android or Apple device to the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast device.
Step 5. Open the YouTube app on your Android or Apple device and click the Cast button to start streaming videos.

---

Part 3: Comparison Methods for Streaming Supported Videos

The following chart provides a list of requirements for streaming supported videos using a computer, YouTube, and a mobile device.

| | Computer | YouTube | Mobile Devices | |
| ———————– | ———————————————- | —————————————– | ————– |
| TELEVISION | HDTV | HDTV | HDTV |
| OPERATING SYSTEM | Mac OS X 7 or higher or Windows 7 or higher | Android or iOS | Android or iOS |
| MOBILE APPLICATION | Chromecast | YouTube | Chromecast |
| INTERNET CONNECTION | Wireless | Wireless | Wireless |
| GOOGLE DEVICE | Chromecast | Chromecast | Chromecast |
| BROWSER | Chrome | | |
| MOBILE DEVICE | iPad, iPhone, and Android smartphone or Tablet | iPad, iPhone, and Android Phone or Tablet | |

---

Part 4: Three Ways to Stream Unsupported Videos

• Wondershare Video Converter – It provides a powerful plugin called “Media Server” which allows you to directly stream both supported and unsupported audio and video formats to Chromecast.

• Wondershare DreamStream Application - DreamStream allows HD streaming from PC and tablet to TV through Chromecast. It allows you to stream TV shows, movies, and music videos with any video format to your TV.

• RealPlayer Cloud– The Real Player Cloud app allows you to stream unsupported videos to your TV with your computer or mobile device.

---

Part 5: Comparison Methods for Streaming Unsupported Videos

The following chart provides a list of requirements for streaming unsupported videos to your TV using iDealShare video converter, RealPlayer Cloud app, and Wondershare DreamStream.

| | Wondershare Video Converter | Wondershare DreamStream Application | RealPlayer Cloud | |
| —————————————————————————– | —————————————————————————————- | ————————————————————————————————————————– | ————————————————————– |
| VIDEO FORMATS | MKV, AVI , MP4 , Apple ProRes, MOV, FLV, VOB, DAV, MPG, MXF, avchd, WTV, WMV , ASF, RMVB | MP4 , WebM, AVI , MKV , RM, RMVB, MOV, MPG, VOB, FLV , WMV, ASF, TS, M2TS, 3G2, 3GP, DIVX, DV, F4V, MTS, OGV, TOD, TP, TRP | FLV , WMV , MKV , DIVX, XVID, MOV, AVI , and MP4 . |
| AUDIO FORMATS | LAC, DTS, AIFF, APE, WAV, WMA, Apple Lossless, M4A, OGG, CAF | MP3, WMA, APE, FLAC, OGG, M4A, WAV, AC3, MP2 | Android or iOS |
| OPERATING SYSTEM | Mac OS X and Windows | Windows | Chromecast |
| PRICE | $49.95 | Free Lite, $4.99 mo. (Registered) | Free app, $4.99 to $29.99 mo. (25 to 300 GB Storage) |
| BROWSER | Firefox, Chrome, Safari, etc | All Browsers (Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer, Chrome, etc) | All Browsers (Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer, Chrome, etc) |
| MOBILE DEVICE | Windows Tablet | iPhone, iPad, Android tablet and smartphone | |

At the end of the day, streaming supported and unsupported video formats to your TV with Chromecast are easy to accomplish with any of the methods and tools discussed.

Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Ollie Mattison

YouTube to MP4 Conversion Made Easy: Tips for Picking the Right Tool

Solution for Choosing Fast YouTube to MP4 Video Converter

An easy yet powerful editor

Numerous effects to choose from

Detailed tutorials provided by the official channel

Try It Free Try It Free

The need for YouTube to MP4 video converters has drastically risen even though we know that YouTube videos are easily downloadable to loads of formats.

In this guide, we’ll look in detail at the YouTube to MP4 video converters and a lot more related to them.

In this article

01 [The Only Guide You’ll Ever Need to Learn about YouTube to MP4 Video Converter](#Part 1)

02 [Why Choose Online YouTube to MP4 Converter?](#Part 2)

Part 1 The Only Guide You’ll Ever Need to Learn about YouTube to MP4 Video Converter

01What is the MP4 format?

MP4 files were executed under the ISO/IEC 14496-12:2001 standard by the IEC/ISO and Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG). MP4 is an international specification for audio-visual coding only because of this.

The high degree of compression used in MP4 videos assists the files to be much smaller in size than other video formats. Minimizing the file size doesn’t suddenly affect the file quality, either. Almost the entire original quality retains, making MP4 a web-friendly and portable video format.

They shouldn’t be confused with M4A and MP3, while MP4 files can play audio.

It can also help to store the other kinds of data files, such as different subtitles and still images.

This media container allows a blend of video, audio, subtitles, and still images to be present only in a single file. It also assists in storing advanced content like 3D Graphics, interactivity of the menus, and the users. This tool is highly accessible, and everyone can use it with simplicity.

02Pros and Cons of the MP4 format

Pros of the MP4 format

One of the critical merits of the MP4 format is that it can be valuable on different platforms.

● It consists of a high degree of compression while producing smaller file sizes, making it a perfect fit for compressing or video streaming HD audio-video files.

● An MP4 file can contain metadata and Extensible Meta Data Platform such as images based on PNG or JPEG format, subtitles, among others, and PDF.

● Compatible with metadata integrable with 3D graphics, user navigation or menus options, and other user interaction features.

● There are numerous open-source players, such as VLC Media Player, that offer full format support, even used on Linux OS.

● It is also versatile. For example, audio files coded with the M4A extension and MPEG-4 visual bitstreams encoded in the M4V extension.

Cons of the MP4 format

Note that the format is a container. This means that instead of storing the ode for the file, it keeps the data. Moreover, a specific MP4 file is based upon particular codecs because it does not have a native way of managing the involved coding.

A possible drawback is that there are hundreds of codecs available. Therefore, a media player must run a set of codecs concerning a particular MP4 file.

Yet, because the container format has become widely used, widely-supported codecs have become standards.

● Audio can drift out of the way or connect with the video in specific scenarios because of codec-player or codecs compatibility issues.

● Because a single file can contain video and audio and different metadata, editing or playback or editing needs various computing resources.

● It is still a lossy format. A higher compression format and smaller file size would result in audio and video quality losses.

● The familiarity of the MP4 format, coupled with its portability, has also enabled the illegal distribution of copyrighted audio-video files.

03Is it possible to convert videos to MP4 without any software?

No, it’s impossible to do this conversion task without using any YouTube to MP4 video converter. So you need to either get help from free YouTube to MP4 converter or YouTube MP4 converter HD for the purpose.

04Is it secure to convert YouTube videos to MP4?

It may not be wholly safe to use an online YouTube to MP4 video converter for online conversion. So you have to look for different factors to get a secure YouTube to MP4 converter online, free, or in the software version.

However, we must mention that using software is a pretty dependable thing if you’re looking for the highest security concerns. Here, we’d like to highly suggest Wondershare Filmora as the safest platform for video editing, which can also convert formats on the main interface without any hassle. Moreover, it has different options to set or export the project in multiple formats. It will help you do the conversion more seamlessly than other software.

Part 2 Why Choose Online YouTube to MP4 Converter?

There’s a reason people used to choose YouTube to MP4 converter online, the major being the avoidance of downloading software versions. However, you need to be highly conscious while using the YouTube to MP4 converter online, which is why we tell our readers to go for the software version due to safety.

01How to convert and download videos from YouTube to MP4?

Convert YouTube Video to MP4 UsingYmp4

Ymp4 YouTube to MP4 is an online YouTube to MP4 video converter that will convert your YouTube videos to MP4 in 1080p HD format. Here’s how you can use Ymp4.

Step 1: Go to the Ymp4 website.

Step 2: Copy-paste the YouTube video URL you wish to convert to MP4 and download. Tap the “Go“ button.

Step 3: Hit the “Download Video“ tab to save and download your video. You can also choose among the higher resolution video from the menu.

Converting Video to MP4 with Filmora Video Editor

Filmora is an ideal software solution for videos with enough editing experience. However, if you’re a newbie and wandering for a more straightforward video converter, the Filmora video editor will better suit the purpose.

Converting video to MP4 format is simplistic in Filmora. Here are the ultimate steps:

Step 1: Import Video Clip to Filmora

Filmora is compatible with a wide variety of video formats, and you can transfer the video shot with your iPhone, action camera, or a regular camera to it.

You can import videos in various formats directly to Wondershare Filmora Video Editor without any issues.

Step 2: Place Footage in Order

Drag and drop the media to the Filmora’s timeline. If you merge several footage into one bigger file, you can place them in order.

Wondershare Filmora

Get started easily with Filmora’s powerful performance, intuitive interface, and countless effects!

Try It Free Try It Free Try It Free Learn More >

Step 3: Remove Unwanted Part and Edit (Optional)

Filmora contains some quick tools to edit videos. For instance, you can use the Splitter tab to split the video into several parts, delete unwanted parts, add some titles, filters, and effects.

Step 4: Export and Convert

Hit the Export tab to convert and save the video in MP4 format. Despite MP4 format, you can also save it in MKV, MOV, AVI, or MP3 files.

02Can You Download Entire Playlists from YouTube?

ddownr is a free online YouTube downloader that is also compatible with downloading entire playlists. You’re only required to paste the playlist URL into the text box, mention the range of videos from the playlist you wish to download (up to 250), and click the Download button to confirm. The videos save in a Zip file.

There are various file format options for downloading YouTube playlists from ddownr: M4A, MP3, and WEBM audio formats, plus various WEBM and MP4 video formats, from 360p to 8k.

There are different extra options in settings, namely the email notifications for when the download is ready, an opportunity to write subtitles, and a few server locations you can choose among.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

● The solution to different queries related to YouTube to MP4 video converter.

● The step-by-step guide of using YouTube to MP4 converter online and knowing a ready answer to edit downloaded videos.

● Understanding how to download an entire playlist of YouTube videos.

Try It Free Try It Free

The need for YouTube to MP4 video converters has drastically risen even though we know that YouTube videos are easily downloadable to loads of formats.

In this guide, we’ll look in detail at the YouTube to MP4 video converters and a lot more related to them.

In this article

01 [The Only Guide You’ll Ever Need to Learn about YouTube to MP4 Video Converter](#Part 1)

02 [Why Choose Online YouTube to MP4 Converter?](#Part 2)

Part 1 The Only Guide You’ll Ever Need to Learn about YouTube to MP4 Video Converter

01What is the MP4 format?

MP4 files were executed under the ISO/IEC 14496-12:2001 standard by the IEC/ISO and Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG). MP4 is an international specification for audio-visual coding only because of this.

The high degree of compression used in MP4 videos assists the files to be much smaller in size than other video formats. Minimizing the file size doesn’t suddenly affect the file quality, either. Almost the entire original quality retains, making MP4 a web-friendly and portable video format.

They shouldn’t be confused with M4A and MP3, while MP4 files can play audio.

It can also help to store the other kinds of data files, such as different subtitles and still images.

This media container allows a blend of video, audio, subtitles, and still images to be present only in a single file. It also assists in storing advanced content like 3D Graphics, interactivity of the menus, and the users. This tool is highly accessible, and everyone can use it with simplicity.

02Pros and Cons of the MP4 format

Pros of the MP4 format

One of the critical merits of the MP4 format is that it can be valuable on different platforms.

● It consists of a high degree of compression while producing smaller file sizes, making it a perfect fit for compressing or video streaming HD audio-video files.

● An MP4 file can contain metadata and Extensible Meta Data Platform such as images based on PNG or JPEG format, subtitles, among others, and PDF.

● Compatible with metadata integrable with 3D graphics, user navigation or menus options, and other user interaction features.

● There are numerous open-source players, such as VLC Media Player, that offer full format support, even used on Linux OS.

● It is also versatile. For example, audio files coded with the M4A extension and MPEG-4 visual bitstreams encoded in the M4V extension.

Cons of the MP4 format

Note that the format is a container. This means that instead of storing the ode for the file, it keeps the data. Moreover, a specific MP4 file is based upon particular codecs because it does not have a native way of managing the involved coding.

A possible drawback is that there are hundreds of codecs available. Therefore, a media player must run a set of codecs concerning a particular MP4 file.

Yet, because the container format has become widely used, widely-supported codecs have become standards.

● Audio can drift out of the way or connect with the video in specific scenarios because of codec-player or codecs compatibility issues.

● Because a single file can contain video and audio and different metadata, editing or playback or editing needs various computing resources.

● It is still a lossy format. A higher compression format and smaller file size would result in audio and video quality losses.

● The familiarity of the MP4 format, coupled with its portability, has also enabled the illegal distribution of copyrighted audio-video files.

03Is it possible to convert videos to MP4 without any software?

No, it’s impossible to do this conversion task without using any YouTube to MP4 video converter. So you need to either get help from free YouTube to MP4 converter or YouTube MP4 converter HD for the purpose.

04Is it secure to convert YouTube videos to MP4?

It may not be wholly safe to use an online YouTube to MP4 video converter for online conversion. So you have to look for different factors to get a secure YouTube to MP4 converter online, free, or in the software version.

However, we must mention that using software is a pretty dependable thing if you’re looking for the highest security concerns. Here, we’d like to highly suggest Wondershare Filmora as the safest platform for video editing, which can also convert formats on the main interface without any hassle. Moreover, it has different options to set or export the project in multiple formats. It will help you do the conversion more seamlessly than other software.

Part 2 Why Choose Online YouTube to MP4 Converter?

There’s a reason people used to choose YouTube to MP4 converter online, the major being the avoidance of downloading software versions. However, you need to be highly conscious while using the YouTube to MP4 converter online, which is why we tell our readers to go for the software version due to safety.

01How to convert and download videos from YouTube to MP4?

Convert YouTube Video to MP4 UsingYmp4

Ymp4 YouTube to MP4 is an online YouTube to MP4 video converter that will convert your YouTube videos to MP4 in 1080p HD format. Here’s how you can use Ymp4.

Step 1: Go to the Ymp4 website.

Step 2: Copy-paste the YouTube video URL you wish to convert to MP4 and download. Tap the “Go“ button.

Step 3: Hit the “Download Video“ tab to save and download your video. You can also choose among the higher resolution video from the menu.

Converting Video to MP4 with Filmora Video Editor

Filmora is an ideal software solution for videos with enough editing experience. However, if you’re a newbie and wandering for a more straightforward video converter, the Filmora video editor will better suit the purpose.

Converting video to MP4 format is simplistic in Filmora. Here are the ultimate steps:

Step 1: Import Video Clip to Filmora

Filmora is compatible with a wide variety of video formats, and you can transfer the video shot with your iPhone, action camera, or a regular camera to it.

You can import videos in various formats directly to Wondershare Filmora Video Editor without any issues.

Step 2: Place Footage in Order

Drag and drop the media to the Filmora’s timeline. If you merge several footage into one bigger file, you can place them in order.

Wondershare Filmora

Get started easily with Filmora’s powerful performance, intuitive interface, and countless effects!

Try It Free Try It Free Try It Free Learn More >

Step 3: Remove Unwanted Part and Edit (Optional)

Filmora contains some quick tools to edit videos. For instance, you can use the Splitter tab to split the video into several parts, delete unwanted parts, add some titles, filters, and effects.

Step 4: Export and Convert

Hit the Export tab to convert and save the video in MP4 format. Despite MP4 format, you can also save it in MKV, MOV, AVI, or MP3 files.

02Can You Download Entire Playlists from YouTube?

ddownr is a free online YouTube downloader that is also compatible with downloading entire playlists. You’re only required to paste the playlist URL into the text box, mention the range of videos from the playlist you wish to download (up to 250), and click the Download button to confirm. The videos save in a Zip file.

There are various file format options for downloading YouTube playlists from ddownr: M4A, MP3, and WEBM audio formats, plus various WEBM and MP4 video formats, from 360p to 8k.

There are different extra options in settings, namely the email notifications for when the download is ready, an opportunity to write subtitles, and a few server locations you can choose among.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

● The solution to different queries related to YouTube to MP4 video converter.

● The step-by-step guide of using YouTube to MP4 converter online and knowing a ready answer to edit downloaded videos.

● Understanding how to download an entire playlist of YouTube videos.

Try It Free Try It Free

The need for YouTube to MP4 video converters has drastically risen even though we know that YouTube videos are easily downloadable to loads of formats.

In this guide, we’ll look in detail at the YouTube to MP4 video converters and a lot more related to them.

In this article

01 [The Only Guide You’ll Ever Need to Learn about YouTube to MP4 Video Converter](#Part 1)

02 [Why Choose Online YouTube to MP4 Converter?](#Part 2)

Part 1 The Only Guide You’ll Ever Need to Learn about YouTube to MP4 Video Converter

01What is the MP4 format?

MP4 files were executed under the ISO/IEC 14496-12:2001 standard by the IEC/ISO and Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG). MP4 is an international specification for audio-visual coding only because of this.

The high degree of compression used in MP4 videos assists the files to be much smaller in size than other video formats. Minimizing the file size doesn’t suddenly affect the file quality, either. Almost the entire original quality retains, making MP4 a web-friendly and portable video format.

They shouldn’t be confused with M4A and MP3, while MP4 files can play audio.

It can also help to store the other kinds of data files, such as different subtitles and still images.

This media container allows a blend of video, audio, subtitles, and still images to be present only in a single file. It also assists in storing advanced content like 3D Graphics, interactivity of the menus, and the users. This tool is highly accessible, and everyone can use it with simplicity.

02Pros and Cons of the MP4 format

Pros of the MP4 format

One of the critical merits of the MP4 format is that it can be valuable on different platforms.

● It consists of a high degree of compression while producing smaller file sizes, making it a perfect fit for compressing or video streaming HD audio-video files.

● An MP4 file can contain metadata and Extensible Meta Data Platform such as images based on PNG or JPEG format, subtitles, among others, and PDF.

● Compatible with metadata integrable with 3D graphics, user navigation or menus options, and other user interaction features.

● There are numerous open-source players, such as VLC Media Player, that offer full format support, even used on Linux OS.

● It is also versatile. For example, audio files coded with the M4A extension and MPEG-4 visual bitstreams encoded in the M4V extension.

Cons of the MP4 format

Note that the format is a container. This means that instead of storing the ode for the file, it keeps the data. Moreover, a specific MP4 file is based upon particular codecs because it does not have a native way of managing the involved coding.

A possible drawback is that there are hundreds of codecs available. Therefore, a media player must run a set of codecs concerning a particular MP4 file.

Yet, because the container format has become widely used, widely-supported codecs have become standards.

● Audio can drift out of the way or connect with the video in specific scenarios because of codec-player or codecs compatibility issues.

● Because a single file can contain video and audio and different metadata, editing or playback or editing needs various computing resources.

● It is still a lossy format. A higher compression format and smaller file size would result in audio and video quality losses.

● The familiarity of the MP4 format, coupled with its portability, has also enabled the illegal distribution of copyrighted audio-video files.

03Is it possible to convert videos to MP4 without any software?

No, it’s impossible to do this conversion task without using any YouTube to MP4 video converter. So you need to either get help from free YouTube to MP4 converter or YouTube MP4 converter HD for the purpose.

04Is it secure to convert YouTube videos to MP4?

It may not be wholly safe to use an online YouTube to MP4 video converter for online conversion. So you have to look for different factors to get a secure YouTube to MP4 converter online, free, or in the software version.

However, we must mention that using software is a pretty dependable thing if you’re looking for the highest security concerns. Here, we’d like to highly suggest Wondershare Filmora as the safest platform for video editing, which can also convert formats on the main interface without any hassle. Moreover, it has different options to set or export the project in multiple formats. It will help you do the conversion more seamlessly than other software.

Part 2 Why Choose Online YouTube to MP4 Converter?

There’s a reason people used to choose YouTube to MP4 converter online, the major being the avoidance of downloading software versions. However, you need to be highly conscious while using the YouTube to MP4 converter online, which is why we tell our readers to go for the software version due to safety.

01How to convert and download videos from YouTube to MP4?

Convert YouTube Video to MP4 UsingYmp4

Ymp4 YouTube to MP4 is an online YouTube to MP4 video converter that will convert your YouTube videos to MP4 in 1080p HD format. Here’s how you can use Ymp4.

Step 1: Go to the Ymp4 website.

Step 2: Copy-paste the YouTube video URL you wish to convert to MP4 and download. Tap the “Go“ button.

Step 3: Hit the “Download Video“ tab to save and download your video. You can also choose among the higher resolution video from the menu.

Converting Video to MP4 with Filmora Video Editor

Filmora is an ideal software solution for videos with enough editing experience. However, if you’re a newbie and wandering for a more straightforward video converter, the Filmora video editor will better suit the purpose.

Converting video to MP4 format is simplistic in Filmora. Here are the ultimate steps:

Step 1: Import Video Clip to Filmora

Filmora is compatible with a wide variety of video formats, and you can transfer the video shot with your iPhone, action camera, or a regular camera to it.

You can import videos in various formats directly to Wondershare Filmora Video Editor without any issues.

Step 2: Place Footage in Order

Drag and drop the media to the Filmora’s timeline. If you merge several footage into one bigger file, you can place them in order.

Wondershare Filmora

Get started easily with Filmora’s powerful performance, intuitive interface, and countless effects!

Try It Free Try It Free Try It Free Learn More >

Step 3: Remove Unwanted Part and Edit (Optional)

Filmora contains some quick tools to edit videos. For instance, you can use the Splitter tab to split the video into several parts, delete unwanted parts, add some titles, filters, and effects.

Step 4: Export and Convert

Hit the Export tab to convert and save the video in MP4 format. Despite MP4 format, you can also save it in MKV, MOV, AVI, or MP3 files.

02Can You Download Entire Playlists from YouTube?

ddownr is a free online YouTube downloader that is also compatible with downloading entire playlists. You’re only required to paste the playlist URL into the text box, mention the range of videos from the playlist you wish to download (up to 250), and click the Download button to confirm. The videos save in a Zip file.

There are various file format options for downloading YouTube playlists from ddownr: M4A, MP3, and WEBM audio formats, plus various WEBM and MP4 video formats, from 360p to 8k.

There are different extra options in settings, namely the email notifications for when the download is ready, an opportunity to write subtitles, and a few server locations you can choose among.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

● The solution to different queries related to YouTube to MP4 video converter.

● The step-by-step guide of using YouTube to MP4 converter online and knowing a ready answer to edit downloaded videos.

● Understanding how to download an entire playlist of YouTube videos.

Try It Free Try It Free

The need for YouTube to MP4 video converters has drastically risen even though we know that YouTube videos are easily downloadable to loads of formats.

In this guide, we’ll look in detail at the YouTube to MP4 video converters and a lot more related to them.

In this article

01 [The Only Guide You’ll Ever Need to Learn about YouTube to MP4 Video Converter](#Part 1)

02 [Why Choose Online YouTube to MP4 Converter?](#Part 2)

Part 1 The Only Guide You’ll Ever Need to Learn about YouTube to MP4 Video Converter

01What is the MP4 format?

MP4 files were executed under the ISO/IEC 14496-12:2001 standard by the IEC/ISO and Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG). MP4 is an international specification for audio-visual coding only because of this.

The high degree of compression used in MP4 videos assists the files to be much smaller in size than other video formats. Minimizing the file size doesn’t suddenly affect the file quality, either. Almost the entire original quality retains, making MP4 a web-friendly and portable video format.

They shouldn’t be confused with M4A and MP3, while MP4 files can play audio.

It can also help to store the other kinds of data files, such as different subtitles and still images.

This media container allows a blend of video, audio, subtitles, and still images to be present only in a single file. It also assists in storing advanced content like 3D Graphics, interactivity of the menus, and the users. This tool is highly accessible, and everyone can use it with simplicity.

02Pros and Cons of the MP4 format

Pros of the MP4 format

One of the critical merits of the MP4 format is that it can be valuable on different platforms.

● It consists of a high degree of compression while producing smaller file sizes, making it a perfect fit for compressing or video streaming HD audio-video files.

● An MP4 file can contain metadata and Extensible Meta Data Platform such as images based on PNG or JPEG format, subtitles, among others, and PDF.

● Compatible with metadata integrable with 3D graphics, user navigation or menus options, and other user interaction features.

● There are numerous open-source players, such as VLC Media Player, that offer full format support, even used on Linux OS.

● It is also versatile. For example, audio files coded with the M4A extension and MPEG-4 visual bitstreams encoded in the M4V extension.

Cons of the MP4 format

Note that the format is a container. This means that instead of storing the ode for the file, it keeps the data. Moreover, a specific MP4 file is based upon particular codecs because it does not have a native way of managing the involved coding.

A possible drawback is that there are hundreds of codecs available. Therefore, a media player must run a set of codecs concerning a particular MP4 file.

Yet, because the container format has become widely used, widely-supported codecs have become standards.

● Audio can drift out of the way or connect with the video in specific scenarios because of codec-player or codecs compatibility issues.

● Because a single file can contain video and audio and different metadata, editing or playback or editing needs various computing resources.

● It is still a lossy format. A higher compression format and smaller file size would result in audio and video quality losses.

● The familiarity of the MP4 format, coupled with its portability, has also enabled the illegal distribution of copyrighted audio-video files.

03Is it possible to convert videos to MP4 without any software?

No, it’s impossible to do this conversion task without using any YouTube to MP4 video converter. So you need to either get help from free YouTube to MP4 converter or YouTube MP4 converter HD for the purpose.

04Is it secure to convert YouTube videos to MP4?

It may not be wholly safe to use an online YouTube to MP4 video converter for online conversion. So you have to look for different factors to get a secure YouTube to MP4 converter online, free, or in the software version.

However, we must mention that using software is a pretty dependable thing if you’re looking for the highest security concerns. Here, we’d like to highly suggest Wondershare Filmora as the safest platform for video editing, which can also convert formats on the main interface without any hassle. Moreover, it has different options to set or export the project in multiple formats. It will help you do the conversion more seamlessly than other software.

Part 2 Why Choose Online YouTube to MP4 Converter?

There’s a reason people used to choose YouTube to MP4 converter online, the major being the avoidance of downloading software versions. However, you need to be highly conscious while using the YouTube to MP4 converter online, which is why we tell our readers to go for the software version due to safety.

01How to convert and download videos from YouTube to MP4?

Convert YouTube Video to MP4 UsingYmp4

Ymp4 YouTube to MP4 is an online YouTube to MP4 video converter that will convert your YouTube videos to MP4 in 1080p HD format. Here’s how you can use Ymp4.

Step 1: Go to the Ymp4 website.

Step 2: Copy-paste the YouTube video URL you wish to convert to MP4 and download. Tap the “Go“ button.

Step 3: Hit the “Download Video“ tab to save and download your video. You can also choose among the higher resolution video from the menu.

Converting Video to MP4 with Filmora Video Editor

Filmora is an ideal software solution for videos with enough editing experience. However, if you’re a newbie and wandering for a more straightforward video converter, the Filmora video editor will better suit the purpose.

Converting video to MP4 format is simplistic in Filmora. Here are the ultimate steps:

Step 1: Import Video Clip to Filmora

Filmora is compatible with a wide variety of video formats, and you can transfer the video shot with your iPhone, action camera, or a regular camera to it.

You can import videos in various formats directly to Wondershare Filmora Video Editor without any issues.

Step 2: Place Footage in Order

Drag and drop the media to the Filmora’s timeline. If you merge several footage into one bigger file, you can place them in order.

Wondershare Filmora

Get started easily with Filmora’s powerful performance, intuitive interface, and countless effects!

Try It Free Try It Free Try It Free Learn More >

Step 3: Remove Unwanted Part and Edit (Optional)

Filmora contains some quick tools to edit videos. For instance, you can use the Splitter tab to split the video into several parts, delete unwanted parts, add some titles, filters, and effects.

Step 4: Export and Convert

Hit the Export tab to convert and save the video in MP4 format. Despite MP4 format, you can also save it in MKV, MOV, AVI, or MP3 files.

02Can You Download Entire Playlists from YouTube?

ddownr is a free online YouTube downloader that is also compatible with downloading entire playlists. You’re only required to paste the playlist URL into the text box, mention the range of videos from the playlist you wish to download (up to 250), and click the Download button to confirm. The videos save in a Zip file.

There are various file format options for downloading YouTube playlists from ddownr: M4A, MP3, and WEBM audio formats, plus various WEBM and MP4 video formats, from 360p to 8k.

There are different extra options in settings, namely the email notifications for when the download is ready, an opportunity to write subtitles, and a few server locations you can choose among.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

● The solution to different queries related to YouTube to MP4 video converter.

● The step-by-step guide of using YouTube to MP4 converter online and knowing a ready answer to edit downloaded videos.

● Understanding how to download an entire playlist of YouTube videos.

Also read: