How to use the MPG to MP4 converter
- Choose your MPG video or drop it on the box.
- Check the settings. "Same as original" resolution is fastest and lets fast mode copy compatible videos without re-encoding. Lower it to 720p for a smaller file.
- Click "Convert to MP4". A progress meter shows how far along it is.
- Download your MP4.
Why convert MPG to MP4?
MPG camcorder and DVD-style files are large and awkward to share. Converting MPG to MP4 typically cuts the size by more than half.
- MPG: large files.
- MP4: plays almost everywhere.
- MP4: good quality at small sizes with H.264.
Use 720p if the source is standard definition; upscaling a DVD-quality MPG to 1080p only makes the file bigger.
MPG vs MP4
| MPG | MP4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | MPEG-1/MPEG-2 Program Stream | MPEG-4 Part 14 |
| Type | Video | Video |
| Created by | Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) (1993) | Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) (2001) |
| Compression | Lossy | Lossy |
| Typical codecs | MPEG-2 or MPEG-1 + MP2 or AC3 | H.264 + AAC |
| Best for | Camcorder footage, TV recordings and DVD projects | Sharing videos online, phone recordings, social media uploads and streaming |
| Plays on | Windows Media Player, VLC and DVD software | Windows, macOS, iPhone, Android, smart TVs, game consoles and every modern browser |
Does converting MPG to MP4 lose quality?
MPG (MPEG-2 or MPEG-1) has to be re-encoded to MP4 (H.264). At "Balanced" quality the difference is very hard to see; choose "High" for footage you will edit again.
How long does it take?
Re-encoding video uses your device's processor. A short clip takes seconds; a 10-minute 1080p video can take several minutes. Choosing 720p makes it 2–3 times faster.
What is an MPG file?
.mpg is the short extension for MPEG program-stream video, the same as .mpeg. Camcorders from the 2000s, TV tuners and DVD tools often save MPG files.
What is an MP4 file?
MP4 is a container that usually holds H.264 or H.265 video with AAC sound. It is built on Apple's QuickTime file structure and became an ISO standard in 2001. Because almost every phone, browser, TV and editing app can play it, MP4 is the safest choice when you need a video to just work.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay or sign up to use the MPG to MP4 converter?
No. There is no account, no payment and no watermark. The only limit is 1 GB per file, set by what browsers can handle.
Do you keep a copy of my files?
We never receive them. All processing happens on your device, so there is nothing for us to store or delete.
Will the MP4 sound and look as good as the MPG?
MPG (MPEG-2 or MPEG-1) has to be re-encoded to MP4 (H.264). At "Balanced" quality the difference is very hard to see; choose "High" for footage you will edit again.
Can I convert MP4 back to MPG?
Yes, use the MPG Converter and choose MPG as the output.
An MPG will not upload to YouTube or social media quickly. What should I do?
Convert it to MP4 for a much smaller file.
Does it work on iPhone and Android?
Yes, in Safari, Chrome and other modern mobile browsers. Short files work best on phones; for long or high-resolution videos a computer is faster.