How to use the OGV to MP4 converter
- Choose your OGV 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 OGV to MP4?
OGV (Theora) files from Wikimedia and open-source projects do not play on iPhone or in most editors. MP4 does.
- OGV: theora is less efficient than modern codecs.
- MP4: plays almost everywhere.
- MP4: good quality at small sizes with H.264.
Theora always needs re-encoding to H.264.
OGV vs MP4
| OGV | MP4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Ogg Video | MPEG-4 Part 14 |
| Type | Video | Video |
| Created by | the Xiph.Org Foundation (2004) | Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) (2001) |
| Compression | Lossy | Lossy |
| Typical codecs | Theora + Vorbis | H.264 + AAC |
| Best for | Open-source projects and Wikimedia video | Sharing videos online, phone recordings, social media uploads and streaming |
| Plays on | Firefox, Chrome, VLC and Linux players; not iPhone, Safari or most editors | Windows, macOS, iPhone, Android, smart TVs, game consoles and every modern browser |
Does converting OGV to MP4 lose quality?
OGV (Theora) 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 OGV file?
OGV is the video flavour of the open Ogg container, normally with Theora video and Vorbis sound. Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons used it for many years because it is patent-free.
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
Is the OGV to MP4 converter free?
Yes, completely free, with no sign-up and no watermark. Files up to 1 GB each can be converted, and there is no daily limit.
Is my file uploaded to a server?
No. The converter runs inside your browser using WebAssembly, so your file is processed on your own device and never sent to us or anyone else.
Will the MP4 sound and look as good as the OGV?
OGV (Theora) 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 OGV?
Yes, use the OGV Converter and choose OGV as the output.
An OGV will not play on iPhone or Mac. What should I do?
Convert it to MP4.
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.