How to Convert AVI Video Files to Mpeg4 Files

by Arn Goldman
MP4s work better than AVIs on many portable devices.

MP4s work better than AVIs on many portable devices.

mp3 player image by patrimonio designs from Fotolia.com

The Audio Video Interleave format, shortened to the AVI extension, is a video file format created by Microsoft. AVI files employ efficiently minimal compression, resulting in large file sizes with high-resolution video. Most video programs can interpret AVI files, but users may wish to convert AVIs into the MPEG-4 (MP4) container for certain uses, such as for playing back the videos on portable devices like the iPod. A slew of free online tools can turn your AVIs into MP4s for free.

Zamzar

Step 1

Navigate to Zamzar in a Web browser.

Step 2

Click "Choose File" and find the AVI you wish to convert. Next, select "MP4" for your target container. Free users of Zamzar only upload files up to 100MB in size.

Step 3

Type in your email address and click "Convert." You'll be sent you an email containing your MP4 inside of a download link.

Mediaconverter

Step 1

Go to Mediaconverter in any browser.

Step 2

Click the "Upload a file" button and find the AVI. Afterwards, select "MP4" for your output container. Mediaconverter restricts upload size to 100MB for free users.

Step 3

Click "Start" to create the new file. After the conversion winds down, click the download link to grab your MP4.

About the Author

Arn Goldman is a recent liberal arts grad interested in all things culture, both high and low. He writes about entertainment, tech and sports. Goldman received his B.A. in English and philosophy in 2009 and has written for eHow, Trails Travel and Answerbag.

Photo Credits

  • mp3 player image by patrimonio designs from Fotolia.com