Downloading movies onto your video-capable iPod entails adding video files to your iTunes library. From iTunes version 7 or later, you must download compatible video types to your iPod through a process known as syncing. You may also download movies to your iPod by clicking and dragging compatible video files in your operating system's file viewer.
Video and Software Compatibility
Make sure your movie or video file is in an iPod compatible format such as .mp4, .mv4 or .mov. Test your video by opening it in QuickTime beforehand, if possible. If the video opens it QuickTime, you should be able to get it to play on your iPod after syncing.
You may need to convert the video file to an iPod-friendly format. Select the video you plan to sync to your iPod. Go to your iTunes menu bar and click the "Advanced" tab, then drag down to and click the option marked "Create iPod or iPhone Version." This will create a copy of your movie formatted for iTunes Plus, which you may play on your iPod.
Only iTunes versions 7 or later are equipped for video downloading, conversion and syncing.
Adding Video to iTunes
Find a desired movie or video file from your hard drive. Open the "File" tab in your iTunes menu bar and click "Add to Library." Use the file browser to select and open your movie in iTunes. This simultaneously adds your movie to the iTunes library, making it available for sync.
You may also search and download movies from the iTunes store. Click the iTunes store icon in your menu column to open the iTunes store viewer. Browse movie titles or search for specific titles if you already know what you're looking for. Check the iTunes store link in the References section below for helpful browsing and shopping tips.
Syncing Video to iPod
Create a playlist in which to add your desired movie or video file by clicking the plus sign beneath your iTunes menu column. Give the playlist a name you will readily associate with your video. Click and drag your movie's file name or icon to the playlist icon and release it there.
Connect your iPod and open its control panel view by clicking on the iPod's icon in the menu column if it does not open automatically. You can control your iPod's content by checking the box marked "Manually manage music and videos" in the "Options" check menu under the "Summary" tab. You can select individual files and sync them whenever you want to instead of automatically syncing entire playlists every time you connect your iPod to your computer.
Click the "Sync" button in the iPod control panel's menu column to download your desired movies to your iPod.
External Hard Drive Function
You may download movies to your iPod directly by using it as a small external hard drive. Click and drag your desired movie's file icon onto the iPod's device icon or open file folder window in your operating system's file viewer. Keep disk space and file compatibility in mind when downloading files to your iPod this way.
