How to Convert FLV to 3GP [Online/Windows/Mac/Android]

Video file formats organize and package these components into a single file in standardized ways for storage and access. FLV is one such format designed by Adobe for its Adobe Flash Player.

FLV became the default video format for embedded videos on the web, including on YouTube, long ago. However, since Adobe's discontinuation of support for FLV, the creators have abandoned the format. Even when you find FLV files, they can be pretty big. So, you may have to convert your FLV videos to 3GP or other formats for easy storage, access, and sharing.

Part 1: Overview of FLV and 3GP File Format

1. What is an FLV File?

FLV, short for Flash Video, is a video format created by Adobe for online streaming. FLV's highly efficient compression reduces video file sizes significantly, making them suitable for streaming online videos over low-bandwidth internet connections of the yesteryears. Thanks to their small sizes, FLV became the default video format for online embedded videos and interactive web content built on Adobe Flash. Even YouTube used them for a long time.

With the emergence of superior video formats and a general increase in internet speeds worldwide, FLV has lost its relevance. Even Adobe stopped supporting the format now.

Pros

Supports videos of up to 1920x1080p resolution, suitable for most devices
Efficient for online streaming and interactive web content
Widespread support by media players
Suitable for commercial content production and distribution
Editable to a certain degree

Cons

Relatively large files
Difficult to store on limited-space devices like old phones
Hard to transfer over slow connections like Bluetooth
Lack of support leading to potential security issues

2. What is a 3GP File?

3GP is a file format developed by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) for mobile devices with 3G networks. Compared to modern 5G networks, data speeds on 3G were woefully low. Uploading and downloading large files would take several hours. To stream entertainment, such as videos, the files had to be compressed to manageable sizes to make them suitable for transmission over 3G networks. 3GP format was designed for this purpose.

3GP videos were small, easy to download or upload, and were relatively easy to transfer between devices. And they achieved this at the cost of video quality. However, when storage space and connection speeds are a constraint, 3GP wins over other formats.

Pros

Extremely small size files for easy storage and transfer
Suitable for the production of a large number of videos for personal use due to their small size

Cons

Noticeable loss of video and audio quality due to heavy compression
Supports a maximum resolution of 176x144p, which offers poor video quality even on modern smartphone screens
Require conversion to other formats for editing
Format not supported widely beyond handheld devices

Part 2: Why Need to Convert FLV to 3GP Format?

Based on what you've learned so far, you might be inclined to think that 3GP is an obsolete technology. While that's true in most cases, there are some unique contexts where you may have to convert your FLV files to 3GP format. Here's when:

1. Compatibility with Mobile Devices

Not all phones, especially the older models, support the FLV format. If you're using an older phone or even a new phone with limited features, you may be unable to run FLV files. 3GP, on the other hand, was created specifically for mobile devices. So, you can run 3GP files on almost all phones and tablets.

2. Reduced File Size

Heavy mobile users store dozens, if not hundreds, of movies and music videos on their phones. If these files are in FLV format, you'll quickly run out of storage space. 3GP files, in contrast, occupy a fraction of the size and therefore, allow you to enjoy all your entertainment without having to worry about storage.

3. Ease of Sharing

3GP files are not only small but delightfully easy to share between devices and over the internet. Even Bluetooth transfers, which is the slowest wireless connection, are performed quickly.

4. Improved Performance on Low-End Devices

Since the 3GP format was designed for older devices, the format uses much less resources. This means battery power savings for people on the go. Also, low resource utilization means that even older devices with poor processing capability can smoothly play 3GP files without any hiccups. The same cannot be said of FLV files.

Part 3: Best FLV to 3GP Converter for Windows/Mac/Android/Online

There are many ways to convert FLV files to 3GP format, but the easiest and most convenient option is Hitpaw Video Converter. Perhaps the most distinguishing feature of HitPaw Video Converter is that it converts videos without drastically lowering their quality, which cannot be said of the other tools. Here’s more reasons why this AI-powered tool is so popular among mobile users.

1. Guide to Convert FLV to 3GP on Windows and Mac

Step 1: Add FLV Files to HitPaw Video Converter

Download the HitPaw Video Converter and launch it. Under the “Add Files” dropdown menu, click “Add Video” to upload your files. Alternatively, you can drag and drop all FLV files into the window.

upload flv videos to hitpaw video converter

Step 2: Select 3GP as Output Format

You can click on the output format drop-down menu accompanying each file to set its output format or do it for the entire batch using the drop-down menu at the bottom left corner. Choose 3GP as an output format for FLV files.

Step 3: Convert FLV to 3GP Videos

At the top right corner, you'll find options for Hardware Acceleration Detection and Lossless Conversion. Enable them and click on the “Convert” or “Convert All” button to start FLV to 3GP conversion.

2. Steps to Change FLV File to 3GP Mobile on Android

HitPaw Video Converter for Android brings all the goodies of the desktop app to Android. Follow these easy steps to convert FLV videos to 3GP on your Android phone.

Step 1: Upload FLV Video

Launch it once you download and install HitPaw Video Converter for Android app. Navigate to the “Convert” Tab and click “Convert Video”.

Use the pop-up video explorer to find the FLV video you'd like to convert and then select it.

Step 2: Set the Output Video Specifications

You can set the output video format as 3GP. Additionally, you can also set preferences like video encoding, bitrate, frame rate, and resolution, which have a direct impact on the output video quality.

Step 3: Convert FLV to 3GP on Android

Click on the “Convert” button and get your 3GP video in a moment.

3. Convert FLV to 3GP Format Online for Free

HitPaw Video Converter apps for Windows, Mac, and Android are highly user-friendly. However, if you don't want to install any apps on your device, HitPaw offers you another option. You can convert your files from FLV to 3GP online using HitPaw Online Video Converter. Here's how:

Step 1:Drag and drop your FLV file into the Upload Box.
Step 2:As you can see, the options are not as abundant as the desktop or Android app, but they should be sufficient for most general users. Select the output format for the audio and video components using the drop-down menu.
Step 3:Click on the Convert button, and you're done. Once the conversion is complete, the output file downloads automatically.

FAQs about FLV to 3GP Conversion

Q1. Is converting FLV to 3GP legal?

A1. Of course. There's nothing illegal in converting files from FLV to 3GP.

Q2. Will converting FLV to 3GP reduce the video quality?

A2. In general, yes! However, you can convert an FLV file to 3GP losslessly, i.e., without a noticeable reduction in quality, using HitPaw Video Converter.

Q3. Can I convert FLV to 3GP on a mobile device?

A3. Of course. You can use HitPaw Video Converter Android app to convert FLV files to 3GP on mobile devices.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to convert FLV files into 3GP formats, you can easily switch from one format to another, depending on your unique needs. To make things easier, download HitPaw Video Converter for your desktop and smartphone so that you can convert the video files on the go whenever needed.

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