How to Convert MP4 to AV1 Encoder File

The explosive growth of digital content consumption has spawned an entire generation of technologies geared toward optimizing digital video streaming. AV1 is one such piece of technology. Developed and optimized for digital video streaming, AV1 is a new encoder with a number of advantages over the traditional encoding formats. Therefore, content creators and content publishers choose to convert their videos from mainstream formats like MP4 to AV1 for online publishing. This guide offers a quick overview of the AV1 encoder and gives step-by-step instructions on how to convert MP4 to AV1 in more ways than one.

Part 1: Why Need to Convert MP4 to AV1 Format?

1. What is AV1 File? (AOMedia Video 1)

AV1, short for AOMedia Video 1, is a free and open-source video codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media (AOMedia), which is an industry organization comprising tech leaders like Amazon, Cisco, Google, Intel, Microsoft, Mozilla, and Netflix.

AOMedia developed AV1 as an alternative to the proprietary codecs H.264 and HEVC/H.265. Although the latter is highly successful and enjoys widespread usage, they come with a recurring cost in the form of royalties to be paid to their developer, Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG), and International Telegraph Union (ITU).

It should be noted that AV1 is not a video format or a video container format but a compression format used for compressing the video contents of a video container file. While AV1 can be used with most mainstream video container formats like MP4 and MKV, users may find AV1 videos with the .av1 extension too.

2. Why Need to Convert MP4 to AV1?

The MP4 video format typically uses H.264 or HEVC encoders for compressing the video contents on the file. However, AV1 offers superior compression capabilities, which make it suitable for online streaming applications. Therefore, for digital video publishing use cases, content creators and publishers choose to convert videos from a common format to an AV1-compatible format. For commercial purposes, switching to AV1 encoder also saves publishers costs in royalties charged by the creator of H.264 and HEVC. Other advantages of AV1 codec are as follows:

• Low bandwidth requirement for streaming, ensuring superior viewing experience on low-bandwidth connections
• Modern, stable, and future-proof because of rapidly growing adoption
• Delivers high-definition video calling experience on spotty connections

Part 2: How to Convert MP4 to AV1 using HitPaw Univd

Since the AV1 encoder is a cutting-edge codec, not many video converters support it. Univd Video Converter is one of the few video converters with the capability to convert MP4 to AV1. In fact, Univd supports extensive support for video encoders, including new, old, and ancient formats.

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• VariousFormats Support: HitPaw Univd can convert videos from any format to AV1.
• BatchVideo Conversion: You can convert up to 5,000 videos from MP4 to AV1.
• Fast Conversion Speed: With Univd, MP4 to AV1 hardly takes a few minutes, even if they're big.
• Built-in Editors: Cut, trim, merge, add subtitles, remove noise, and do more with Univd.
• 4K Support: Univd supports all resolutions and aspect ratios, including 4K and full HD.
• Full Quality Control: Univd lets you convert videos from MP4 to AV1 encoding both lossily and losslessly.

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Guide to Convert MP4 to AV1 with Univd AV1 Converter

• Step 1: Import Video

Launch HitPaw Univd >> Go to the 'Converter' module >> Drag MP4 files into the tool or use the 'Add Files' button.


• Step 2: Go to Output Settings

Click on the 'Convert all to' dropdown at the bottom >> Navigate to 'Video' >> Choose 'same as source' option >> Clicking 'Pen' icon beside that option


• Step 3: Select Output Encoder

In the new popup box, choose 'AV1' as the encoder for Video >> Click 'Create'


• Step 4: Convert MP4 to AV1

Hit the 'Convert all' button to start convert MP4 to AV1 format.


• Step 5: Access Output Files

After the conversion process, access the converted files on the main interface.

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Part 3: Top 2 Best MP4 to AV1 Converters Free to Use

1. How to Use FFmpeg for MP4 to AV1 Conversion

FFmpeg is a free, open-source command line tool for media editing and conversion. Everyone can use this MP4 to AV1 converter for free without any limitations. FFmpeg can easily convert MP4 to AV1 as long as users know how to use it. Since it lacks a graphics user interface, it doesn't rank high on user-friendliness, but familiar users find FFmpeg mp4 to av1 conversion to be a smooth and painless experience.

How to Convert MP4 to AV1 Using FFmpeg:

• Step 1: Launch FFmpeg

Download and install FFmpeg >> Press 'Windows key + R' on Windows desktop >> Type 'cmd' in the search box >> Hit 'OK'

• Step 2: Navigate to Source File

Copy the path to the folder where your MP4 file is located >> Go back to the Command Prompt window and type 'cd' followed by 'space' and the file location path you copied earlier >> Press 'Enter'


• Step 3: Convert Encoding to AV1

Type 'ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -c:v libaom-av1 -crf 25 output.mkv' >> Press 'Enter'

In the above command, 'input' refers to the input video file name. Also, 'crf 25' refers to quality level, with '0' being lossless and '51' being the highest loss conversion. Lastly, 'output' refers to the output file name after encoder conversion. You can change these options at your convenience.

2. How to Convert MP4 to AV1 for Free with HandBrake

HandBrake is the industry standard for video format compression and conversion. It is free, open-source, and one of the most powerful tools available for video file conversion. However, it's far from the most user-friendly one. Nevertheless, HandBrake can handle MP4 to AV1 conversion with ease and gives an excellent variety of customization options for users.

How to Convert MP4 to AV1 Using HandBrake:

• Step 1: Add Files

Launch HandBrake >> Drag MP4 files directly into the upload box in the tool >> Let the tool scan the video file.


• Step 2: Choose Output Format

Choose a container format from the available options, i.e., MP4, MKV, and WebM.

• Step 3: Change Encoder

Go to the 'Video' tab >> Click on the 'Video Encoder' dropdown >> Choose 'AV1.'

Part 3: How to Choose A Best MP4 to AV1 Converter

FAQs about MP4 to AV1 Conversion

Conclusion

Converting MP4 to AV1 offers several advantages, especially for content creators and publishers who need to optimize their videos for modern streaming platforms. With the benefits of superior compression, better video quality at lower bitrates, and royalty-free licensing, AV1 is a strong alternative to older formats like H.264 and HEVC. For those seeking to transcode their videos to AV1 encoding, HitPaw Univd stands out as a fast and versatile choice, offering batch conversion and high-quality output. Univd makes it effortless for users to transcode their videos to AV1, be it for personal or professional use. Give it a try today.