8 Methods to Convert MP4 to WebM - Best Tools for Faster Streaming

Trying to upload a video to your website but frustrated with large file sizes and slow loading times? You might be using the wrong format. Converting your videos from MP4 to WebM format can make a huge difference, especially if your goal is fast playback and smoother streaming on modern browsers. While MP4 is the universal standard for compatibility and quality, WebM is optimized for the web, offering smaller file sizes without sacrificing too much clarity. In this guide, we’ll compare MP4 vs WebM and walk you through eight reliable methods to convert your files quickly and effectively.

MP4 vs WebM

When choosing a video format for streaming, editing, or sharing, two of the most popular options are MP4 and WebM. Both formats are widely used across devices and platforms, but they serve slightly different purposes. MP4 is known for its universal compatibility and high-quality compression, making it the industry standard for most video-related tasks. WebM, on the other hand, is designed for efficient streaming on the web, offering smaller file sizes with good quality, especially for browsers and HTML5 applications.

If you are unsure which one is better for your needs, the following comparison will help you decide.

MP4 vs WebM - Comparison Table

Method 1: AVAide Video Converter

Selecting the robust AVAide Video Converter software will help in converting MP4 to WebM in the fastest and most reliable manner possible. This software offers a plethora of above 300 codecs. AVAide is meant for processing videos professionally for content creation that can be streamed online, viewed offline, or used for editing. The software has a simplistic user interface and employs state-of-the-art acceleration technology. This allows even sizable MP4 files to be exported as WebM in a reasonable time while assuring optimal quality.

Step 1Download and Install

Go to the AVAide official page and download the software for installation. The software is compatible with Mac and Windows. Open the software once the installation is complete.

Step 2MP4 File Importation

On the primary interface, you will be able to see an Add Files button. You can click this or drag and drop the MP4 for the converter to process.

Step 3Select Output Format to WebM

For the Output Format, you can select WebM under the Video tab, and for the resolution, the user desired specification can be chosen.

Step 4Use the Editing Tool

The software has an integrated editing feature that can be used to cut parts of the video, crop, apply effects and compress the MP4 before the conversion.

Step 5Start Conversion

In this step, set the destination folder for your file. Click on the Convert All button. In no time, the software will process and export the MP4 video as a WebM file.

Method 2: FFmpeg

FFmpeg is known worldwide as a powerful and open-source multimedia framework. Industry experts utilize it for handling audio and video conversions. It is a command line interface which offers complete control over format, bitrate, codecs and other advanced settings. An intuitive command-line interface is a great way to convert MP4 to WebM. It is very flexible and efficient compared to other utilities.

Step 1Download and install FFmpeg from their official website.

Step 2Open the command prompt and Terminal for Mac and Linux.

Step 3Open the directory that the MP4 file is in.

Step 4Input the command: ffmpeg -i input.mp4 output. webm

Step 5Click Enter, which would begin the conversion, and the WebM file would be in the same directory as the MP4.

Method 3: Adobe Media Encoder

Adobe Media Encoder is professional video conversion software that is included in the Adobe Creative Cloud. It is helpful for users who utilize Adobe Premiere Pro because it integrates well into video editing and provides WebM outputs that are optimized for quick and seamless use.

Step 1Open Adobe Media Encoder from the desktop.

Step 2Click the + sign and add the MP4 file to the conversion queue.

Step 3WebM is available in the format dropdown menu, which you can select.

Step 4If necessary, change the preset or custom settings on resolution, bitrate, and codec.

Step 5Choose an output destination and click the green play button to start conversion.

Method 4: Ezgif (Online Tool)

Ezgif offers a free web-based MP4 to WebM converter. No software download is needed, and it is ideal for on-the-go, real-time work, but it has a file size restriction. In addition to this, it supports iPhone-supported video formats, making it handy for users who work across different devices.

Step 1Visit the Ezgif page on your web browser.

Step 2From the dropdown menu, click on Video to WebM.

Step 3Once the frame loads, click on Choose Files and upload your MP4 file.

Step 4Set the optional frame size, frame rate, and quality of the video.

Step 5Click the Convert to WebM button and then download the converted file.

Method 5: HandBrake

Available on Windows, Mac, and Linux, HandBrake is a free and open-source transcoder with a HandBrake MP4 to WebM preset. As with Ezgif, it is free to download and has some strong rates of customized settings for any conversion.

Step 1Visit the website and download HandBrake and the manual.

Step 2Boot the software and load the MP4 file you wish to convert.

Step 3From the dropdown list in the format box, select WebM.

Step 4Set the resolution, bitrate, and any additional filters to your desired level.

Step 5To initiate the conversion, click on Start Encode.

Method 6: CloudConvert (Online Tool)

Concerning the conversion of video onto CloudConvert, the web-based converter supports over 200 formats and is considered a sensible opt for conversion services. You can upload MP4 files and export them as WebM without having to download any applications, as the conversion can be done directly through the web browser. It also handles other tasks like MOD to MP4, giving users more flexibility in video conversion.

Step 1Go to the CloudConvert page.

Step 2Click on Select file to add your MP4 video.

Step 3Select WebM from the dropdown.

Step 4Edit codec, resolution, and quality under advanced.

Step 5Hit Convert and download your WebM file after it is processed.

Method 7: VLC Media Player

VLC Media Player is an application that many people use for simply playing videos and listening to music. Many users appreciate the addition of a conversion tool, and the ability of VLC to convert MP4 files to WebM videos makes MP4 to WebM converters the VLC users give the most praise for.

Step 1Open VLC Media Player

Step 2Click on Media > Convert/Save

Step 3Upload your MP4 file and click Convert/Save.

Step 4Select WebM from the dropdown list under Profile.

Step 5Assign a file name and location, and press the button labeled Start on the bottom right to initiate the conversion.

Method 8: Online-Convert

Online-Convert is an MP4 to WebM video converter in the form of a website. Its features for changing videos online suit people with quick online tasks, and it has options such as changing the aspect ratio, bitrate, and frame rate of videos. It also supports other conversions like MKV to WebM, making it versatile for different needs.

Step 1Go to the Online-Convert page.

Step 2From the video category, select Convert to WebM.

Step 3Upload the MP4 file you want to convert.

Step 4Edit optional settings if necessary.

Step 5Once finished, click on the video to download it. Click on Start Conversion for the rest.

By Bryan Simmonds on Sep 15, 2022