How to use the FLV converter
- Choose a file. Drop an FLV file to convert it to something else, or any other video to convert it to FLV.
- Check "Convert to". The converter picks MP4 for FLV files and FLV for everything else; change it if you need something different.
- Adjust quality if you want a smaller or higher-quality file.
- Click Convert and download the result.
What is an FLV file?
FLV is the Flash Video container that powered YouTube and most web video until about 2015. Adobe ended Flash Player in 2020, but FLV is still used by some live-streaming and recording software.
FLV is mainly used for old web video archives and some RTMP live-stream recordings. It plays on VLC and some desktop players; browsers and phones no longer play FLV.
FLV at a glance
| Full name | Flash Video |
|---|---|
| Type | Video |
| Created by | Macromedia (later Adobe), 2003 |
| Compression | Lossy |
| Typical codecs | H.264 or Sorenson Spark + AAC or MP3 |
| Can be created here | Yes |
Pros and cons of FLV
Good
- Small files
- Still used for some streaming workflows
Not so good
- Flash is discontinued
- No support on phones or in browsers
Common FLV problems and fixes
An FLV will not play anywhere
Convert FLV to MP4. If it holds H.264, the conversion is a quick copy.
Popular FLV conversions
Frequently asked questions
How do I open an FLV file?
FLV files play on VLC and some desktop players; browsers and phones no longer play FLV. If yours will not open, convert it to MP4 on this page; that format plays on any device.
How do I convert a file to FLV?
Drop any video on this page. "Convert to" is set to FLV automatically for files that are not FLV already.
Do I have to pay or sign up to use the FLV converter?
No. There is no account, no payment and no watermark. The only limit is 1 GB per file, set by what browsers can handle.
Do you keep a copy of my files?
We never receive them. All processing happens on your device, so there is nothing for us to store or delete.
Is FLV lossy?
Yes, FLV normally uses lossy compression, which removes detail you are unlikely to notice to keep files small.