Easily Convert M4A to MP4 on Mac/Windows/Online/iPhone

Easily Convert M4A to MP4 on Mac/Windows/Online/iPhone

Audio and video files formerly almost had the same level of acceptance on various devices. Still, since the modernization of electronics, some devices accept both file types while others do not. This is true for the M4A format. Even though it is the audio format exclusively for Mac and iOS devices, many popular devices affiliated with Apple output formats still cannot play this audio format back. In contrast, almost all players are in favor of MP4. It is why many people who suffer from the same issue choose to convert M4A to MP4 for easier playback.

M4A to MP4

Part 1. M4A vs MP4

What is M4A

Before we meet the M4A to MP4 converters below, let us first learn more about these two media files, starting with M4A. As mentioned previously, M4A is the native audio file format of Apple. It is an audio file with compressed content within a MPEG-4 file container. Furthermore, this compressed digital audio file uses ACC or ALAC lossless sounds, giving it an exquisitely high sound quality. As a matter of fact, if you compare it with MP3, M4A has a much higher quality. However, this M4A format is known to have DRM protection, which hinders it from being played on various media players. For this reason, to at least maintain the seamless high quality, many, including experts, find ways, and changing the M4A file to MP4 is one of them.

What is MP4

An MP4 file, on the other hand, is the most popular video file format as of this writing. This file is called chiefly the MPEG-4 file format, which the Moving Pictures Expert Group develops. Similar MP4 is also a container that uses compression with the videos, audio, and other contents such as still images and subtitles. With the said compression, MP4 still maintains the high quality of sound and picture display of the contents inside it. In addition, this MP4 file container is an official file used for video playing and sharing on the internet. Aside from that, it is also declared as a universal video format since almost all media players support it.

M4A vs MP4s

Here is a simple and quick comparison table between the two formats. With this table, you will better understand why you need to transform one into the other.

Attributes MP4 M4A
Best used for Used for almost all social media and all popular video streaming sites online. Used for iTunes, podcasts, and music.
Encoding It uses MPEG-4 Part 14 and MPEG-4 AVC. It uses ALAC and AAC audio.
Expanded Size This can be up to 10 GB. This can be up to 200MB.
Compatibility Most devices, even the ones from Apple. Apple media players.
Come with protection No Yes

Part 2. How to Convert M4A to MP4 on Mac/Windows/Online/iPhone

With the complete information above, we can now proceed to the best M4A to MP4 converters that could help you perform your task efficiently. With this being said, we want to present three of the most sought-after converters in the market today.

1. Tipard Video Converter Ultimate (Mac & Windows)

Since the word best has been mentioned, we want to present you the top of the best under the name Tipard Video Converter Ultimate. This software provides you with an ultimate file conversion that will enable you to convert 60 times faster than the others due to its ultrafast technology.

  • 1. It allows you to batch convert M4A to MP4 for time-saving.
  • 2. This M4A to MP4 converter can help enhance both video and audio files to their finest.
  • 3. Its wide support of more than 5000 video and audio formats for input and output.
  • 4. The M4A to MP4 converter is compatible with Mac and Windows PC.

The mentioned attributes above are just a small part of its wholeness. And we will leave it here to make you feel more excited about it. Hence, let us now learn how to convert M4A to MP4 in bulk with this amazing tool below.

Step 1Prepare your computer for a fast installation process of this software. Click the Download button below that is applicable to the kind of computer you use.

Step 2Launch the software after the installation. Then, hit the Plus button at the center of the main interface to load your M4A files. Alternatively, you can drag the files from your local folder and drop them in the tool's interface.

Tipard Load Audio Files

Step 3Once the audio files are loaded, click the arrow-down button in the Convert All to section. Then, under the Video option, look for the MP4 format, click it, and click your preferred encoder at the right side of the interface.

Tipard Output Format Selection

Step 4After that, you can now hit the Convert All red button at the bottom part of the main interface. Upon clicking this button, the swift conversion process will begin, and you may check your newly converted files after.

Tipard Convert Files

2. Online M4A to MP4 Converter - ZamZar

ZamZar, a media file converter online, hits second place on our list. This online tool can change the M4A file to MP4 for free. Furthermore, it supports many different output formats for video, audio, image, zip, document, and ebook. Similar to the first converting tool, ZamZar lets you upload and convert numerous files because it facilitates batch conversion. What's more, this online tool enables you to upload your M4A files from Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive aside from your local folder. Besides, you can use this tool to convert MP4 to M4A. However, as a downside, ZamZar cannot support the other popular audio formats. Thus, if you find it still great to use, here are the simplified steps for converting M4A to MP4 using it.

Step 1Using any browser on your computer, visit the main website of ZamZar.

Step 2Upon arriving on its main page, click the Choose Files button to upload your M4A files.

Step 3After that, set the output as MP4 and then click the Convert Now button.

ZamZar Convert Files

3. Video Converter for iPhone

This time, let us have the Video Converter app that you can use on iPhone and iPad. It is a converting mobile app that supports many input and output formats, including M4A and MP4. With this app, you will need to have the conversion process on a cloud server which will only take you minimal time to complete. So, please take note that it will send your files to its server. If you are an Android user, you can explore video converters for Android here.

Step 1Get this app from your App Store and launch it after the installation.

Step 2Now, choose a file source where your M4A files are located. Tap it, then upload your files to the interface.

Step 3Then, select MP4 as your output format, and tap the Convert File button to begin the conversion process.

Video Converter Convert Files

Part 3. FAQs about Converting M4A to MP4

Can I convert MP4 to M4A back?

Yes. After transforming your M4A files into video files in MP4 format, you can easily convert them using an online MP4 to M4A converter - CloudConverter.

Does converting M4A files reduce the quality?

No, if you use a tool like Tipard Video Converter Ultimate. This kind of tool securely maintains the high quality of your file.

Can I enhance the quality of M4A?

No. M4A files have already reached their highest quality level. Therefore, there's no way to enhance them more.

Can I use VLC to convert M4A to MP4?

Yes, there is a Convert/Save option under the Media in VLC for you to convert M4A to MP4 without hassle. Moreover, you can burn DVDs with VLC using the Stream option.

Conclusion

There you have it. You've just acquired different M4A to MP4 converters with a deeper understanding of the said files. Choose which one will suit your capability and device. But, as for the many users who tried the approaches given, almost all chose Tipard Video Converter Ultimate. This is because of its high-end features and ultrafast conversion process even in bulk files.

author
Posted by Lily Stark to Convert Video
April 10, 2024 10:11
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