How to Convert Videos to ITunes Format to Play on an Apple IPod

By Andrew Tennyson

Converting videos is child's play in iTunes.
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So, you’ve got all these great videos on your computer, but the darned things aren’t compatible with your iPod. Remember that trusty old copy of iTunes you use to transfer content onto your iPod? Well, it can also convert existing videos into formats compatible with iOS devices, including your iPod.

Step 1

Launch iTunes on your computer and import your video into the iTunes library. If you've never imported a video before, just click “File” on the main menu in iTunes, select “Add to Library” or “Add File to Library,” browse to the video and double-click it.

Step 2

Select your video in the iTunes library, click “Advanced” on the main menu and select “Create iPod or iPhone Version” to initiate the conversion process. You will know the conversion process has begun when the Converting icon appears on the left side of iTunes.

Step 3

Double-click the new video in the iTunes library to test that it converted properly. Because iTunes creates a new version of the video when it converts the original, you will see two video files with the same name. Select the one with the M4V extension.

Step 4

Connect your iPod to your computer via Wi-Fi or the iPod’s USB cable. Click the name of your iPod on the right side of the horizontal tab bar in iTunes.

Step 5

Click the “Movies” tab in iTunes, select your video and press the “Sync” button to transfer the video to your iPod. Again, because iTunes created a new version of the video when it converted the original, you will see two files with the same name. Select the one with the M4V extension.

Step 6

Eject your iPod and open the video to test that it plays correctly.

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