How to Open MP4 Files Without a Converter
The MP4 file format is used to encode digital video. In order to open any video file, a user needs to download a media player. A media player is a type of software that is used to stream multimedia files like an MP4 videos. It is not always necessary for MP4 videos to undergo file conversion since most major media players support the file format. VLC, QuickTime and Windows Media Player are all leading media players that support playback for MP4 videos. These applications can be installed and used for free.
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Instructions
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VLC
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1
Download and install VLC media player. The free program can be obtained directly from the software manufacturer, VideoLAN.
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2
Launch VLC. Go to the "Media" tab on the program menu and select "Open File."
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3
Locate the MP4 file in the file selection window. Select the video and hit the "Open" button. The clip will begin to stream in VLC. Manage playback with the buttons on the control bar.
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4
Close VLC by going to "Media" and selecting "Exit."
QuickTime
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5
Download and install QuickTime. The free program can be obtained directly from the software manufacturer, Apple.
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6
Launch QuickTime. Go to the "File" tab on the program menu and select "Open File."
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7
Locate the MP4 file in the file selection window. Select the video and hit the "Open" button. The clip will begin to stream in QuickTime. Manage playback with the buttons on the control bar.
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8
Close QuickTime by going to "File" and selecting "Exit."
Windows Media Player
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9
Download and install Windows Media Player. The free program can be obtained directly from the software manufacturer, Microsoft.
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10
Launch Windows Media Player. Go to the "File" tab on the program menu and select "Open."
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Locate the MP4 file in the file selection window. Select the video and hit the "Open" button. The clip will begin to stream in Windows Media Player. Manage playback with the buttons on the control bar.
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Close Windows Media Player by going to "File" and selecting "Exit."
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Tips & Warnings
In addition to streaming multimedia files, both VLC and QuickTime can be used to convert videos into other formats. While these transcoding capabilities are built in to the basic version of VLC, users need to upgrade to QuickTime Pro in order to activate these features in the Apple media player.
