How to Upload an MP4 to iPod
By Kristy Barkan
MP4 is short for MPEG-4, a file format used to store various types of media files. Most commonly, MP4 files contain video with one or more audio tracks. As of the date of publication, all of the latest generations of iPod classic, touch and nano can play MP4 files. Use iTunes to upload an MP4 to an iPod, in much the same way as you transfer standard audio files.
Step 1
Open iTunes on the computer to which your iPod is synced. The application can be opened by double-clicking the desktop shortcut or by navigating to the application file using OS X Finder or Windows Explorer and double-clicking the main program file.
Step 2
Click "File" on the iTunes main menu.
Step 3
Choose "Add File to Library."
Step 4
Navigate to the location of the MP4, highlight the file and click "Open."
Step 5
Click "Movies" on the iTunes Library menu. If the MP4 that you are uploading is an audio file, select "Music" instead.
Step 6
Click the MP4 file to highlight it.
Step 7
Click "Advanced" on the main menu.
Step 8
Choose "Create iPod or iPhone Version." An optimized copy of the MP4 will be created with the same file name.
Step 9
Connect your iPod to the computer using the USB cable that came with the device. ITunes should sync with your iPod automatically and upload the optimized MP4.
Step 10
Click the icon for your iPod in the iTunes Devices menu if the MP4 does not upload automatically.
Step 11
Select the Music tab and click the check boxes next to "Sync Music" and "Include Music Videos" so that a check mark appears beside each option. Under the TV Shows tab, Video Podcasts tab and Movies tab, click the check boxes next to "Sync" and "Automatically Include All."
Step 12
Click "Apply." ITunes will sync with your iPod and upload all new videos and music.
References
Tips
- To upload a single MP4 to your iPod but disregard other new files, choose "Manually Manage Music and Videos" from the Summary tab and drag the file from your library to the iPod icon. After the file is copied, select the iPod icon again and click "Eject."
Writer Bio
Kristy Barkan began her writing career in 1998 as a features reporter for the University at Buffalo's "Spectrum" newspaper. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in film and media production from the University at Buffalo, a Master of Fine Arts in visual effects from Academy of Art University and a Diploma in social media marketing from ALISON.