Convert WebM to MP4

Convert WebM to MP4 To Be Used In Premiere Pro

We have to convert WebM to MP4 because we already studied in our Adobe Premiere Pro review that this WebM format is not supported inside the Adobe suite for technical and industry standard reasons.

There are several ways to do this conversion. Pick the one you like the most.

I use Handbrake, it is free, where I have the opportunity. It is because of its graphical interface.

FFmpeg method is more technical. For some video editing professionals, using the command line terminal might sound a bit intimidating.

I have only used the three methods below, but I am sure that there could be more methods or applications.

Here’s a detailed comparison table of the methods to convert WebM to MP4:

Software To Convert WebM To MP4 For Adobe Premiere Pro	FFmpeg (Command Line)	HandBrake (GUI)	CloudConvert (Online)
Installation	Requires downloading and setting up FFmpeg binaries or using a package manager.	Requires downloading and installing the HandBrake application.	No installation needed; accessed via a web browser.
User Interface	Command-line interface; might be intimidating for non-tech-savvy users.	Graphical user interface; user-friendly with visual settings and previews.	Web-based interface; intuitive and user-friendly.
Speed	Conversion speed depends on local hardware. Typically very fast.	Conversion speed depends on local hardware.	Conversion speed can vary based on file size, internet upload/download speed, and server load.
File Size Limit	Limited by local storage.	Limited by local storage.	Free version has a file size limit; paid versions offer higher limits.
Cost	Free and open-source.	Free and open-source.	Free for basic use; paid plans offer more features and faster conversions.
Privacy	Files remain on the local machine; highest privacy.	Files remain on the local machine; high privacy.	Files are uploaded to CloudConvert servers; potential privacy concerns, though they claim to delete files after conversion.
Batch Conversion	Supports batch conversion through scripting.	Supports batch conversion natively.	Supports batch conversion, but might be limited by file size and number of concurrent conversions in the free version.
Flexibility	Highly flexible with numerous settings and options for advanced users.	Offers a good balance of simplicity and advanced settings.	Simplified options for casual users; some advanced settings available.
Integration	Can be integrated into scripts and automated workflows.	Standalone application; no direct integrations.	Offers API for integration into apps and workflows; can connect to cloud storage services.
Supported Formats	Supports a vast range of video, audio, and image formats.	Supports many popular video and audio formats.	Supports a wide variety of formats, but not as extensive as FFmpeg.
Portability	Can be run on any machine with FFmpeg installed.	Requires the HandBrake application to be installed.	Accessible from any device with a web browser and internet connection.
Updates & Maintenance	Actively maintained; users need to update manually or through a package manager.	Regular updates provided by the HandBrake team; users need to update the application.	Updates and maintenance handled by CloudConvert; users always access the latest version online.

Using FFmpeg (Command Line Tool)

FFmpeg is a powerful multimedia framework that can be used to convert, stream, and process audio and video. It’s a command-line tool, which means it doesn’t have a graphical user interface (GUI) and is operated through text commands in a terminal or command prompt.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the process to convert WebM to MP4 using FFmpeg:

1. Installing FFmpeg:

Windows:

1. Visit the FFmpeg official website or a trusted source to download the FFmpeg binaries for Windows.
2. Extract the downloaded ZIP file.
3. Add the path to the bin directory (where the ffmpeg.exe file is located) to your system’s PATH variable. This step allows you to run FFmpeg from any directory in the command prompt.

Mac (using Homebrew):

1. Open Terminal.
2. If you haven’t installed Homebrew, install it first.
3. Once Homebrew is installed, run:

   brew install ffmpeg

Linux:

1. Most Linux distributions have FFmpeg available in their repositories. Depending on your package manager, you can install it using:

• For Debian/Ubuntu: sudo apt-get install ffmpeg
• For Fedora: sudo dnf install ffmpeg
• For CentOS: sudo yum install ffmpeg

2. Converting WebM to MP4:

1. Open a command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Mac/Linux).
2. Navigate to the directory containing your WebM file using the cd command. For example:

   cd path/to/your/directory

3. Run the FFmpeg command to convert the WebM file to MP4:

   ffmpeg -i input.webm -c:v copy -c:a aac -strict experimental output.mp4

Here’s a breakdown of this command:

• -i input.webm: Specifies the input file (input.webm).
• -c:v copy: Copies the video codec without re-encoding. This is faster and retains the original video quality.
• -c:a aac: Converts the audio codec to AAC. This is necessary because MP4 containers typically use AAC for audio.
• -strict experimental: Allows FFmpeg to use experimental codecs, which is sometimes required for AAC.
• output.mp4: Specifies the name of the output file.

1. Once the command is executed, FFmpeg will start the conversion process. After it’s done, you’ll find the output.mp4 file in the same directory.

That’s it! You’ve successfully converted a WebM file to MP4 using FFmpeg. You can now import the MP4 file into Adobe Premiere Pro for editing.

Using Handbrake (Graphical Interface)

Certainly! HandBrake is a popular, free, and open-source video transcoder that provides a graphical user interface (GUI) for video conversion tasks, making it more user-friendly for those who might not be comfortable with command-line tools.

Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide on how to use HandBrake to convert WebM files to MP4:

1. Installing HandBrake:

1. Download HandBrake:

• Visit the official HandBrake website and download the version appropriate for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).

1. Install HandBrake:

• Windows: Run the downloaded .exe installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
• Mac: Open the downloaded .dmg file and drag the HandBrake application to your Applications folder.
• Linux: Installation methods can vary depending on the distribution. Refer to the HandBrake website or your distribution’s package manager for specific instructions.

2. Converting WebM to MP4 using HandBrake:

1. Launch HandBrake:

• Open the HandBrake application from your list of installed programs or applications.

1. Source Selection:

• Click on the “Open Source” or “File” button (the exact wording may vary depending on the version).
• Navigate to and select the WebM file you want to convert.

1. Destination Setup:

• In the “Output Settings” section, you’ll see a field labeled “Save As” or “Destination” (wording may vary). This is where you specify the name and location of the converted file.
• Ensure the container next to this field is set to “MP4.”

1. Video and Audio Settings:

• Video Tab:
  • By default, HandBrake will use the H.264 video codec for MP4, which is widely compatible. You can leave this as is for most purposes.
  • Adjust the quality using the “Constant Quality” slider. A lower RF (Rate Factor) number means higher quality. For general use, an RF value between 20-23 is a good balance between quality and file size.
• Audio Tab:
  • Ensure the audio codec is set to “AAC.” This is a widely supported audio codec for MP4 containers.
  • You can adjust the audio bitrate for quality. A bitrate of 128-192 kbps is usually sufficient for clear audio.

1. Start the Conversion:

• Once you’ve configured the settings, click the “Start” or “Start Encode” button at the top of the HandBrake window.
• HandBrake will display a progress bar, and once the conversion is complete, you’ll hear a notification sound.

1. Locate the Converted File:

• Navigate to the destination you specified earlier to find the converted MP4 file.

1. Optional Advanced Settings:

• HandBrake offers a plethora of advanced settings for those who want more control over the conversion process, including filters, subtitles, chapters, and more. For most users, the default settings will suffice, but if you have specific needs, you can explore these options further.

That’s it! You’ve now successfully converted a WebM file to MP4 using HandBrake. The resulting MP4 file should be compatible with Adobe Premiere Pro and many other video editing and playback tools.

Use CloudConvert (On The Cloud, No Downloads)

Certainly! CloudConvert is a popular online file conversion service that supports a wide range of file formats, including video, audio, document, image, and more. It’s user-friendly and doesn’t require any software installation since it runs in your web browser.

Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide on how to use CloudConvert to convert files:

1. Accessing CloudConvert:

1. Open Your Web Browser: Navigate to the CloudConvert website.

2. Selecting the File to Convert:

1. Choose Files:

• Click on the “Select Files” button.
• A file dialog will appear. Navigate to and select the file you want to convert. You can choose files from your computer or from various cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox.

3. Choosing the Output Format:

1. Select Output Format:

• Once you’ve uploaded a file, CloudConvert will automatically detect its format.
• Below the uploaded file’s name, you’ll see a dropdown menu with conversion options. Click on this dropdown to select the desired output format. For example, if you’ve uploaded a WebM file and want to convert it to MP4, select “MP4.”

4. Configuring Conversion Settings:

1. Access Settings:

• Next to the output format dropdown, there’s a “wrench” icon or “Settings” button. Clicking on this will open a panel with additional settings specific to the chosen output format.

1. Adjust Settings (Optional):

• For video conversions, you might see options to adjust the codec, resolution, bitrate, and other parameters.
• Adjust these settings as needed. If you’re unsure, the default settings are typically a good starting point.

5. Starting the Conversion:

1. Convert:

• Once you’ve chosen the output format and adjusted settings, click the “Start Conversion” button.
• CloudConvert will process the file. The time this takes can vary based on the file size and the current load on CloudConvert’s servers.

6. Downloading the Converted File:

1. Download:

• After the conversion is complete, a “Download” button will appear next to the file name.
• Click this button to download the converted file to your computer.

7. Additional Features:

1. Batch Conversion:

• CloudConvert supports converting multiple files at once. You can upload and select multiple files, choose their output formats, and convert them all in one go.

1. Cloud Storage Integration:

• If you’ve connected a cloud storage service (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox), you can save the converted files directly to your cloud storage instead of downloading them to your computer.

1. API Access:

• For developers or businesses with specific needs, CloudConvert offers an API. This allows for integrating CloudConvert’s conversion capabilities into other software or workflows.

Note on Privacy and Security:

• When using online conversion tools like CloudConvert, always be cautious about uploading sensitive or private content. While CloudConvert states that they delete uploaded files after a certain period and don’t look at user data, it’s always a good practice to be aware of the potential risks when using online services.

That was a detailed walkthrough of how to use CloudConvert for file conversions. The platform’s intuitive design makes it relatively straightforward, even for users unfamiliar with file conversion processes.

Costs Of Converting WebM To MP4 To Use It In Premiere Pro

For using the conversion process once, or just a few times, these processes are free. Let´s see in detail.

Of course! Here’s a detailed comparison table of the costs associated with using FFmpeg, HandBrake, and CloudConvert:

Costs Of Conversion From WebM To MP4 For Premiere Pro	FFmpeg (Command Line)	HandBrake (GUI)	CloudConvert (Online)
Software License Cost	Free (Open-source under LGPL/GPL)	Free (Open-source under GPL)	Free tier available; Paid plans for extended use
Additional Components	Mostly free; some components may have different licenses	Mostly free components	Included in service; no additional software required
Updates	Free	Free	Free (handled by CloudConvert)
Support	Community support: Free; Professional support: Variable	Community support: Free	Basic: Free; Premium: Included in paid plans
Integration/Development	Free (consider LGPL/GPL terms for commercial use)	Free (consider GPL terms for commercial use)	API access has separate pricing
Hardware/Infrastructure	Depends on local setup; no direct costs from FFmpeg	Depends on local setup; no direct costs from HandBrake	None (Cloud-based; consider internet bandwidth costs)
Privacy & Security	Highest (local processing)	High (local processing)	Variable (files uploaded to servers; on-premise option available)
Batch Conversion	Free (through scripting)	Free	Depends on plan (free tier has limitations)
Regular Costs	None (one-time setup might require effort/time)	None	Subscription or pay-as-you-go costs
Special Features/Add-ons	None (all features included)	None (all features included)	Some advanced features or proprietary conversions might have additional costs
Cancellation/Commitment	None (can stop using anytime)	None (can stop using anytime)	Depends on chosen plan; always check terms before committing

Costs Of Using FFmpeg

FFmpeg is a free and open-source software project. This means that you can download, use, and even modify the software without incurring any costs. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with using FFmpeg:

1. Software License Cost:

• FFmpeg License: Free. FFmpeg is licensed under the LGPL or GPL, depending on your choice of configuration options. The core of FFmpeg is LGPL. If you choose to use non-free components, like certain encoders, then the license switches to GPL.

2. Additional Components:

• Some components or libraries that FFmpeg can utilize might have different licenses. However, most of the commonly used components are also free and open-source.

3. Updates:

• Software Updates: Free. You can always download the latest version of FFmpeg from their official website or repositories without any charges.

4. Support:

• Official Documentation: Free. FFmpeg has extensive official documentation available on their website, which covers a wide range of topics and use cases.
• Community Support: Free. There are numerous forums, online communities, and platforms where users and developers discuss FFmpeg. You can ask questions, seek help, or share knowledge without any cost.
• Professional Support: Variable. If you require dedicated professional support, some third-party companies or individuals offer consultancy or support services for FFmpeg. The cost for this will vary based on the service provider and the nature of the support required.

5. Integration and Development:

• If you’re integrating FFmpeg into a commercial product or using it as part of a business workflow, there are no licensing fees. However, you should be aware of the LGPL/GPL licensing terms, especially if you make modifications to the software or use non-free components.
• Development costs, if any, would be related to your specific project or use case. For instance, if you’re developing a custom application that uses FFmpeg, you’d have development costs associated with that project, but not directly with FFmpeg itself.

6. Hardware and Infrastructure:

• While FFmpeg itself is free, you’ll need hardware (like a computer or server) to run it. The cost here would depend on your existing infrastructure and any potential upgrades or purchases you might need to make to meet your requirements.

In summary, the direct cost of using FFmpeg is essentially zero, as it’s a free and open-source tool. However, potential costs could arise if you seek professional support, need specific hardware, or undertake development projects that utilize FFmpeg.

Costs Of Using Handbrake

HandBrake is also a free and open-source software project, designed to provide users with a tool for video transcoding. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with using HandBrake:

1. Software License Cost:

• HandBrake License: Free. HandBrake is released under the GNU General Public License (GPL), which means you can use, modify, and distribute it without any cost.

2. Additional Components:

• HandBrake uses several libraries and components to handle various codecs and formats. Most of these are also open-source and free.

3. Updates:

• Software Updates: Free. HandBrake’s development team regularly releases updates. You can download the latest version from their official website at no charge.

4. Support:

• Official Documentation: Free. HandBrake provides official documentation and user guides on their website, covering a range of topics from basic usage to advanced settings.
• Community Support: Free. HandBrake has an active online community, including forums where users can ask questions, share experiences, and get help from other users and developers.
• Professional Support: As of my last update in September 2021, there isn’t a widespread commercial support system specifically for HandBrake. However, general video editing or IT consultants might offer services that include HandBrake guidance. Costs would vary based on the service provider.

5. Integration and Development:

• If you’re thinking of integrating HandBrake into a workflow or system, remember it’s primarily a standalone application. While there are some unofficial command-line versions and scripts that use HandBrake’s engine, direct integration into commercial products might be limited by the GPL license.
• Development or customization costs would be related to your specific needs. If you’re creating a custom solution around HandBrake or its components, you’d have development expenses, but these aren’t directly tied to HandBrake itself.

6. Hardware and Infrastructure:

• Using HandBrake doesn’t require any special hardware, but video transcoding can be resource-intensive. The speed and efficiency of conversions will depend on your computer’s CPU, GPU, and RAM. While HandBrake can run on average consumer hardware, if you’re doing large-scale or frequent transcoding, you might consider hardware upgrades. Costs here would depend on your current setup and any potential hardware purchases.

In summary, HandBrake itself is free to use, being an open-source tool. Direct costs associated with the software are essentially zero. However, potential expenses might arise if you need specific hardware upgrades, seek external professional support, or undertake development projects related to video transcoding.

Costs Of Using CloudConvert For Conversion Of WebM Into MP4

CloudConvert is an online file conversion service, and its pricing structure is different from free, open-source software like FFmpeg or HandBrake. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with using CloudConvert:

1. Basic Usage:

• Free Tier: CloudConvert offers a free tier with limited daily conversion minutes and file size limits. This is suitable for occasional, non-intensive use. The free tier allows up to 25 conversion minutes per day.

2. Paid Plans:

• Pay-As-You-Go: CloudConvert offers a pay-as-you-go option where you pay for the actual conversion minutes you use. This is suitable for users with irregular conversion needs.
• Subscription Plans: For regular users or businesses, CloudConvert offers various subscription plans with different monthly costs. These plans provide a set number of conversion minutes per month, faster conversion speeds, and other premium features.

3. Additional Costs:

• Data Transfer: While CloudConvert charges primarily for conversion minutes, you should also consider the time and potential costs associated with uploading and downloading files, especially if you have limited internet bandwidth or if you’re working with large files.

4. Support:

• Basic Support: Available for all users, including those on the free tier.
• Premium Support: Users on paid plans typically receive faster and more comprehensive support.

5. Privacy and Security:

• Additional Costs for Privacy: If privacy is a concern, you might want to consider using CloudConvert’s on-premise solution, which allows you to run the conversion process on your own servers. This would come with its own set of costs, including server and maintenance costs.

6. API Access:

• For developers or businesses that want to integrate CloudConvert into their applications or workflows, CloudConvert offers an API. Using the API comes with its own pricing, separate from the regular conversion costs. This is typically based on the number of conversion minutes or tasks.

7. Discounts:

• CloudConvert occasionally offers discounts or promotions, especially for longer-term commitments or larger packages.

8. Cancellation:

• If you opt for a subscription plan and later decide to cancel, it’s essential to understand CloudConvert’s cancellation policies to avoid unexpected charges.

9. Additional Features:

• Some advanced features or add-ons might come with additional costs. For instance, if you need to convert files that require special software licenses (certain proprietary codecs, for example), there might be additional charges.

In summary, while CloudConvert offers a free tier suitable for occasional use, regular or intensive use will likely require one of their paid options. The exact cost will depend on your usage patterns, the specific features you need, and the plan you choose. Always check CloudConvert’s official website or contact their support for the most up-to-date and detailed pricing information.

I have a complete Adobe Premiere Pro review where I analyze all the features of this product.

We discuss if Premiere Pro supports MKV files and how to handle MKV files via Encoder. Anyway, we consider that the industry standard is that you convert MKV to MP4 and stick to that container format.

Also, if MOV files are supported and how to override the MOV glitch.

We analyze the situation related to the lack of support inside Adobe Premiere Pro for WebM format files and why Adobe does not support it. While we do not recommend the WebM format at all, I explain how to overcome this issue with the FNord WebM free software. The recommended approach is to go into industry standards and convert WebM to MP4 to use it in Premiere Pro. A bit related to this is the question about how to handle the VP9 codec in Premiere Pro, as it s a problem for YouTubers who want to export video produced and rendered there.

As there is no lifetime license anymore available for the Adobe suite, we responded to the question in the comments´ section about why Adobe Premiere Pro is so expensive, and, in general, why digital video editing software is so expensive.