How-To: Convert YouTube videos for iPod playback
This post was published 4 years 29 days ago which may make its actuality or expire date not be valid anymore. This site is not responsible for any misunderstanding.A few days back Will Feng emailed in requesting help converting downloaded YouTube videos for playback on Apple’s 5th generation iPod. After the completion of this tutorial, Windows users will have the luxury of loading their iPod video players with enough entertaining content to last the rest of this cold winter. I apologize ahead of time. This tutorial is obviously geared towards Windows users. Fret not for I have done my homework and discovered that OSX users can accomplish the same results with a little drag n’ drop magic and a small app called iSquint. If memory serves me right, I was successful at converting FLV files on my dear friends iBook (Syl wanna trade?).
[Windows users], follow the tutorial from top to bottom and you’ll be downloading, converting, and bursting your spleen with laughter as you squint at humorous YouTube videos on your little iPods.
- The first step requires that you acquire the actual FLV (Flash Video File) of your choice from YouTube. Easier done than said, or vice versa, depending on how well you can follow the directions found here: How-To: Download FLV videos from YouTube.
- Download and install the RivaFLVencoder from here (previously mentioned by Dan here). Once you’ve installed Riva, go ahead and start the application.
- You’ll notice that the interface is as simple as they come. Assuming you’ve already downloaded your video_file_name.flv file to your desktop, select ‘Browse’ from the ‘Input’ area. Locate your previously saved FLV file and select ‘Open’.
- Your FLV file is now loaded and ready for encoding using the Riva encoder. If you look in the ‘Output’ area, you’ll notice that Riva has conveniently selected an ‘Output Directory’ [where the converted file will be saved] and the ‘Destination video file’. The output filename still has the FLV file extension (which we do not want). Before hitting the ‘Encode’ button towards the bottom of the window, change FLV to AVI. Once you’ve added the appropriate title and file extension, select ‘Encode’ and wait for Riva to work it’s magic.
- After the completion of the encoding process, you will find a new AVI video file located on your desktop.
- The final step involves the actual conversion to the iPod MP4 format. There are two options depending on your resources or personal preferences. The first is to utilize Quicktime Pro’s export feature to convert the AVI file. The second choice is to use the Videora iPod Converter.
Enjoy! An unlimited video entertainment resource now converted and saved on your iPod Video.
The Riva encoder offers a plethora of video conversion options which I trust most of you may have the interest or time to play with. Personally, I felt that the default settings were more than capable for the task.
Related:
// How-To: Convert and crop WMV files for playback on iPod Video
Thanx Derek!
Hmm…one time I just did the whole thing in VLC pretty fast. This looks tedious. Good anyway.
let us know how you did it in vlc and we’ll it up.
this is definitely tedious, it takes as much time to convert the video as to watching the video, and then it’s the same for the videora, but i’m doing it both at the same time, so it’s shorter……i think. and oh yeah, if u haven’t tried, you can try the Total Video Converter, which is faster and less work, but it’s only free for 15 days, so I’ve already tried it and it got expired so that’s why i asked Derek for help.
there are no ipod conversion applications that i know of that will take a flv file and convert directly to an ipod compatible format fill me in if i’m missing something. i checked the usual site and experimented with a few apps and came across none.
A couple shortcuts on my part (that I have found useful)….
For DIRECT downloads from sites like YouTube and Google Video, use this link : http://javimoya.com/blog/youtube_en.php
* It allows for a direct download from the site, all you have to do is make the file extension “.flv”
ALSO, instead of using Riva, I’ve found using a program called “CinemaForge 2.0″ is a simple freeware program which easily converts the Flash files into anything you need (.avi, .mpg, etc.) without any of the DOS readouts.
Finally, I use Total Video Converter for all of my Ipod Converting needs, but it is fairly expensive. Videora is fine.
Overall, takes about 3-5 minutes per vid, I’ve already done about 15 :) Gotta love technology.
the Total Video Converter http://www.effectmatrix.com/total-video-converter/
has the ability to convert FLV to mp4 and other formats, but it’s only free for 15days
we want free indefinitely… or ahem. a version that works without limitation.
I was succesfuly able to transcode a .flv to ipod compatible .mp4 with VLC, but VLC isn’t retaining the audio sadly . . .
Thanks! I’ve been looking for a good .flv converter for quite a long time now.
uneasy, please write a swf to ipod tutorial – im tearing my hair out trying to figure out the best method
do you have any sources you’re trying to convert? online sources?
of swf files? or programs? I can’t find a program that does a decent job anywhere….
I have plenty of different swfs i’d like to convert – but my sound card is horrible for audio recording
after i downloaded firefox and monkey grease i tried to save link as but when i tried to save it i culdn’t save it as a .flv file. does anyone know how?
Krista, try this way – http://keepvid.com/ – it’s very simple and it works. Just follow the directions.
I just found a freeware app called SUPER – http://www.erightsoft.com/SUPER.html – while looking for something to convert YouTube .FLVs to something my DVD app could recognise. So far, I’ve made one conversion, to h.264 .MP4, and it turned out great. I’ve noticed that Riva seems to offer not nearly as many options as SUPER does. For those interested, it could be worth a try. There are still a few bugs to be worked out with it, however. To see the drop-down menu for the first box, where you choose what type of file to convert to, clicking the arrow, holding the button, and sliding into the area where the menu should be made it magically appear. Once beyond that, it seems to be a capable app..
SUPER is a great application that I have been using since last xmas.
I have made over than 200 encoding from YouTube FLV videos to my ipod, the quality is excellent and the best it’s totally free. As for those having trouble with seeing the drop-down menu simply: un-check the right-click option called option”Stay On Top Of All”
Thanks for the tip, Carla, I’ll have to try that.
what i’m using to get the .swf files is that video downloader ext. for firefox. Super simple to use. Then i just use riva to encode, and videora to convert to ipod format. Sorta long, but it’s the best/simplest way i know how to do it. How that helps!
shoot, i dont’ use riva to encode the swf files, only for youtube, i use a program called flash to video encoder (http://www.geovid.com/Flash_To_Video_Encoder/) then i use videora to convert that for ipod format. Riva is good for youtube though
Help me please! I have tried Videora and Riva to convert youtube files for my iPod video. Managed to get the files in to iTunes where they play beautifully, got them in iPod and I only hear the sound, no picture at all.What do you think is wrong?
I am not very experienced in this new technology an will be grateful for any advice.
Many thanks in advance.
T.G
David is right, http://keepvid.com/ + http://www.erightsoft.com/SUPER.html seems to be most easy way to get the stuff.
tried it, works! thanx everybody for links
geovid flash to video encoder http://www.geovid.com/Flash_To_Video_Encoder
can convert flv to mp4 if you have a proper codec!
this tool is shareware, so it’s free to use and have no limitations but adds a little logo in the lower right hand corner.
You can also use 3gp converter instead of Videora cuz i just h8 that program.
can we use RivaFLVencoder + Videora iPod Converter. to convert a flv to mp4 and watch the mp4 on mobile ?
If you use Nero Record to get the iPod video – i have something easier!
- Download & Install K-Lite Mega Codec Pack – it will install decoder for FLV (don’t change any settings though)
- Rename .flv file to .avi (since Nero Recode don’t recognize FLV)
- try to open it with windows media player
- if it plays – then the Nero Recode too! you will notice a ‘FF’ icon in your task bar when the decoding is being done. Double click on that icon will allows you to apply filtering to the video before it gets processed with Nero Recode – cool huh?
Have fun!
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I did all that steps a hundred times, and didn´t work
I encoded the flv file through RIVA to an avi file. When I went to open the avi file through windows media player AND quicktime they send there is a problem downloading the codec, or its missing a codec. in wmp i’m getting sound but no video.
Help please =(
~j
Yup i am facing the same problem as jocelyn
[...] UNEASYsilence ” How-To: Convert YouTube videos for iPod playback … How-To: Convert and crop WMV files for playback on iPod Video … take a flv file and convert directly to an ipod compatible format fill me in if i’m … [...]
Jocelyn,
yes it’s missing a codec. try to download and install QuickTime Alternative. i got it for free from GeoVId
http://www.geovid.com/download/support/quicktimealt163.exe
i tried using Super….but the video and the audio doesnt match! is there a way to fix it? or a program that is like it? i tried using Geovid, but the video doesnt appear for me.
man what are you smoking, the AVI converted to an exotic format wouldnt play in WMP or winamp and 4get about quicktime it sent me to a site and assumed that i knew what to look for very useless
I’ve been trying to download SUPER, but the link here didn’t seem to have anywhere to download it. Where on that page can I download the software?
Thanks!
Hey Derek i convert the FLV’s to standard mpeg 1 then i use free ipod video converter available here at http://www.jodix.com totally free no adware/spyware viruses or anything bad all free no registering i like this app makes some great youtube video on my ipod make sure you downconvert the video dementsions to 320X240 and use under 1000 bitrate i use 900 but play around with it till you like the finished vid and thats in the free ipod video converter try to match the video bitrate as close as you can in the flv encoder rename the .flv in the output to .mpg 320X240 if you need any help give me a buzz on here and ill see what i can do
SWF to Ipod
ive tried converting a video that i saved off the G4 techtv site but the audio and video is way out of sync, i used super to convert that it was OK but i hate watching videos that are out of sync i got some mpeg that i burned onto cd-r’s that play back in any dvd player (not game consoles sorry) and the audio and video was out of sync but the place i got these vide was the discovery channel website and now they use flash video and the clips cant be converted but they can be saved and watched offline Shhh ::whispering:: i hate those streamed wmv leaved dat files
Brandon
7 months ago
Keepvid.com is another good place to save videos from youtube just put in the video url like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2iE9wk_jpY
this is a video from a video game grand theft auto 3
SWF to ipod video conversion
i recently tried to upload a swf video to youtube to see if their converter would work AS A PRIVATE VIDEO no go the video played but the audio was skippin like crazy as well as being out of sync
Try this flv to video converter, it works fine.
ok i downloaded a video from youtube, converted it from flv to avi using riva then i converted it to mp4 with videora but when i try to play it on itunes a green, blue, purple fuzzy screen keeps comin out in the box where the video should be playing what wrong how can i fix it
please help
[...] UNEASYsilence ” How-To: Convert YouTube videos for iPod playback How-To: Convert and crop WMV files for playback on iPod Video … take a flv file and convert directly to an ipod compatible format fill me in if … [...]
i got SUPER & i have made the youtube videos into flv by using keepvid.com but now what do i do? when i open up SUPER i get confused on how to convert the flv into ipod format
wow awesome thanks. everything works. i was wondering for a while how to convert utube videos for ipod use.
[...] To convert these FLV’s for your iPod see this tutorial, why you would want these videos on your iPod – is reserved for the comments. [...]
Replying To:
jason
2 weeks, 2 days ago ok i downloaded a video from youtube, converted it from flv to avi using riva then i converted it to mp4 with videora but when i try to play it on itunes a green, blue, purple fuzzy screen keeps comin out in the box where the video should be playing what wrong how can i fix it
please help
Jason, Try converting the .flv file to a standard mpeg 1 file using Riva FLV encoder, in the output file box change the .flv extension to .mpg then i select 320X240 900 bitrate deinterlace off (unchecked) framerate i do between 24 and 30 FPS for most videos but play around with this one till you get the results you like best, audio 128kbps 44,100hz stereo, leave start offset and duration alone and hit encode after you convert this to mpeg open it up in WMP and check the properties make sure it says MPEG Audio/video Decoder in audio and video info and after that use your favorite video to ipod converter i recommend this one http://www.download.com/Free-iPod-Video-Converter/3000-2194_4-10498771.html the original page where i got this prog from i think is dead but i dunno
ok so i used the videora to convert & it said everything was complete & all ….
but when i open up itunes i don’t see the videos there….what do i do to get the video i converted into itunes?
please help me out
.
as for the audio out of sync fix: http://ipodlegends.com/videora-audio-sync-fix/
for a tested way to convert youtube videos into ipod-playable videos, i use this guide:
http://ipodlegends.com/transferring-youtube-videos-to-your-ipod/
if you don’t want to use 3gp converter and want to use an easier interface, just follow step 1 from the tutorial above and then use this tutorial to convert it:
http://ipodlegends.com/how-to-convert-any-video-type-to-ipod-format/
where is the download link for SUPER? I go to the website and get lost in a maze of stupid text and can’t find the download link.
Thanks Man! This thing is awesome…
The panda checjet foundation is more expensive, that me
http://www.pxcheck.info/68.html
Ive used super and youtube videos convert pretty good some better than others, some of them the quality is horrible but watchable, well hey i can either watch the crappy quality or not bother trying to convert it, oh and for some reason myspace FLV’s wont convert anyone know why? are they useing som exotic codec or even locking the file after conversion so a video uploaded to myspace is a one way trip to .flv and then myspace .flv convert, ERROR utter b/s
I can’t believe you are all having so much trouble converting FLV to anything useful with all these rubbish tools. Just use VLC. Works on ALL platforms (XP/OSX/*NIX)
Open your video “Myvid.flv”
File -> Export Wizard.
Follow the steps to avi/asf/mp4/ogg/whatev goodness
It just works, and it’s free, as in beer.
i have the red bar appearing above the youtube screen but now when i right click or left click it goes to save link and i can’t change the end to “.flv”
i’m not very computer savvy someone please tell me what it is i need to do.
thanks.
actually wait if i can get the youtube video to play in the VLC media player so is it in flv form?
i’m helpless, what do i do with the youtube video once i can play it in the VLC media player?
thanks
This program does the trick pretty well…….
http://www.zillatube.com
Hope that helps *****
[...] convert these FLV’s for your iPod see this tutorial, why you would want these videos on your iPod – is reserved for the [...]
Hi !! Zomg ! Well i actually do this right now but i had to find out how to do this the hard way…. trial and error….X_X This does work and yes you can use Keepvid.com and they also have an add-on for firefox users if u guyz didn’t know. It adds a small botton on the corner of your browser so all you need to do is look for the vid on youtube and click the button when your on the page. No need to let the vid load.
I have a few problems though. This works well and yes it is totally free but the conversion from flv to avi causes a horrible downgrade in the video’s quality which is like so bad…. so fuzzy unless the vid is very high quality which is hard to find on youtube. Please if anybody knows how to solve this problem can u e-mail me ?
Or you could just go to http://www.videocodezone.com/conversion.php.
Specify the URL and output type(my favorite is MP4 for IPOD of course)
and it spits out that file. Pretty cool. Only thing is they support
YouTube and DailyMotion only at this point so hopefully they will have
more video sites in future.
I downloaded everything and the videos are in my library but they wont go on my ipod?
If you want to install iPod Video Converter you can follow this guide: http://www.mconverter.net
iPod Video Converter for Mac is powerful, easy-to-use Mac video conversion software adapted to be installed for Mac users which convert video file between all popular video formats.
@Derek…How about we don’t talk about Winter…very evil word
Download youtube videos direct to your PC, iPod, PSP, iPhone, Mobile, Mac..etc for free.. Its fast
Check http://youtubevideoconvert.com/
Convert to more popular format like .WMV .MOV, .MP4, .3GP, .MP3 etc
Amazingly enough if you have Nero 8 or better…you can convert flv’s to ipod or avi with NeroVision…..but for some reason Recode doesn’t work with them…try it…it works…