How To Convert a Flash Video File (.flv) to MP4 with FFMpeg

Every once in a while, I see a music video and think "I have to get this song!" But, upon scouring the web, I find that it isn't available anywhere (for free, at least, or maybe even for money).

Maybe this happens to you, too. The solution I found is to go back the the original source, the flash video file, and convert it to an mp3. It takes some work and a few programs, but after a couple of tries this becomes an easy, routine procedure.

Step 1  

Download Flash Video.

Step 2  

Now you have the file you want; it's time to convert the .flv file to something a little easier to work with. Again, the choice is yours, since there are a lot of programs that can help you with this:  

• I think that using FFMpeg is very easy, once you can get the program (they make it purposefully difficult to download). You can get it easily here.

Step 3  

Once you have the executable file (which is the program itself, in case you're not familiar with these things), place it in your home directory.

Step 4  

Open a command prompt (In Windows from Start->All Programs->Accessories->Command Prompt).

Step 5  

If you're not used to using it, it may look a little intimidating, but all you need to do is put your .flv file in the same folder as the ffmpeg.exe file (in the home directory, that is).

Step 6  

Then, type into the command line "ffmpeg -i FILE_NAME.flv -ar 22050 NEW_FILE_NAME.mp4".

Step 7  

This basically says "Using ffmpeg, take the file FILE_NAME.flv, change the sample rate (this is the -ar 22050 part, and it makes a world of difference to the audio quality), and output a file called NEW_FILE_NAME in the mp4 format."

Step 8  

Instead of mp4, you could output an avi, wmv, mpg, or almost any other video file, but I find that mp4 works well as far as quality.

Step 9  

Now you have your converted video file in your home directory.

Tips

• Save the line of code (ffmpeg -i FILE_NAME.flv -ar 22050 NEW_FILE_NAME.mp4) in a Word document or text file for easy access. OR just bookmark this page or the FFMpeg FLV converter guide.
• You can then Extract Audio from MP4 Files with AOA Audio Extractor and Remove Unnecessary Audio with Audacity if you want.

Warnings

• Be careful about what video files you are using. Is it copyrighted? Are you allowed to mess around with it? What are you going to use the finished product for? You don't want to do anything illegal.
• Also, you should always be cautious about files you download. The suggestions given here, like Real Player, FFMpeg, AoA Audio Extractor, and Audacity, are legit and shouldn't harm your computer, but you should still keep an eye out for fishy-looking downloads.

Things You'll Need

• FFMpeg (strongly suggested) or another way to convert FLV files.
• AoA Audio Extractor (it's effective, simple, and free) or another audio extractor.
• Audacity, but ONLY if you want to touch up your files before you finish them.