How to convert Y4M to FLV
To convert Y4M to FLV, upload your Y4M file, choose FLV as the output format and press Convert. The finished FLV file is ready to save to your phone or computer in seconds, free, with no watermark and no sign-up. Your file is deleted from our server about 30 minutes after the conversion.
This free online converter turns Y4M videos into FLV files in your browser, with no software to install and no watermark. When the video and audio inside your Y4M file can be placed in FLV as they are, the streams are copied without re-encoding, which is faster and keeps the original quality. Otherwise the video is re-encoded as H.264 video with AAC audio.
Why convert Y4M to FLV?
- Supported by many legacy players and encoders
- Simple streaming-friendly structure
- H.264 video can be stored inside
- Plays on: VLC, MPC-HC, ffplay and legacy RTMP tools; not supported by modern browsers
What to expect from this conversion
- Expect a smaller file than the Y4M original, because FLV compresses more efficiently.
- Flash is discontinued, so FLV files play in desktop players and legacy streaming tools rather than in browsers.
- Y4M files are huge because they are uncompressed, so uploads can take a while on slower connections.
- The first audio track is kept. Subtitle tracks, extra audio tracks and chapters are not included in the converted file.
Y4M vs FLV
| Property | Y4M | FLV |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | YUV4MPEG2 | Flash Video |
| Released | 2000, MJPEG Tools / Xiph.Org | 2002, Macromedia / Adobe |
| Generation | Niche | Legacy |
| Typical file size | Huge | Small |
| Plays on | ffmpeg, x264, x265, aomenc, VLC and other video tools | VLC, MPC-HC, ffplay and legacy RTMP tools; not supported by modern browsers |
| Best for | benchmarking codecs; feeding raw video to encoders | older streaming servers and RTMP workflows; archival conversions |
Steps to convert Y4M to FLV
- Drop your Y4M video file onto the converter, or click to choose it.
- Check that FLV is selected as the target and adjust the options if you want.
- Press Convert, then download your new FLV file when it finishes.
Tips for the best result
- Leave Fast mode on to keep the original quality whenever the streams can be copied.
- Pick a lower resolution if the file is for a phone or messaging app.
- Use Mute if you only need the picture.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert Y4M to FLV?
Upload your Y4M file, make sure FLV is the selected target and press Convert. When the progress bar finishes, download the FLV file. No account or software is needed.
Is the Y4M to FLV converter free?
Yes. It is free, with no watermark, no sign-up and no daily limit on how many files you convert. The site is supported by ads.
Will I lose quality when converting Y4M to FLV?
Not necessarily. If the video and audio streams already fit inside FLV, they are copied without re-encoding, so quality stays identical. If the file has to be re-encoded, the High setting keeps almost all visible detail, while Small trades some detail for a smaller file.
Why is my FLV file smaller than the Y4M original?
Expect a smaller file than the Y4M original, because FLV compresses more efficiently. Choosing a lower quality or resolution reduces the size further.
Which devices can play FLV files?
FLV files play on VLC, MPC-HC, ffplay and legacy RTMP tools; not supported by modern browsers.
How large a file can I upload?
You can upload videos up to 500 MB. Files are deleted from the server about 30 minutes after conversion.