WMV → FLV

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How to convert WMV to FLV

Step 1: Transfer your WMV files using the button above or by slide and deposit.

Step 2: Click the 'Convert' button to start the conversion.

Step 3: Retrieve your converted FLV files.

WMV to FLV Conversion FAQ

How do I re-encode WMV to FLV without losing video quality?

Upload your WMV file and the converter runs a CRF-based re-encode targeting visually-lossless FLV output (CRF 18 by default, lower values = larger file / higher quality). The codec is chosen to match the FLV container — H.264 for broad-compat MP4, H.265 for size-efficient MKV, VP9 for WebM, AV1 for newer pipelines. WMV carries Microsoft’s own VC-1 or WMV3 video with WMA audio — codecs almost nothing outside Windows decodes natively. FLV typically holds Sorenson Spark or H.264 video with MP3 or AAC audio, wrapped in a stream format designed for RTMP delivery.

My WMV footage shows comb lines on movement — will that carry into the FLV?

It will unless you deinterlace, and WMV content very often is interlaced because the format comes from the broadcast and DVD era. Interlaced frames store two half-height fields captured a fiftieth of a second apart; on a progressive-scan phone or monitor that reads as horizontal combing on anything that moves. Turn on the deinterlace option and the encoder weaves the fields into whole progressive frames before writing the FLV. WMV is Windows Media Video, Microsoft’s ASF-based format from the Windows XP era.

Why does my WMV file fail to convert to FLV?

Almost always DRM. Some WMV files are encrypted at the bitstream level by the store or software that issued them, and an encrypted stream cannot be decoded by us or by anything else without the licence key. Files you recorded, exported or downloaded unprotected convert normally; a licensed purchase will not, and no converter can honestly promise otherwise. WMV is effectively a dead end: macOS, iOS, Android and every browser need third-party decoders, and some WMV files carry DRM that cannot be converted at all.

What happens to 5.1 surround audio when converting WMV to FLV?

It is downmixed to stereo, because FLV has no dependable multichannel path. The fold-down uses the standard ITU coefficients so dialogue in the centre channel stays intelligible and the surrounds come in at reduced level rather than vanishing. Anything that relied on discrete channel placement is gone after that. No current browser, phone or TV can play FLV — anything still in this container has to be moved out of it to remain watchable.

Is there any point converting between two legacy formats like WMV and FLV?

Only if a specific piece of equipment demands the target. Both formats come from the same pre-H.264 era, so neither conversion buys efficiency, quality or future-proofing — it buys compatibility with one particular device. If the goal is to keep the footage usable long-term, convert to a current container instead of sideways.

Which video codec does the FLV output use?

It depends on the FLV container. MP4 defaults to H.264 for the broadest playback support across phones, browsers, and Smart TVs. MKV defaults to H.265 / HEVC for roughly half the file size at equivalent quality. WebM defaults to VP9. The advanced options expose explicit codec choice if you need to override. FLV is the Flash Video container that carried essentially all web video from roughly 2003 until Flash was switched off at the end of 2020.

Will my audio track survive WMV to FLV conversion?

Yes. When WMV and FLV share an audio codec (e.g. both carry AAC), audio is re-muxed with no re-encode — bit-identical. When the codecs differ, audio is transcoded to AAC / Opus / Vorbis depending on what the FLV container supports. Multi-track audio (commentary, alternate languages) is preserved.

Can I keep the original framerate when converting WMV to FLV?

By default yes — a 24fps WMV stays 24fps in FLV; a 60fps WMV stays 60fps. If you need to change rate (e.g. interlaced 29.97 → progressive 30, or 60 → 30 for upload limits), the framerate option handles 3:2 pulldown, deinterlacing, and frame-blending in the same encode pass.

How much will the file size change going from WMV to FLV?

Same-codec re-mux (WMV H.264 → FLV H.264 just changing container): nearly identical size. Codec change can swing dramatically: H.264 → H.265 typically halves the file at the same visual quality; VP9 is roughly comparable; AV1 cuts another 20-30% but is slower to encode.

Will the FLV file play on iPhone, Android, and Smart TVs?

MP4 / H.264 plays natively on every modern device. MOV / H.264 plays on Apple devices and most TVs but not always on older Android. MKV needs VLC on iOS. WebM is browser-first. The advanced options include a "device compatibility" preset that picks the safest FLV codec / container for your target. FLV’s low per-packet overhead made it excellent at streaming over the unreliable connections of its era, and huge archives of it still exist.

How long does converting a 1-hour WMV video to FLV take?

Same-codec re-mux is near-instant — 30 to 60 seconds for a 1-hour file. A full codec re-encode runs at roughly 0.3-0.7x source duration on our GPU pipeline, so a 1-hour WMV → FLV finishes in 18-40 minutes depending on resolution and target codec.

What is the maximum resolution supported for WMV to FLV?

Up to 8K (7680×4320) on Premium plans. Free conversions are capped at 4K (3840×2160) by the per-file size limit. HDR metadata (HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision when present) is carried through where both WMV and FLV containers support it.

WMV

WMV (Windows Media Video) is a video compression format developed by Microsoft. It is commonly used for streaming and online video services.

FLV

FLV (Flash Video) is a video container format developed by Adobe. It is commonly used for online video streaming and is supported by Adobe Flash Player.