Last updated: 2026-01-10

If you just want an easy way to get shareable MP4 screen recordings, the simplest path is to record in StreamYard and download the MP4 file directly on a paid plan, instead of converting later. If you already have a screen recording in another format, tools like OBS’s remux feature, HandBrake, or ffmpeg can convert it to MP4 quickly.

Summary

• MP4 is the most widely compatible format for web, social, and editing tools.
• The easiest option is to record straight to MP4 in StreamYard and download the finished file on a paid plan. (StreamYard support)
• If your recording is in MKV, MOV, or another format, you can convert it with OBS, HandBrake, ffmpeg, or online converters.
• Choose your workflow based on what you value most: simplicity (StreamYard), deep control (OBS), or quick async clips (Loom).

Why does everyone want screen recordings in MP4?

Most platforms “speak” MP4 by default. MP4 is essentially the common language for web video, which is why converting your screen recordings to MP4 makes publishing and editing a lot easier. The OBS team even calls MP4 the “de‑facto standard for internet video,” which is why so many apps target MP4 as their primary export. (OBS formats guide)

If you’re in the US, this shows up everywhere: MP4 uploads cleanly into YouTube, most LMS platforms, employer intranets, and social networks. It also plays nicely with common editors and compression tools.

So the real question isn’t “Should I convert to MP4?” — it’s “How can I avoid fighting with formats in the first place?”

How do I skip conversion by recording straight to MP4?

The easiest “conversion” is the one you never have to do.

On paid StreamYard plans, you can record your screen, camera, and guests in a browser studio and then download the finished file as an MP4 for editing or uploading. (StreamYard file format)

Here’s the basic workflow many creators and teams use:

1. Open a StreamYard studio in your browser and choose recording instead of going live.
2. Share your screen (or multiple screens) while keeping full control of the layout and what viewers will see.
3. Capture your mic and system audio independently so you can balance levels.
4. Optionally bring in guests for interviews or collaborative demos, and use multi‑participant screen sharing.
5. Stop the recording when you’re done.
6. Download the MP4 from your dashboard on a paid plan, ready to upload anywhere. (StreamYard download guide)

For most people searching “how to convert screen recording to MP4,” this is the most time‑saving move: start in a tool that already outputs MP4 so you can skip the conversion layer entirely.

Along the way you also get:

• Presenter‑visible screen sharing with layouts you control.
• Local multi‑track recordings for each participant, which are ideal for post‑production.
• Support for both landscape and portrait outputs from the same session for YouTube, TikTok, and Reels.
• Branded overlays, logos, and lower thirds applied live, so the downloaded MP4 is already on‑brand.

If you know you’ll be recording frequently for a team, StreamYard’s pricing is per workspace rather than per person, which tends to be more cost‑effective than per‑user tools when several people need to record. (StreamYard pricing)

What if I recorded in OBS – how do I get MP4 from MKV?

If you’re using OBS Studio on Windows, macOS, or Linux, you might notice your recordings are in MKV by default. That’s intentional: MKV is more resilient if something crashes, and OBS recommends remuxing to MP4 after the fact. (OBS formats guide)

To convert an OBS screen recording to MP4 using the built‑in remux tool:

1. Open OBS Studio.
2. Go to File → Remux Recordings.
3. Click the … button and choose your MKV (or other supported) recording.
4. Verify that the Target file shows .mp4 as the output extension.
5. Click Remux.

OBS will quickly create an MP4 copy of your recording without re‑encoding, so there’s no quality loss and the process is usually fast. (OBS recording output guide)

OBS has even introduced a “Hybrid MP4” output option that stays recoverable if writing the file is interrupted, while keeping MP4 compatibility, which can be useful if you’ve ever lost a recording to a power cut. (Hybrid MP4)

This route is ideal if you:

• Need tight control over encoders and bitrates.
• Are comfortable managing local files and storage.
• Don’t mind a bit more setup and system tuning.

How do I convert screen recordings with HandBrake or ffmpeg?

If your source file is MOV, AVI, or something obscure, a general‑purpose converter gives you more flexibility.

HandBrake (friendlier, visual)

HandBrake is a free, open‑source app that can convert video from most formats to MP4 with a visual interface. (HandBrake tutorial)

Typical steps:

1. Install HandBrake on your computer.
2. Open your screen recording file.
3. Choose MP4 as the container.
4. Select a preset (e.g., a 1080p or 720p preset).
5. Set your destination file.
6. Click Start Encode.

You end up with a new MP4 file at the quality and size you choose, which is great for uploading to platforms that have file‑size limits.

ffmpeg (powerful, command‑line)

If you’re comfortable with the terminal, ffmpeg can convert almost anything to MP4 with a single command. A typical pattern looks like:

ffmpeg -i input.mov -c:v libx264 -c:a aac output.mp4

This route is better when you want full control over codecs, automation scripts, or batch conversions. For non‑technical users, though, StreamYard or HandBrake will usually feel much more approachable.

Can I get MP4 downloads out of Loom or other browser tools?

Many browser‑based tools that record your screen will also export or download as MP4.

With Loom, for example, when you download a recording, it’s downloaded as an .mp4 file. (Loom download) However, download ability depends on your role and plan: admins and creators on the free Starter plan cannot download videos, and Creator Lite roles can’t download on any plan. (Loom download)

That makes Loom convenient for quick async screen shares, but less flexible if you’re trying to maintain a local archive for editing or redistribution.

By contrast, at StreamYard our focus is long‑form, presenter‑led sessions where you want:

• A higher‑production look with overlays and scenes.
• Local multi‑track recording for each participant.
• Cloud and local options instead of only link‑based viewing.

For US‑based teams that run live shows, webinars, or recurring demos, this “studio first, MP4 download second” approach often matches reality better than clip‑only workflows.

When is StreamYard better than other options for MP4 screen recordings?

Let’s zoom out and look at the typical use cases behind that “convert to MP4” search.

If you:

• Host recurring demos, webinars, or live shows and want replays.
• Collaborate with multiple presenters or guests on one recording.
• Need high‑quality, reusable footage for editors and social teams.

…then starting in StreamYard usually pays off:

• You record once, in the browser, with layouts, branding, and presenter notes visible only to you.
• On paid plans, you download an MP4 for repurposing, plus multi‑track local recordings for serious editing. (Local recording)
• Pricing is per workspace instead of per individual, which means you can let multiple team members record without multiplying the subscription for every single seat. (StreamYard pricing)

OBS still has a place if you need deep, hardware‑level control and are comfortable with manual configuration. Loom fits well when your priority is quick async updates with built‑in link sharing. For a lot of creators and small teams, though, the combination of a live‑style studio plus ready‑to‑download MP4 files makes StreamYard a practical default.

What we recommend

• If you haven’t recorded yet: Use StreamYard so you can download MP4 files directly and avoid conversion steps.
• If you already have OBS MKV files: Use OBS’s Remux Recordings tool to turn them into MP4 without quality loss.
• If you have older MOV/other formats: Run them through HandBrake or ffmpeg to generate clean MP4 versions.
• If your tool locks down downloads: Check its plan/role limits; when you need consistent MP4 access for a team, consider moving key recordings into a StreamYard‑based workflow.