An iPhone MOV upload to Instagram
A .mov file recorded on an iPhone camera and exported at the default settings typically uploads to all three of Instagram, Facebook and TikTok without any conversion step needed first.
MP4 vs MOV vs AVI — which format for which platform
Real client-side video re-encoding needs a video codec library too heavy to run in a browser without a significant new dependency, so instead of a fake "converter" that does not actually convert anything, this page covers what matters: MP4 (H.264 video, AAC audio) is accepted by every major social platform and the safest default; MOV is fine for iPhone/Final Cut exports; AVI usually needs converting first with a real desktop tool like HandBrake.
The three formats, at a glance
MP4
Safest default
H.264 video + AAC audio, accepted by Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, X and YouTube.
MOV
Fine as-is
Apple's native export (iPhone camera, Final Cut Pro) — broadly accepted directly, no conversion usually needed.
AVI
Convert first
Older Windows container; most current platforms do not accept it directly — convert to MP4 with a real tool like HandBrake before uploading.
How to pick the right format before you upload
- Check your export format. Look at your file's extension: .mp4, .mov or .avi, before scheduling it to any platform.
- Default to MP4 when in doubt. MP4 with H.264 video and AAC audio is accepted by Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, X and YouTube without issue.
- Keep MOV files if that is your native export. An iPhone camera or Final Cut Pro MOV export is broadly accepted directly — no need to convert unless you hit a specific platform error.
- Convert AVI files before uploading. Open the file in a real converter like HandBrake and export as MP4, since most current platforms do not accept AVI directly.
- Re-check the file after converting. Play the converted MP4 back before scheduling it to confirm audio and video are both intact.
Worked examples
An old .avi export needs one extra step
A screen recording saved as .avi from older Windows software generally needs converting to MP4 in HandBrake (a free desktop app) before most platforms will accept the upload.
Video format FAQ
- Why doesn’t SkedCast just convert my video in the browser?
- Real video re-encoding needs a full video codec library, too heavy to run client-side without adding a significant new dependency — this page covers the format facts instead of faking a converter that does not actually convert anything.
- What video format should I use for social media?
- MP4 with H.264 video and AAC audio — accepted by every major platform and the safest default.
- Does Instagram accept MOV files?
- Generally yes — MOV from an iPhone camera or Final Cut Pro is broadly accepted, though MP4 avoids any platform-specific edge case.
- Can I upload an AVI file directly?
- Usually not — most current social platforms do not accept AVI directly, so convert it to MP4 first using a real tool like HandBrake.
- What is a free tool to actually convert a video file?
- HandBrake is a free, widely used desktop converter for Windows, Mac and Linux; most phone and desktop editing apps can also export directly to MP4 from their share menu.
- Will SkedCast add a real in-browser converter later?
- Only if it can be done honestly without a heavy new dependency — this page will be updated if that changes; for now the accurate answer is that real conversion needs a desktop tool.
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