Why go from a modern format to an old one
WEBM is a current web format, while FLV belongs to the Flash era that ended in 2020. It sounds like a step backwards, but there are practical reasons. FLV is closely tied to RTMP, the protocol many live streaming servers and encoders still use. Some tools that loop a pre-recorded video into a live stream want FLV input. Old learning packages, kiosks and Flash-era players also load only FLV files, and archives built in that time often need new clips in the same format.
What the conversion does
The VP8, VP9 or AV1 video and the Opus or Vorbis sound in a WEBM are not supported by FLV. When you convert WEBM to FLV, both streams are re-encoded into codecs that FLV players and streaming servers accept. Modern FLV files typically carry H.264 video and AAC sound. The work is done by a built-in converter engine inside your browser. It is slower than the encoders for modern formats, so keep the tab open for longer clips.
Getting the settings right for streaming
- Resolution. Use the resolution of your stream, often 1280 by 720 or 1920 by 1080. Sending a larger file only wastes processing time.
- Frame rate. WEBM screen recordings made in a browser have a variable frame rate. Streaming tools need a constant rate, so choose 30 fps or the rate of your channel.
- Quality. Choose a quality that matches the upload speed of the streaming computer.
Test the FLV with VLC or a short private stream before you go live with it.
Other options
- If the platform accepts MP4 files, WEBM to MP4 is the more modern choice.
- Make large FLV files smaller with the FLV compressor.
- Convert old FLV clips back for a web page with FLV to WEBM.
Nothing is uploaded during the conversion, so unreleased stream content stays private.