[Troubleshooting] Can't Add M4V Videos to iTunes on PC/Mac

Q: "I've got some M4V video files from my friends. They play well in QuickTime player. But when I tried to add them to iTunes library, I can't import them to. I don't know why and what can I do to fix this problem?" – Trol from Apple Discussion

The problem described above always happens when you want to add some personal movies to iTunes. This is because iTunes only supports quite a few video formats and what you're adding are not compatible with iTunes. In this article, we are going to help you fix the issue if you can't import M4V video file into iTunes step by step.

Part 1. Explore the Reasons Why You Can't Add Video to iTunes

As mentioned, iTunes only supports MP4 (M4V) and MOV formats. Some other popular formats such as AVI, MKV, WMV, etc. are not supported. Then why it fails when you add some M4V files to iTunes since it supports M4V format? The major reason is probably due to incompatible encoders. Some video files such as MP4, M4V, etc. are container formats, which use different codecs for their video and audio file. iTunes only supports a few codecs, so if your M4V video doesn't contain these codecs, it might fail.

Part 2. Convert Video Files to Format Supported by iTunes

To solve this issue, first you need to check the format of the M4V file that you want to import.

For Windows, right click on the file and choose the Properties. Click the General tab and check the Type of file.

For Mac, control click the video file and go to Get Info > General > Show Info > Kind to have a check.

If the video file is already in M4V, but you still can't add video file to iTunes library, you need to convert your video files to the format that is supported by iTunes. Among multiple iTunes video conversion tools, TunesKit M4V Converter is a fast and powerful one, available for both Mac and Windows.

This program will help you convert any M4V files to over hundreds of popular formats, including iTunes supported video formats like MP4, M4V, MOV. Besides, TunesKit M4V Converter supports to convert all video files without quality loss in batch, giving you a pleasing experience.

Main features of TunesKit iTunes Converter:

• Convert M4V to iTunes compatible formats easily
• Convert other 150+ video file formats
• Convert video files without causing any quality loss
• Support video editing and batch conversion
• Compatible with Windows and Mac platforms

3,000,000+ Downloads

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Next let's move to the detailed steps to convert M4V or other video files to iTunes supported video formats with TunesKit M4V Converter.

Step 1 Download and install TunesKit M4V Converter

Now download the program for Windows (or for Mac) and install it on your computer. No worry about adware or any other plugin. After that, simply open the TunesKit M4V Converter application.

Step 2 Import your target video files

Then drag the M4V or other video files that you want to convert to the program. You can also click the "Add Files" button on the top menu bar to import them.

Step 3 Select output format

After the files are loaded to the software, you can then press the Format button to choose an output format that is compatible with iTunes. This time, choose MP4 (Lossless) or M4V (Lossless) to convert video files with no quality loss.

Step 4 Convert M4V to iTunes

When everything is ready, you can now ask TunesKit M4V Converter to start conversion by clicking the Convert button at the right bottom corner. Wait for the process to finish.

Video Toturial: How to Convert M4V to iTunes Compatible Format

Part 3. Add Videos to iTunes Again

After using TunesKit M4V Converter to convert videos to iTunes supported formats, they can now be smoothly added to iTunes. If you're not clear about how to add video to iTunes library, you can refer to the following guide.

Step 1: Open the latest version of iTunes app on your computer.

Step 2: Add your proper video file to iTunes. For Windows, go to the File > Add File to Library (or Add Folder to Library). For Mac, click the iTunes menu and choose Add to Library.

Step 3: Locate your added videos. For iTunes 12 and later, all videos that you're added will be stored in Home Videos under your Movies library. Go there to find them and start playing.

The Final Thoughts

Till now, you've got to know the reasons and solutions to your can't add video files to iTunes problem. TunesKit M4V Converter is a useful iTunes video conversion tool for converting any iTunes videos or other video files easily and quickly. The intriguing aspect of this program is that it can keep 100% original quality, which is great for someone who cares much about quality.

Adam Gorden is an experienced writer of TunesKit who is obsessed about tech, movie and software.