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Top Recommended Solutions to Play FLV on Mac Without Hassle

play flv on macFLV or Flash video was quite popular and used commonly to stream videos online. Even though formats like MP4 are used now, FLV files are still possible to find. They can be seen when downloading content that is not very recent, saving videos from certain sites, or dealing with files from particular platforms. However, it has been revealed that it is not easy to open or play the FLV files on a Mac computer. This is because MacOS does not support these files. For Mac users, trying to play an FLV file can be rather frustrating. Even if you are just someone who only occasionally needs to watch a specific video, it is essential to know how to work with FLV files on a Mac. Fortunately, some easy techniques exist to initiate and play TV videos without interruption. In this guide, you will find the most effective approaches to properly play FLV on Mac devices.

Quick Method of Converting FLV to Mac-Compatible Formats

One great way to enjoy FLV files on Mac is by converting them into Mac-compatible formats like MP4 or MOV. AceThinker VidElement is the best 4k video converter for Mac and Windows computers. Users utilize this dedicated program to convert FLV files into different formats, such as videos and audio tracks. Other than its conversion feature, AceThinker VidElement comes with additional editing tools. It allows you to crop and join the video and insert text and various effects into your videos. It helps you edit and improve the quality of YouTube videos. To understand and learn the conversion process, follow the detailed guide below.

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Step 1. Obtain the Converter Program for Mac

First, acquire the file installer of AceThinker VidElement from the download button below. Make sure to select the appropriate installer for the Mac system. Once saved, run the file installer and finish the installation process. Once completed, you will be prompted to go to the tool's main interface.

obtain the converter program on mac

Step 2. Import your FLV Video

Go to the “Converter” tab on the tool's main interface. Next, click the "Open File" dropdown button. Otherwise, hit the plus "+" icon to access your computer file menu and import the FLV video. You can add as many FLV videos as you want.

import flv video

Step 3. Customize your Video Preference

Once you have added your FLV video, the tool will provide the output options. You can first change the file name of the FLV file. Then, go to settings and choose your preferred video quality, frame rate, encoder, resolution, and bitrate.

customize your video preferences

Step 4. Select a Mac-compatible Format

After selecting your preferred output, tick the dropdown menu in the upper right corner. Once you have your choice, choose the best format supported by your Mac computer.

select a mac compatible format

Step 5. Convert your FLV Video

Once you're okay with it, hit the "Convert All" option to start the conversion process. Save and watch your converted file, which will take only a few seconds. The tool will launch your file menu where the converted file is located. Double-click and play the Mac-compatible video anytime you like.

convert you flv video

Did you know that you can create a stunning video presentation from your converted FLV files? Well, check out the best free video editor for Mac to learn more.

Play FLV on QuickTime by Installing Perian on a Mac Device

Another program that helps play FLV videos on MAC is Perian. It's a free and open-source QuickTime plugin. Apple no longer offers support for Perian. However, it does work for many people and takes care of the FLV issue. Perian allows viewing FLV and many other formats, as its plugin is compatible with QuickTime Player. As soon as QuickTime is downloaded, it can support FLV. This is why clients cannot download another media player or convert files. The installation entails downloading the Perian plugin, which follows the basic steps to set up and quit the QuickTime application. Subsequently, FLV files can be played in QuickTime like any other video file compatible with this player. Even if Perian has less active updates, it is still one of the most used solutions for preferring QuickTime for media playing.

  • First, you will need to download the Perian plugin. Go to Perian's official website or any other credible site to download the installer. When the file has been downloaded, double-click the icon of the Perian installer file that appears on the computer desktop. Click on the next steps and accept the terms of service.
  • Once done, Perian should be added to 'QuickTime Player' after restarting the application. After the installation, you should reboot your Macintosh. After booting, run QuickTime again and attempt to play an FLV video to see if the file format is now supported.
  • Lastly, you can open FLV file Mac in QuickTime for playback. Start the QuickTime Player, look at the top panel where it says "File," click the "Open File" option and locate your FLV video. QuickTime should now be able to play the FLV file without any problems. In case of issues, you must verify that the Perian setup is correct and integrated within QuickTime preferences or download it again.

install perian on mac

Three Best Media Players for Playing FLV Videos on Mac

If you prefer to stick with a third-party media player, several Mac applications can handle FLV files smoothly. Below are three of the best FLV media player Mac:

1. AceThinker Player

AceThinker Player is a versatile media player that stands out for its ability to play virtually any video format, including FLV, MP4, MKV, AVI, and more. But what truly sets it apart is its support for Ultra 4K HD video playback. Additionally, AceThinker Player supports Blu-ray and DVDs. It helps users to enjoy physical media on their Mac without additional software. The big advantage of this media player is its convenience and simplicity. Even new and amateur users have appreciated it. The design seen is often simple and simple to make way for the best performance. AceThinker Player is ideal for users interested in an advanced multimedia software solution for FLV files and high-definition and physical media formats. It is made for those who require maximum-quality sound playback and compatibility with different formats and discs.

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acethinker player interface

PROs

  • It strongly supports the idea of high-definition content of up to 4k.
  • Ideal for those who need more technical skills.
  • This tool allows the application to play back HEVC files smoothly and at a high resolution.
CONs

  • The free version is very limited and requires the paid version to be able to work to the fullest.
  • However, there are limited choices when changing the playback parameters.

2. MPlayerX

MPlayerX is a minimalistic, lightweight, free media player famous for its performance. The plugin supports file formats like FLV, MP4, and MOV. MPlayerX has outstanding features like volume control, speed change by gestures, and video positioning by hand. The player also supports features of macOs such as full-screen mode, notifications, and touch bar on MacBook Pro. To be more specific, MPlayerX would suit those individuals who value minimalistic media consumption. It offers great picture quality with little to no burden on the computation power of a computer. Two other advantages are auto-detection of subtitles and fine-tuning audio/video sync. MPlayerX is ideal for people who do not want to go through the troubles of experiencing heavy customization to have a good video player that has a quick reaction.

mplayerx interface

PROs

  • This tool can be easily installed and only consumes a little of the system's power.
  • It has simple and touchless interface controls to enhance the playback settings.
  • It is compatible with any video format, including FLV, MP4, and MKV.
CONs

  • It does not possess features such as streaming, playlists, or video editing tools.
  • The lack of native support for subtitle support for some formats especially evidences this.

3. VLC Media Player

VLC Media Player is a powerhouse in the world of media playback. It supports many file formats, including FLV, MP4, MKV, AVI, and more. The player stands out for its open-source nature, which means it's constantly updated and free to use. VLC also allows streaming capabilities, so users can watch live streams or even play videos directly from URLs. Additionally, VLC offers advanced settings for video and audio, including subtitle synchronization, audio adjustments, and custom playback speeds. It can also be utilized to convert media files and save playlists. It is perfect for those who want a simple yet powerful solution for handling FLV files without additional complications.

vlc media player interface

PROs

  • It works across different operating systems, including macOS, Windows, and Linux.
  • VLC runs smoothly and doesn't consume excessive system resources.
  • The program supports streaming services or media conversion.
CONs

  • The interface design seems outdated and less polished compared to others.
  • A few syncing issues exist when playing higher-quality or less common file formats.
If VLC is still not your option, another VLC alternative Mac is provided. Check out this article post to discover the top available media players.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes FLV important for Mac users to play?

Even though the FLV format is quite old for current web standards, numerous users require this format with files for certain reasons, such as watching the archive or sharing a link to the video, as well as videos from applications of the past years. We need to have it solved on Mac so users are not confined by the format of media files, allowing more coverage of files that can be played.

Is Perian still a good option for playing FLV files on QuickTime?

Perian is no longer under development, and while it was once a great tool for adding FLV support to QuickTime, it may not work on the latest MacOS. Nevertheless, it may be effective if you use an older MacOS version.

Can I play FLV files on a Mac without installing additional software?

MacOS does not have native support for FLV file formats. To open FLV on Mac, you will need to use external players such as VLC or Elmedia Player or convert an FLV file to a more compatible format such as MP4 with the help of AceThinker VidElement.

Conclusion

A dedicated media player is important to play FLV file on Mac. It allows users to watch any older video or media content or from ancient resources. Unfortunately, macOS is not quite compatible with FLV. The main way out is to use additional tools like third-party media players, like AceThinker Player. Knowing these solutions will help you to avoid the main issues and make the most of your media consumption. These options are convenient and guard the flexibility to watch these videos without challenge on macOS, irrespective of whether you employ a player or convert your files.

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