AniSmall
AniSmall for iOS
Convert and compress videos/audios.
OPEN
Wondershare UniConverter
Enriched with 20+ lightweight features, we offer an ultra-high-speed video converter and compressor designed to process 4K/8K/HDR files.
  • Accelerated GPU conversion for high-resolution videos/audios/images.
  • Easier 8K video compression, less quality loss.
  • Empowered with 9 AI features, efficiently processing files.

How Can You Play Any Video Formats for Mac (Catalina Included)

by Christine Smith • 2024-01-11 10:25:52 • Proven solutions

Video Converters

TRY IT FREE TRY IT FREE
1. Convert to Any Format+
  1. 1.1 Best Video Converter to MP4
  2. 1.2 Top 8 Free Video Converter to MP4
  3. 1.3 Top 9 3GP Video Converters
  4. 1.4 Online Video Converters to AVI
  5. 1.5 Top 5 MPEG Video Converters
  6. 1.6 FLV Video Converters
  7. 1.7 6 Free Video to JPG Converters
  8. 1.8 Top 10 Video to GIF Converters
  9. 1.9 Top 6 Video to Text Converters
  10. 2.0 Top 5 TP Converters in 2020
  11. 2.1 Top 5 Free WebM Video Converters
  12. 2.2 Top 5 HTC Video Converters
  13. 2.3 Best 5 MOD/TOD Converters
  14. 2.4 Best 7 WTV Converters
  15. 2.5 Top 10 2D to 3D Video Converters
2. Video to Audio Converters+
  1. 2.1 Top 10 Audio Video Converters
  2. 2.2 Top 10 Video to Audio Converters
  3. 2.3 How to Convert Videos to MP3
  4. 2.4 Top 10 Online Video Converter to MP3
  5. 2.5 Top 5 Free Video to MP3 Converter
  6. 2.6 Top 6 Free Online Video Converters
  7. 2.7 Top 10 Online Video Converters
  8. 2.8 MP3 to Video Converters
3. Video Converters for Device+
  1. 3.1 iTunes Video Converters
  2. 3.2 Top 8 iPod Video Converters
  3. 3.3 6 Video Converters for Android
  4. 3.4 Apple Video Converter
  5. 3.5 PS3 Video Converter
  6. 3.6 Flash Video Converters
  7. 3.7 Analog to Digital Video Converters
  8. 3.8 Convert Videos to Samsung Galaxy
  9. 3.9 Convert GoPro Videos
4. Other Video Converters Tips+
  1. 4.1 Top 10 Free Video Converters Windows
  2. 4.2 Top 11 Online YouTube Converters
  3. 4.3 Free YouTube Video Converters
  4. 4.4 Facebook Video Converters
  5. 4.5 Is Online Video Converter Safe
  6. 4.6 Video Format Converters
  7. 4.7 Top 5 Video Size Converters
  8. 4.8 Top 6 Video Resolution Converters
  9. 4.9 Batch Video Converters
  10. 4.10 Top 5 MXF Converters
  11. 4.11 DVR-MS Converter
  12. 4.12 Alternative to HandBrake
  13. 4.13 HandBrake Settings
  14. 4.14 Alternative to Movavi Windows
  15. 4.15 Best Alternative to Movavi
  16. 4.16 Alternative to Freemake
  17. 4.17 YouTube Playlist Downloader
  18. 4.18 Windows Media Player Alternatives
  19. 4.19 4K to 1080p Converter
  20. 4.21 Download Sound Effects
  21. 4.22 Edit Videos Easily
  22. 4.23 Video Editors for Beginners
  23. 4.24 Maximize Study Efficiency
  24. 4.25 Convert Online Videos for Phone
  25. 4.26 Top 10 Online Study Sites
  26. 4.29 Online WLMP Converter
  27. 4.30 6 Popular AMV Converters
  28. 4.31 Best Format Factory Alternative
  29. 4.32 Top 10 Free Quicktime Converter
  30. 4.33 How to Screen Capture in iMovie
  31. 4.34 How to Join Movies in iMovie
  32. 4.35 Easy WAy to Cut Video in iMovie
  33. 4.36 How to Crop Video in iMovie
  34. 4.37 Best Free Google MP3 Converters
  35. 4.38 Top 11 Google MP4 Converters

The article lists 10 different video file formats and why they fail to playback properly on your Mac (Catalina included). Whatever the reason is, we'd always recommend an all-in-one tool for you to solve the problems. Furthermore, both step-by-step tutorials and video tutorials guiding you through the amazing Wondershare UniConverter (originally Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate).

Part 1. 10 Q & A to Common Video Formats Fail to Playback

1. AVI

AVI video format

  • Description: AVI is a multimedia container that contains both audio and video data. It allows synchronous audio-with-video playback. AVI files support multiple streaming audio and video.
  • Causes of Failed Playback: QuickTime does not support AVI natively. QuickTime does not also support the codec (i.e., DivX) used in compression done on the Windows operating systems (or other systems apart from Mac).
  • Solution: Try to install Perian (a QuickTime component) or other add-ons/plug-ins. Make sure that your QuickTime player is up-to-date (from QuickTime X to QuickTime 7) and is compatible with add-on/plug-in.

2. FLV

FLV video format

  • Description: FLV, similar to other containers, is also used to store both video and audio data. The way it's encoded is very similar to the SWF file format.
  • Causes of Failed Playback: The media file format is either invalid or not supported by the currently installed player. The other reason's probably that you have not installed the Flash player.
  • Solution: You can download and install the Adobe Flash Player for every different browser that you use, convert it to a MOV file format or playback using alternative video players.

3. SWF

SWF video format

  • Description: SWF is a container commonly used to store animated or flash-based video graphics. It's preferred because the actual file size is very small.
  • Causes of Failed Playback: If you haven't, you'll need to download and install the Flash Player/Shockwave Player for the browser/s that you use. It's the most straightforward solution.
  • Solution: It can also be due to the browser's settings, extensions or outdated Flash player. Try adjusting the settings or update your player before going through the hassle of file conversion.

4. WMV

WMV video format

  • Description: WMV is a native file format introduced by Microsoft. It's naturally supported and made compatible with all of the Windows-operating or based systems, programs, and software.
  • Causes of Failed Playback: The main reason would be the video codec used for compression is not supported or recognized. Therefore, you'll need to download the required codec.
  • Solution: Download and install the required codec - Flip4Mac component. If the problem persists, you might want to check out the recommended solutions.

5. MKV

MKV video format

  • Description: MKV is an open-source, standard container used to store a range of video, audio, image or subtitle in a single file. The WebM file extension also uses the MKV format as a basis.
  • Causes of Failed Playback: QuickTime does not support MKV natively. On top of that, the file size is larger than other popular file formats. The codec used to store the data is also commonly not supported.
  • Solution: You can try to install Perian (a QuickTime component) or other add-ons/plug-ins. Make sure that your QuickTime player is up-to-date (from QuickTime X to QuickTime 7) and is compatible with add-on/plug-in.

6. AVCHD

  • Description: AVCHD is a high definition video format commonly used for storing videos recorded on camcorders in the extension of an MTS or M2TS file format.
  • Causes of Failed Playback: It's not within the list of supported file formats unless you try to rewrap it or upload the file through iMovie (which automatically converts it into the AIC format).
  • Solution: QuickTime can't playback the files that are stored in the memory card of a camcorder or the AVCHD codec. You'll need to either convert it to a MOV file or install the codec. Alternatively, try moving or copying the files over to your local directory and then right-click to open the files individually rather than the usual double-click.

7. DivX

DivX video format

  • Description: The DivX can be used as a codec as well as a container. As an extension out of the AVI file format, it also supports multiple videos, audio, and subtitle tracks.
  • Causes of Failed Playback: It's a matter of getting the right codec installed for smooth playback. Otherwise, simply download another player that supports the file format. Currently, QuickTime does not support the DivX codec natively.
  • Solution: Try to install DivX codec (a QuickTime component) or another add-on/plug-in. Make sure that your QuickTime player is up-to-date (from QuickTime X to QuickTime 7) and is compatible with add-on/plug-in.

8. MOV

MOV video format

  • Description: MOV is a native file format introduced by Apple. It's naturally supported and made compatible with all of the Mac-operating or based systems, programs, and software. It's also playable on iOS devices.
  • Causes of Failed Playback: The data stored might have been encoded with incompatible codec. The other possibility is that you'll need to upgrade your player. There's also the chance of the file being damaged or corrupted.
  • Solution: Before you come to a conclusion of ditching your current player, try to install the required component, add-on/plug-in (i.e., MPEG2 or Perian). Make sure that your QuickTime player is up-to-date (from QuickTime X to QuickTime 7) and is compatible with add-on/plug-in.

9. MTS

MTS video format

  • Description: MTS is an extension that's commonly used for storing high definition videos recorded on DVDs or AVCHD camcorders.
  • Causes of Failed Playback: Similar to the AVCHD, you'll be required to convert them in advance to a MOV or other compatible formats. The easier way out, however, is to use another video player that supports the MTS.
  • Solution: You can either download and install the required codec, convert it QuickTime-compatible formats, or simply use a different video player that supports the video file.

10. VOB

VOB video format

  • Description: VOB is a container that's used to store multiplexed streams of video, audio, subtitles, as well as DVD menus, etc. Practically, all DVD movies are stored in VOB file formats.
  • Causes of Failed Playback: It might have been encrypted or require additional add-ons/plug-ins to support the playback. Please also ensure that it's a video file and not burned as a data copy.
  • Solution: QuickTime does not support the codec used to compressed the video file. In order to be able to playback the video file, you'll need to install the required component, add-on/plug-in (i.e., MPEG2 or Perian). Please also ensure that your QuickTime player is up-to-date (from QuickTime X to QuickTime 7) and is compatible with add-on/plug-in.

Part 2. Recommended All-in-One Wondershare UniConverter (originally Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate)

The Wondershare UniConverter for Mac (originally Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate for Mac) supports a wider range of input and output formats. In addition to that, the ultra-fast, file conversion also consists of the best recommended or optimized settings. Other than the built-in editor, you can conveniently download online videos as well as create or burn a DVD using the same software.

video converter logo Wondershare UniConverter (originally Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate)

wondershare video converter ultimate
  • Convert video to over 1000 formats, including MP4, AVI, WMV, FLV, MKV, MOV and more
  • Convert to optimized preset for almost all of the devices
  • 90X faster conversion speed than any conventional converters
  • Edit, enhance & personalize your video files
  • Burn and customize your DVD with free DVD menu templates
  • Download or record videos from 10,000+ video sharing sites
  • Versatile toolbox combines fix video metadata, GIF maker, VR converter and screen recorder
  • Industry-leading APEXTRANS technology converts videos with zero quality loss or video compression
  • Supported OS: Windows 10/8/7/XP/Vista, Mac OS 10.15 (Catalina), 10.14, 10.13, 10.12, 10.11, 10.10, 10.9, 10.8, 10.7, 10.6
security Security Verified, 5,942,222 people have downloaded it

Quick Tutorial on How to Use Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate

Step 1 The UniConverter (originally Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate) supports batch conversion. Hence you can simply upload all the files that needed to be converted. All you have to do is to drag-and-drop them onto the program. The files uploaded will be neatly displayed, just as the screenshot shows.

convert imovie to video

Step 2 Click the Output Format to get a drop-down list, where offers a huge variety of supported output formats neatly categorized into Recently, Video, Audio and Device. You can select either based on the brand or model of your portable devices or specific file type.

QuickTime MOV to MP4 conversion

Step 3 Now, just click Start All in the bottom-right to start the video conversion.

start MP4 conversion

You can also refer to the video tutorial below.

Christine Smith

Christine Smith

chief Editor

Resource > Convert Videos for Devices > How Can You Play Any Video Formats for Mac (Catalina Included)

All Topics