Introduction: Download & Convert Movies for IPod/ IPhone in a Few Steps

By www.flickr.com/mattoons
About: "Almost Toast"

I'm a long time user, first time actual poster on Instructables.com, so I'm kind of new to this.  As my first Instructable I really wanted to post something that was easy to do, as well as useful to have.  However, as things sometimes go with me, I got distracted by the "BlagoBlag" and fifteen minutes later I was instead looking at downloading various cartoons on my iPod Touch.

That's when I decided, for my first Instructable, I will weigh in with my personal take on how to easily download and convert internet episodes, and various media on an iPod Touch and iPhone in just a couple of simple steps.


Step 1: Materials

This isn't really a step, but more of a preliminary check list. This should all be fairly obvious and very simple procedure. All you will need is:

1) Computer (with internet access, obviously)
2) iPod/iPhone (no need for explanation here)
3) iPod Touch/ iPhone connector cable

Step 2: Step 1: Download Videora Converter

As you might already know, not all types of video format files are playable on Apple mobile devices (iPod Touch, iPhone, iPad, etc).  Instead, these devices can only play video files that are in a .mp4 video format. 

When a video is not an mp4 file and is in other video formats (.wmv, .avi, .flv), I use a free downloadable program called Videora iPod Conveter, that can convert most every media video file into an iPod Touch/ iPhone readable mp4.  It's a free program and is one of the clearest and easiest video conversion programs I've encountered.  The program also comes packaged with an optional YouTube Downloader app, which is specifically for downloading and saving YouTube videos.  I highly suggest downloading that as well, for all of your YouTube conversions. 

http://www.videora.com/en-us/Converter/iPod/

Step 3: Step 2: Download Your Video File

Now it's time to search for your video file online!  If you already have a video file on your desktop, great!  You can skip immediately to step 3.   If not, let me provide you with some tips on how to search for your specific video.


It all depends on what specific video file you are searching for.  If, for instance, you are trying to find the latest episode of Comedy Central's Futurama, I'd suggest trying to find it on zShare.net  For High Quality movies, I suggest downloading them from Stagevu.com.  Still, for all encompassing downloaded videos, I suggest trying to find it on MegaUpload.com, which is a great place for searching for movies/ tv shows.  However, they do not provide you with a search engine for browsing videos, so to search MegaUpload, go to 4megaupload.com


Step 4: Step 3: Convert Your Video

Alright, now that you got your video and you're ready to begin converting (in the non secular meaning)!  Ok, so this step should all be very straightforward thanks to the ease of Videora, but I'll walk you through it nonetheless. 

If this is your first time using Videora, you will be asked to specify which type of iPod/iPhone you have.  It doesn't really matter which one you choose, they will all be in mp4 format.  For me, I just chose iPod Touch 3rd Gen.

First, Open up the Videora iPod Touch Converter program, and at the top left corner select "Convert".  Next, right under Convert there should be a toolbar that says Progress, Video File, Downloads and Console and select "Video File".  Next in Select Mode, select Normal Mode, for the easiest and simplest conversion process.  After that it's pretty simple, you will be asked to specify an output folder, check Video Settings, and name your Video File.  Unless you want to rename your video, just keep hitting Next until you reach a button called "Start Converting". 

Your video is converting now!  Now, depending on the length of your video, the process may take anywhere between 2 minutes to 2 hours.  To view your conversion progress, just select View Conversion Progress.  When it finishes, iTunes should open up automatically.

Step 5: Finally, Import Your Video!

Yay, you are now finished converting your movie!  Your movie file will be saved in your Documents, in a folder marked Red Kawa--> Videos.  Now all you have to do is connect your iPod/iPad/iPhone to iTunes and transfer the mp4 file onto it! 

So there you go, how to download and save movies from the internet onto your Apple Device!  I hope this helps!