What a video converter actually does
Under the hood, a video converter decodes the source file into raw video frames and audio samples, then re-encodes them into the target format you picked.
The decoder understands the source container (MP4, MOV, AVI, WEBM, MKV). The encoder produces the output (commonly MP4 or WEBM). The frames in between are the same pictures, just packed differently.
Why you might need to convert video
Compatibility is the most common reason. Editing software, social platforms, and older devices each prefer specific formats.
Other reasons include shrinking a large file for upload, switching to a web-friendly format like WEBM, or producing a MOV file for Final Cut.
Browser vs desktop converters
Desktop tools like HandBrake or ffmpeg are powerful but require installation.
Browser-based converters like Videoz Monkey run on your device using the browser's media stack. Nothing to install, and your footage never leaves your computer.