Keep Tags Conversion MP4

Abstract: Learn how to convert an audio or video file (e.g., MKA or MP3) to MP4 while keeping metadata like Title, Artist, etc., using FFmpeg. This process does not edit MP3TAG encoded files or modify the MPEG4 IOD/OD even.

Created: 2025-01-18 by UserComp.com Editors

Introduction

This article will guide you through the process of converting an audio file in MKA format to M4A while preserving its metadata, such as the title and artist, using the powerful open-source tool FFmpeg.

What is FFmpeg?

FFmpeg is a free and open-source software project consisting of a vast suite of libraries and programs for handling video, audio, and other multimedia files and streams.

Key Features of FFmpeg

Format conversion: Transcode multimedia files between various formats.
Streaming: Stream audio/video over the internet and various networks.
Filtering: Apply various filters for audio/video manipulation.
Multiplexing and demultiplexing:

Mux and demux multimedia contents with different codecs into a single container.

Recording:

Capture audio/video from various sources/devices for recording or streaming.

Installing FFmpeg

For detailed installation instructions, refer to the official FFmpeg installation guide.

Converting MKA to M4A with FFmpeg

Suppose you have a file named "input.mka" that you want to convert to M4A format while preserving its metadata. Use the following command:

ffmpeg -i input.mka -c:a aac -b:a 256k -map_metadata -1 output.m4a

Command Breakdown

-i input.mka: Specify the input file to be converted.
-c:a aac: Set the output audio codec to AAC.
-b:a 256k: Set the bit rate to 256 kbps for the audio.
-map_metadata -1: Ignore (-1) the existing metadata and create new metadata.
output.m4a: Specify the output file name and format.

Preserving Metadata with FFmpeg

To maintain metadata while converting the file, you can use an auxiliary tool called ffprobe. Run the following command:

ffmpeg -i input.mka -c:a aac -b:a 256k -map_metadata 0 output.m4a

Preserving the Title and Artist Metadata

Combine the previous steps with an additional metadata mapping option to preserve specific tags:

ffmpeg -i input.mka -c:a aac -b:a 256k -map_metadata 0 -map_metadata:s:a:0 title -map_metadata:s:a:0 artist output.m4a

FFmpeg is a powerful tool for handling multimedia files and can be used to convert audio files between various formats.
Metadata can be preserved during conversion by utilizing the ffprobe tool and mapping the desired metadata fields.

References

FFmpeg download and installation guide

Tags: Audio Conversion Video Conversion MP4 MP3 FFmpeg

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