How to Convert GoPro 4K Video to 1080p?

Overview: GoPro cameras are great for recording action shots in 4K! It looks gorgeous, but not everyone needs high resolution files. It's not new that so many GoPro fans love to convert GoPro 4K video to 1080p (full HD). It makes it easier for editing, smoother in the viewing and smaller file size for saving.

In this article, we’ll discuss why and when to export HD video to 1080p. For that, we will examine manual techniques of conversion and their drawbacks. Also, a smart alternative for professional results.

If you want easy access to our software, you can visit our Microsoft video converter tool page to know more.

Reasons to Compress GoPro 4K Video to 1080p

There are several practical reasons why GoPro users often choose to convert 4K videos to 1080p resolution:

• Not all devices (especially older PCs, TVs, or smartphones) support 4K playback. 1080p ensures broader compatibility.
  
  

• 4K videos consume a large amount of storage space. Downscaling to 1080p reduces file size significantly.
  
  

• Editing 4K footage requires powerful hardware. Converting to 1080p makes editing faster and smoother on average computers.
  
  

• Many social media platforms compress 4K videos, sometimes lowering quality.
  
  

• 1080p resolution ensures better control over output quality.
  
  

• Playing and editing 4K drains battery and resources faster. 1080p reduces strain on devices.
  

Manual Methods to Convert GoPro 4K to 1080p

In this particular section, we are going to export HD video into 1080. Let’s see all those different ways.

#1. Change Resolution to 1080p with VLC Media Player 

VLC can also convert video files too, but it’s more limited than others.

1. Open VLC Media Player.

2. Go to Media > Convert/Save.

3. Click Add to insert your 4K footage and select Convert/Save.

4. Select H.264 + MP3 (MP4) from profile settings.

5. In settings change resolution to 1920x1080.

6. Choose the reference folder and hit Start.

Pro: Easy to use and easily available everywhere.

Cons: Limited customization, and best quality not guaranteed.

#2. GoPro Own Quik App

Use GoPro Quik software to manage and edit your GoPro videos.

1. Get GoPro Quik on your PC or mobile.

2. Import your 4K video.

3. For exports, go with 1080p resolution.

4. Save/export the file.

Pros: Official tool, user-friendly.

Cons: Limited formats, not for bulk conversions, few advanced options.

Limitations of Manual Methods

Free & manual approaches are good, but have some limitations :

• Slow for many or multiple files.

• Advanced settings not very controllable (bitrate, codes, format).

• This could result in poor image/sound quality.

• Some of these aren’t even meant for bulk conversions

• Conversion speed is kind of slow, especially for large GoPro 4K files.
  

Quick Way to Convert GoPro 4K Video to 1080p Resolution

If you work with GoPro footage on a regular basis, this solution has the advantage of quality, speed and ease. To perform such a conversion use our SysTools Video Converter software to complete the video task.

Tool Features:

• Downscale GoPro 4K clips to 1080p without quality loss.

• Supports various formats (MP4, MOV, AVI, WMV, MKV and so on.

• Batch processing for converting multiple videos at a time.

• Included preview to view the output.

• User friendly interface and you don’t need any technical skills.

• Keeps original video audio synchronization and metadata.

Conclusion

Converting GoPro 4K video to 1080p allows the videos to play or edit smoothly and save more space. You can try free tools like VLC, Quik app, but they may be slow and clunky or even downgrade the quality. So, using our automated solution will be your faster and smoother alternative. It maintains good video quality, and completes your video task with ease for all kinds of users.