How to Remove Metadata from Video Files? Detailed Explanation

Creating videos (mp4) and uploading them on platform like YouTube or other social media sites like FB or Instagram is becoming increasingly popular due to keeping up with the trend or also to earn bread and milk. However, while doing such things, users eventually ignore the fact that these multimedia files are embedded with certain metadata that can reveal sensitive information about you. Read this article to learn what metadata is in video files and why you should clean it.

What is Embedded Metadata in Video Files?

Metadata is hidden data that is included in the video at the time of recording. Embedded metadata refers to additional information stored in an mp4 file other than the actual video and audio data. Metadata may contain a wide range of details such as codec information, copyright information, keyword tags, creator name, and even GPS coordinates of the location.

Combining all the details is enough for any scammer to obtain private and personal information about you and invade your personal space. Removing all metadata from your video not only gives you control over what information is shared, but also protects your personal information from web criminals.

Essentials Reasons to Clean Embedded Metadata in Video 

• Improve privacy: Metadata in a video may contain important information about the recording location, date and time of creation, and even about the device used to record that video. To prevent this information from being disclosed to others, it is necessary to erase it completely and protect privacy.
• Security: Metadata in a video can give unauthorized access to personal information as well as individual features in that video in the wrong hands. Hence, scanning before appearing online is an additional layer of security.
• Reduce file size: In some cases, metadata can increase the overall size of mp4 files, making them difficult to share. Editing unnecessary metadata can help you reduce file size and make it easier to distribute.
• Prevent tracking: Because metadata may contain the creator’s location, it can be used for tracking by unknown people. Therefore, removing location type metadata enables you to reduce the risk of tracking.

3 Approaches to Remove Metadata from Video Files

There are basically 3 techniques to clear meta properties from mp4 files:

• Method 1: Windows Explorer
• Method 2: VLC media player
• Method 3: Preview app (mcOS)

We will go over all the techniques in detail below and also know their pros and cons. So, let’s get started.

Method 1: Using Windows Explorer

• First, right-click the video and select Properties.
• When a box appears, go to the “Details” option.
• Select “Remove Personal Properties and Information” from the bottom.
• Next, select the boxes next to “Remove the following properties from this file”.
• You can check specific attributes such as title or subtitle or you can “Select All“.
• Finally, click the OK

Method 2: Using VLC Media Player

VLC is basically a media player that you can download for free from Google play store. After downloading it, please follow the steps given.

• Firstly; Open VLC and select the “Media” then Convert/Save.
• Now add your video file and select “Edit Selected Profile“.
• Next, go to “Packaging” and uncheck Save Metadata.
• Click Save, and browse the location to save the final file.
• Finally, click the “Start” button to start removing metadata from MP4.

Method 3: Using Preview App (Mac)

You can use the Preview app on macOS to edit or completely clean all metadata from mp4 files. Check out the easy steps to use the preview app.

• Open the video file (mp4) in the Preview app.
• Next, go to Tools, then select “Show Inspector“.
• Then click the “i” icon to view, edit, and modify the associated metadata.

Pros and Cons of Using Manual Methods to Clean Hidden Data in Video Files

Pros:

• These methods are completely free to use
• They are easy to use and do not require high technical knowledge

Cons:

• Using manual methods is time consuming and requires a lot of effort from you.
• They can only remove metadata from one mp4 file at a time.

If you need to batch remove metadata from video files in a short time, these methods are not for you and you should resort to our next time-saving method.

How to Remove Metadata from MP4 files? 

• Download, install and start the Video metadata remover on Windows.
  
• Click the Open menu >> MP4 Files >> Choose Files / Choose Folders.
  
• Browse and Import mp4 files into the software panel.
  
• Then, click Action >> Clear Metadata.
  
• Click Browse button and specify location to save files. Finally click the Save button.
  

Why Video Metadata Remover Over DIY Methods?

• This Mp4 metadata remover has a friendly interface that even non-technical users can use.
• With this software, one can easily remove metadata from multiple Video files at the same time.
• The application allows users to save final files to internal as well as external storage.
• It is compatible with Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, and earlier edition.
• Also, the app provides the preview of MP4 files before removing metadata from it.
• It maintains the other content in video file during deleting metadata only.

The Conclusion

We hope now you know how to remove metadata from video files. You can choose from any of the three techniques to get the job done. If you have only a few files, you can choose Windows Explorer or VLC player. However, if you want to clean all metadata from mp4 files at once, using specialized software is the best option. You can download the tool for free from the link above and start cleaning metadata in no time and with full accuracy.