You downloaded a film, a concert or a season of a kids' show, and now you want to watch it on the big screen. Sometimes it just works. Sometimes the TV says "unsupported file", shows no picture, plays without sound, or does not see the USB stick at all. This guide covers the four ways to get a downloaded video onto a TV, the formats TVs actually play, and the fixes for the common errors.
Option 1: a USB stick
The most reliable way, and it works without internet:
- Copy the MP4 to a USB stick or external drive.
- Plug it into the TV's USB port.
- Open the TV's media player or "Sources" → USB and pick the file.
Format the stick correctly:
| File system | Max file size | Seen by TVs |
|---|---|---|
| FAT32 | 4 GB per file | almost all |
| exFAT | no practical limit | most TVs from the last decade |
| NTFS | no practical limit | some TVs, often read-only |
If your file is over 4 GB (a long 1080p film or a 4K video), use exFAT. If an older TV does not see an exFAT stick, use FAT32 and keep files under 4 GB, for example by choosing 720p.
Which formats TVs play
TV media players are pickier than computers. The safest choice:
- Container: MP4.
- Video codec: H.264. Every TV from the last 15 years plays it.
- Audio: AAC.
Newer codecs are a gamble: HEVC plays on most 4K TVs; VP9 and AV1 often work in the TV's YouTube app but not in its USB media player. When you download, pick the regular option rather than the compact AV1/VP9 one if the video is for a TV. More on formats: MP4 vs WebM vs MKV.
Option 2: Chromecast and Google TV
From an Android phone or a computer:
- Open the video in an app that can cast local files, such as VLC, and tap the cast icon.
- On a computer, open the MP4 in a Chrome tab and use Chrome's "Cast" → "Cast file".
The phone or computer must stay on the same Wi-Fi while the video plays.
Option 3: AirPlay from iPhone, iPad or Mac
- Save the video to Photos (on iPhone: open it in Files → Share → "Save Video").
- Open it in Photos, tap the share button → AirPlay, or use Screen Mirroring from Control Center.
- Choose your Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible smart TV.
On a Mac, open the file in QuickTime and click the AirPlay icon.
Option 4: an HDMI cable
The no-settings method: connect your laptop to the TV with an HDMI cable, switch the TV to that input, and play the video full-screen on the laptop. It plays anything your laptop plays, including AV1 and VP9, with subtitles from your player. USB-C laptops need a USB-C to HDMI adapter.
Subtitles on TV
Many TV media players show external subtitles if the subtitle file has exactly the same name as the video: Film.mp4 and Film.srt in the same folder. Subtitles for YouTube videos download as SRT on the Lite plan and up; see how to download YouTube subtitles.
Fixing common errors
| What the TV does | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Does not see the stick | NTFS or exFAT on an old TV | reformat as FAT32 |
| "Unsupported file" | AV1/VP9 codec | download the regular H.264 option |
| Picture without sound | unusual audio codec | re-download as MP4 with AAC; most downloads already are |
| File over 4 GB will not copy | FAT32 | use exFAT or a lower quality |
| Stutters in 4K | weak TV player or slow stick | use 1080p or a faster USB 3.0 drive |
Which quality to download for a TV
| TV | Recommended |
|---|---|
| HD (720p) TV | 720p, free |
| Full HD TV | 1080p, Lite plan ($1.99/mo) |
| 4K TV | 1440p or 4K, Pro ($3.99) or Max ($5.99) |
Free downloads go up to 720p: 3 a day without an account and 5 with a free account. No automatic renewal on paid plans; details on the pricing page.
A whole series for a trip
For a holiday house or a long trip, download episodes in advance and copy them to one stick, numbered so the TV lists them in order ("S01E01", "S01E02"…). Several links download at once: 3 at a time for free, up to 50 on Max; on Pro and Max a YouTube playlist expands into all its videos.
Kids' videos on the TV
Parents often download cartoons and educational videos for the TV to avoid ads and autoplay recommendations. A USB stick with a folder per show works well with children: the TV's media player shows only what you put there. Name the files so the order makes sense, keep the quality at 720p or 1080p so even older TVs play them smoothly, and test one file before a long trip to a holiday house where the TV might be different from yours.
FAQ
How do I play a downloaded video on my TV?
Copy the MP4 to a USB stick and open it in the TV's media player, or cast it with Chromecast or AirPlay, or connect a laptop with HDMI.
Why does my TV say "unsupported file"?
The video probably uses the AV1 or VP9 codec. Download the regular H.264 MP4 instead.
Why doesn't my TV see my USB stick?
It may be formatted as NTFS or exFAT, which older TVs do not read. Format it as FAT32.
How do I play files over 4 GB on a TV?
Format the USB stick as exFAT. FAT32 cannot store files over 4 GB.
Can I show subtitles on TV?
Yes, if the SRT file has the same name as the video and sits in the same folder.