- 1). Identify the type of video file emailed to you. Usually, video files are attached to an email, in which case the attachment would be found either at the top or bottom of the email, depending on where the email provider displays attachments. If this is the case, skip to Step 4.
Sometimes a video in an e-mail is simply embedded, meaning rather than there being an attachment, the video is referencing a file hosted on an external server, such as an embedded YouTube video. If this is the case, proceed to Step 2. - 2). Obtain the URL of the video if it is embedded from another website. You can get the URL by clicking on the video display, which should redirect you to the original website that hosts the video. Then, you can copy the URL from either the browser's URL bar, or sometimes from a widget next to the video.
- 3). Convert the Web-based video into a file using a Web-to-file video conversion website. One example of such a site is Zamzar (see Resources below). You simply paste the URL into the field provided on the website, choose a file format suitable for cell phones, such as 3gp, and have a downloadable link e-mailed to you. Skip to Step 5 after completing this conversion.
- 4). Convert the saved video file into a format suitable for cell phone playing using the video conversion website. There are numerous software programs as well as websites that will allow you to convert video files into various formats. Because cell phone screens are small, you do not need a high-resolution format. The most common cell phone video format is the .3gp, as it operates on the commonly used 3g network.
- 5). Send the .3gp file to the cell phone using an appropriate e-mail or a delivery website. Some cell phones have their own e-mail addresses for receiving text messages or files from computers. Cingular, for instance, allows you to send messages from computer to phone by using the following formula: [phone number]@cingularme.com. Check with the service provider to determine if this is possible.
There are also a number of websites, such as "Beam It Up Scotty" or "PC to Phone," that allow you to send files directly to cell phones for little or no cost. Simply upload the .3gp files to these websites, enter the cell phone number and press "Send" to complete the task.
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