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How to Join GoPro Videos with Wondershare UniConverter

GoPros save their video files in 4GB segments. Here's how to join them back together using Wondershare UniConverter. Includes 4K HEVC video files.

Merging GoPro Files with Wondershare UniConverter

By David Coleman | @havecamerawilltraveldc
Last updated about 2 months ago // Categories: Apps, Video
Tags: GoPro HERO7 Black, GoPro HERO8 Black, GoPro HERO9 Black

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A while back, I posted on how to join GoPro videos. If you’ve used your GoPro for any length of time shooting video, you will have found that, like many other video cameras, GoPros split up their video files into chunks. It’s called chaptering, and there are good reasons for it–I cover them in a separate post on why GoPros split videos into segments.

But what if you want all those chunks joined together into a single file? That’s why I posted a guide to joining GoPro videos in the first place. But at the time I posted that, GoPro was only encoding videos in H.264. That’s an effective and very widely compatible video codec that has become the defacto standard for web video.

Since then, a better and more efficient codec has been getting traction, and GoPro has adopted it in some of their recent models. Known as HEVC or, less commonly, H.265, it uses a more efficient algorithm and potentially offers higher quality at a given bitrate compared with the older H.264 codec. The catch is that for now, at least, it’s not as widely compatible. Which means that some apps, video services, and computers won’t yet support it.

Among those apps was the free app that I used for the old post. That guide works with H.264 files, but it won’t work with the newer HEVC files.

That’s why I’ve put together this guide, along with others related to it using different apps, on how to join GoPro videos using other apps. And these specifically include support for GoPro’s HEVC videos.

Wondershare UniConverter

There are several apps that can join GoPro HEVC video files, and I’ll try to put together guides for a few different ones separately. The one I’m focusing on here is Wondershare UniConverter. You can download a free trial version here.

Before we get started, though, I should point out one major drawback of using Wondershare UniConverter for this process if you’re shooting with a GoPro HERO9 Black. And that is that for, at least, UniConverter only supports files up to 4K.1 If you’re shooting in 5K on the HERO9, UniConverter can take the files in, but it will only output up to 4K. It is very possible, even likely, that this will be addressed in a future upgrade (I’ve reached out to Wondershare support but have not heard whether or where this is on the to-do list). If you’re shooting 5K HEVC video, I’d recommend VideoProc (I’ll be posting a separate guide on using that shortly.) In this example, I’m using 4K HEVC video clips.

Wondershare have a few apps in their stable that can work with video. The best-known are Filmora and Filmora Pro, which are video editing apps. UniConverter has only very basic video editing features; its main focus is on converting from one video format to another. It works with a wide range of video file formats. And it also works with audio and other types of files as well, meaning it’s a useful tool to have on hand for more than this specific purpose.

UniConverter is a paid app; there’s also a feature-limited trial version that you can use to test it out.

The way in which it joins GoPro HEVC videos isn’t ideal because it converts the files as part of the process. In theory, that extra generation removed from the original degrades the video quality slightly. But unless you’re shooting for cinema or broadcast–neither especially likely with a GoPro–chances are you won’t notice any visual difference. In the tests I’ve done, I’ve not noticed much real degradation, especially with the high-speed option disabled.

How To Do It

When you open up UniConverter, you’re shown a panel with file types on the left and the main action panel to the right.2

There are two ways to access the merge feature. Both work the same way. I’m going to focus first here on the most obvious method. And that’s to use the “Merger” function from the list at left.

Merging GoPro Files with Wondershare UniConverter 4

Make sure to select that feature from the menu at the left first. One of the annoyances of the app is that if you add the files into the “Convert” section, you can’t just change to the “Merge” section and have the files there–you have to re-add them, and that can take some time with large 5K videos.

So once you’re in the Merge section, add the files you want to join together. You can import them directly off the memory card or from a folder on your hard drive. Doing it directly from the memory card is often slower, although it does save you the extra step of downloading the files to your hard drive first.

You can drag and drop the files onto the panel. Or you can click on the add file icon at the top left for some more specific source options.

Add the MP4 files to the panel. You can drag the THM files there, too–it won’t do any harm, and they’ll just be filtered out and ignored. (If you’re curious about what the THM files are, I have a post on them here).

In this instance, I was using 4K videos shot on the GoPro HERO9 Black and recorded with HEVC encoding with the high-bitrate setting.

Merging GoPro Files with Wondershare UniConverter 5

You then choose the video format. You’ll probably have MP4 showing up by default, but you can get more granular than that with different formats. You can also make your own custom presets.

Merging GoPro Files with Wondershare UniConverter 5

This raises the point that you can both join clips and convert them in the same step here. My focus right now is on joining clips rather than converting them, so for these files, I’m going to output them again as HEVC at the original resolution (aka, the “Same as source” option).

The final thing to do is to choose where you want the stitched file to be saved. If you’re pulling them in directly from the microSD card, you’re better off choosing a folder on your hard drive to save the resulting file.

Once you’ve done that, click on the Start button at the bottom right of the panel. It’ll take a while to do its thing, depending on the processing power of your computer–it’s not an instantaneous process like it is with H.264 joining. But it’ll give you a progress indicator under the files.

Merging GoPro Files with Wondershare UniConverter 2

Once the process is complete, you can click on the “Finished” option for the slider at the top to take you to the stitched file. If you’re running it overnight or setting it and leaving it, you can also enable an option to put the computer to sleep or shut down when the task is finished (on Mac, go to Wondershare Uniconverter > When Task is Complete).

Merging GoPro Files with Wondershare UniConverter 1

Things Worth Knowing

There’s a “High Speed Conversion” switch at the top right. That does pretty much what it says. To speed things up, it uses a rougher and less precise encoding process. In most cases (except for the screenshots above), I’ve been leaving it off, which does take longer, but rarely so much longer than it’s much of an issue for my needs.

Where to Download Wondershare UniConverter

Wondershare UniConverter is a paid app. You can choose between an annual license or a perpetual license (i.e., no recurring fees).

You can download a free trial version here. The trial version has some limitations but still gives a good sense of how the app works.

There are versions for Windows and Mac.


  1. I’m referring here to the current version at the time of writing: v.12.5.4. It is very possible that this limitation will be addressed in a future update and you won’t be running into this problem if you’re using a newer version. ↩
  2. For this guide, I’m using Wondershare UniConventer v.12.5.4 for Mac on the OS 11.2.1 Big Sur. ↩

More GoPro Tips & Tricks:

  • What are GoPro LRV and THM Files For? GoPro's Video File Formats Explained
    What are GoPro LRV and THM Files For? GoPro's Video File Formats Explained
  • How to Play GoPro CineForm MOV Video Files
    How to Play GoPro CineForm MOV Video Files
  • Why Do GoPros Split Videos into Segments?
    Why Do GoPros Split Videos into Segments?
  • How to Remove the Fisheye Effect from GoPro Videos
    How to Remove the Fisheye Effect from GoPro Videos
  • GoPro HERO9 Black Front View
    Protune Options of the GoPro HERO9 Black
  • GoPro HERO8 Black
    Protune Options of the GoPro HERO8 Black
By David Coleman
Instagram: @havecamerawilltraveldc

Last updated on February 26, 2021

Categories: Apps, Video
Tags: GoPro HERO7 Black, GoPro HERO8 Black, GoPro HERO9 Black

I may earn a commission for purchases using links on this page. Learn more.

GoPro News & Deals

New Smart Remote GoPro will be announcing the new Smart Remote for the HERO9 Black on December 17, 2020. The HERO9 Black isn’t compatible with the previous version of the Smart Remote.

HERO8 Black firmware v2.0 now available. Enables webcam mode; enables Display Mod compatibility; expands HyperSmooth 2.0 High and Boost availability to more video settings; general bug fixes. Update through the mobile app or manually.

GoPro Launches New Live Streaming Service for GoPro PLUS. GoPro has launched their own live-streaming platform for PLUS subscribers. It’s a pretty bare-bones offering for now, with livestreams shared with a dedicated URL. This is alongside their efforts to make the HERO8 Black useful as a webcam when connected to a computer (via USB plug-in-play, not requiring the Media Mod accessory with HDMI out). New firmware adds that functionality for Mac users, and the Windows version is in Beta.

New GoPro Zeus Mini Video Light. GoPro has released released a new video LED light designed to complement their GoPro cameras. It’s tiny, waterproof, and has a built-in magnetic swiveling clip. It’s waterproof down to 33 feet (10 meters), has four levels of brightness, and includes a diffuser to cool the color temperature to 5000K. GoPro claims that the built-in battery lasts up to 6 hours (presumably at the lowest brightness setting, although they don’t specify). It’s available now and priced at $69.99.

DJI Osmo Action firmware update adds live streaming. DJI has released a firmware update for the Osmo Action (v. 01.08.00.10) that adds live streaming support, so you can upload directly to platforms like Facebook and YouTube (it goes through the DJI Mimo mobile app). They’ve also improved the in-camera video stabilization. You can find the new firmware here.

New Underwater Housing for GoPro HERO8 Black from Isotta. Isotta, an Italian brand specializing in underwater housings, has announced a new high-quality underwater housing for the HERO8 Black. It’s an aluminum housing depth-rated to 650 feet (200 meters), has a one-handed open/close switch, double o-rings, and can be used with filters. There’s also a dual-handled tray to go along with it. And like all their housings, it’s in their distinctive red. Priced at $450, it’s only for those who need a highly specialized piece of underwater kit. It’s available for preorder from underwater specialists Backscatter.

Light Mod Now Shipping The Light Mod, one of the three new GoPro accessories, is now shipping. It’s a standalone light that is waterproof, rechargeable and compatible with all GoPro mounts. It was originally announced along with the HERO8 Black, but it hasn’t been available until now. It’s priced at $49.99, and you can find them at GoPro.com.

GoPro MAX Now Shipping. The new 360° camera, the MAX, is now shipping.

GoPro HERO8 Black and Max Unveiled. The new GoPro cameras and accessories have been unveiled. I have a rundown of the highlights of the HERO8 Black here.

DJI Osmo Action vs GoPro HERO7 Black. I’ve posted my detailed hands-on comparison of the Osmo Action and the HERO7 Black. There’s a lot similar between the models, but once you start digging down into the details there are differences that can help in choosing between them. And each has strengths the other doesn’t have. You can find my review here.

GoPro HyperSmooth vs DJI RockSteady. The new DJI Osmo Action also has built-in electronic stabilization to smooth out video. They’re calling it RockSteady (GoPro has HyperSmooth). I’ve been out testing them side-by-side. You can see the results here.

GoPro Deals page. I’ve put together a dedicated page on GoPro deals. So if you’re looking for cheap GoPro deals, check it out.

DJI Osmo action 4K Camera. Best known for their camera drones, DJI has released a new 4K action cam that’s taking direct aim at the GoPro HERO7 Black. It shoots up to 4K60 video and 12MP stills, includes electronic stabilization, has high-dynamic range video at 4K30, voice commands, a touchscreen on the back and another smaller live view screen on the front, and is waterproof down to 36 feet (11 meters). It’s priced at $349, and they’re now available at B&H Photo.

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About Me

I’m a professional travel & location photographer based in Washington DC and traveling all over. Seven continents. Dozens of countries. Up mountains. Under water. And a bunch of places in between.

I’ve owned and used every GoPro since the HD HERO and particularly like finding new and different ways to use them to capture photos, video, and time-lapse.

You can find my main site at havecamerawilltravel.com.

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