How to Copy Videos to Stezza Using iTunes or Finder File Sharing
Stezza plays video files transferred directly to the app via iTunes (Windows) or Finder (Mac). Here's how to copy them across.
In addition to music, Stezza plays video files you transfer directly to the app via File Sharing — the mechanism that lets you drop files straight into an iOS app’s own storage from your computer. No iCloud, no library sync, no re-encoding through the Music app. Just drag and drop.
This guide covers both the Mac (Finder) and Windows (iTunes) workflows.
What you can transfer
Stezza supports common video formats that iOS handles natively — typically MP4, M4V, and MOV files with H.264 or HEVC video. If iOS’s built-in Videos or Files app can play it, Stezza can too.
File Sharing is only for files you drop directly into Stezza. Videos in your device’s general Photos library, or videos synced through the TV app, aren’t touched by this flow — this is for files you want to keep specifically inside Stezza’s own storage.
On a Mac (macOS Catalina or later): use Finder
1. Connect your iPhone or iPad
Plug the device in and tap Trust if prompted.
2. Open Finder and select your device
In the Finder sidebar under Locations, click your device.
3. Click the “Files” tab
Along the top of the device window: General, Music, Movies, TV Shows, Podcasts, Audiobooks, Books, Photos, Files, Info. Click Files.
This tab lists every installed app that supports File Sharing. Stezza is one of them.
4. Drop your videos into Stezza
Click the disclosure triangle next to Stezza to expand it. Any files already shared with Stezza appear underneath.
Drag video files from Finder directly onto the Stezza row. Alternatively, click Stezza and use the “…” or drag target to add files.
Files copy over immediately — no separate sync step needed for File Sharing transfers.
5. Open Stezza on your device
Your videos are now inside Stezza and ready to play.
On Windows: use iTunes
1. Open iTunes and connect your device
Plug in your iPhone or iPad. Tap Trust on the device if prompted.
2. Click the device icon
The small device icon appears near the top-left of iTunes, below the playback controls.
3. Click “File Sharing” in the left sidebar
In the sidebar listing for your device, you’ll see sections like Summary, Music, Movies, TV Shows, Podcasts, Books, Photos, Info — and File Sharing further down. Click it.
4. Select Stezza
The main pane shows a list of every installed app that supports File Sharing. Click Stezza. A Stezza Documents list appears on the right showing files currently shared with the app.
5. Add your videos
Either:
- Drag video files from File Explorer directly onto the Stezza Documents list, or
- Click Add File… and pick the videos you want.
Files copy over immediately. No sync required.
6. Open Stezza on your device
Your videos are ready to play.
Removing files later
To remove a video you’ve transferred:
- Finder (Mac): select the file under Stezza in the Files tab and press Delete, or right-click → Move to Trash.
- iTunes (Windows): select the file in the Stezza Documents list and press Delete, or click the file and choose Delete.
You can also clear files from inside Stezza itself.
Common issues
Stezza doesn’t appear in the Files / File Sharing list. Make sure Stezza is installed on the connected device and fully launched at least once. Disconnect and reconnect the cable.
A video file won’t play after transfer. It’s probably in a format iOS doesn’t support natively (for example, MKV, AVI, or a less common codec). Convert to MP4 with H.264 video using a tool like HandBrake, then transfer the converted file.
Transferred videos aren’t in the Photos app. They shouldn’t be — File Sharing puts files inside Stezza’s own storage, not in Photos or the shared device media library. Open Stezza to see them.
Is this the same as syncing? No. File Sharing copies files directly into Stezza and doesn’t touch your music library or the Movies section of Finder/iTunes. It’s a parallel mechanism, specifically for apps that want to accept files directly.
See also
Related Guides
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