About the Mp4 file format
- Name
- MPEG-4 Video
- Extension
- .mp4
- Format
- Binary
- Category
- Video
- Developer
- Moving Picture Experts Group
- Description
- An MP4 file is a multimedia file commonly used to store a movie or video clip, but may also contain subtitles or images. MP4 is short for MPEG-4 Part 14, which is a container format based on the QuickTime File Format (QTFF) used by .MOV and .QT files.
- MIME Type
- video/mp4
- Sample
- sample.mp4
- Wikipedia
- .mp4 on Wikipedia
Mp4 format is a compressed file containing videos, audio, and subtitles. Introduced in late 1998, MPEG-4 is a method that is used to compress audio and visual digital data. It was assigned a standard for a group of audio and video coding formats and related technology approved by the ISO/IEC Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG).
MP4 contains similar features of MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 as well as other related standards. But there are new features such as extended VRML support for 3D rendering, object-oriented composite files, support for Digital Rights Management, and numerous types of interactivity. Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) was standardized as an add-on to MPEG-2 before the issuing of MP4.
MP4 is used to compress AV data for web streaming and CD distribution. Also, voice (telephone, videophone), and broadcast television applications use it. It is still an evolving standard and is divided into several parts. However, most companies promoting MP4 compatibility do not always specify which ‘part’ level compatibility they are referring to.
MP4 was initially aimed at low bit-rate video communications although its scope as a multimedia coding standard was later diversified. It is can now be used on bit-rates ranging from a few kilobits per second to tens of megabits per second.
It’s very common on Nero Digital AVC, QuickTime 7, and high definition video media like Blu-ray Disc. Most downloadable online videos are in the MP4 format as it’s supported by all popular browsers.
