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MPEG-4 video file format
File type: Digital video and movie file
An mp4 file extension is typically used for MPEG-4 multimedia files defined by ISO 14496-1 standard. Commonly used for video and movie files and supported by vast number of media players.
File type category:
Digital video and movie file
Date updated: July 25, 2025
MPEG-4 file format, as defined by the MPEG-4 specification, contains MPEG-4 encoded video and Advanced Audio Coding (AAC)-encoded audio content.
These MP4 files are in a container format defined in the Systems Part of the MPEG-4 standard (ISO 14496-1). The .mp4 files support all kinds of multimedia content (multiple audio streams, video streams, subtitle streams, pictures) and advanced content (called "Rich Media" or "BIFS") like 2D and 3D graphics, user interactivity, and DVD-like menus. The MP4 file format is also streamable.
The MP4 is the most common file extension used for the MPEG-4 format, and these files may contain both audio and video. In contrast, files with an m4a file extension contain only audio tracks, while those with an m4v file extension have video data. The .m4r file extension is used for MP4 ringtones in iPhone smartphones, and there is also an .m4b file extension for audiobooks.
Native Instruments also uses the MP4 format for Stems audio files (stem file extension, or stem.mp4 file extension) for digital DJ performance. All those formats use the same MPEG-4 technology.
MIME types:
video/mp4
A great number of media players on all platforms can play the MP4 format, such as Microsoft Windows Media Player, Roxio Toast, Winamp, NERO suite, BSPlayer, and more.
Many media and video converters are able to convert MP4 video format to another video formats.
Software applications that can open mp4 files:
Microsoft Windows
Apple macOS / Mac OS X
Multiplatform
Software applications that can edit mp4 files:
Microsoft Windows
Apple macOS / Mac OS X
Multiplatform
Software capable of saving mp4 files:
Microsoft Windows
Apple macOS / Mac OS X
Multiplatform
Programs for viewing mp4 files:
Microsoft Windows
Apps designed for playing mp4 files:
Microsoft Windows
Apple macOS / Mac OS X
Multiplatform
Apple iOS
Google Android
Software apps that create mp4 files:
Microsoft Windows
Apple macOS / Mac OS X
Software apps that convert mp4 files:
Microsoft Windows
Apple macOS / Mac OS X
Linux/Unix
Software apps that import mp4 files:
Microsoft Windows
Apple macOS / Mac OS X
Linux/Unix
Multiplatform
Software apps that export mp4 files:
Microsoft Windows
Apple macOS / Mac OS X
Multiplatform
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