OmniConvert

MP4 Video

MP4 Video (MIME: video/mp4) is the most widely used video format in the world. Based on the MPEG-4 Part 14 standard, it stores video, audio, subtitles, and metadata in a single container with excellent compression efficiency.

History and Development

MP4 (MPEG-4 Part 14) was standardized by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in 2001 as part of the MPEG-4 standard. It evolved from Apple's QuickTime MOV format. MP4 became the dominant web video format when HTML5 adopted it, and today it accounts for the vast majority of online video content, supported by YouTube, Netflix, and virtually every streaming platform.

Technical Specifications

  • Container: MPEG-4 Part 14 (based on ISO Base Media File Format)
  • Video codecs: H.264 (AVC), H.265 (HEVC), AV1
  • Audio codecs: AAC, MP3, AC-3, Opus
  • Resolution: Up to 8K (7680×4320)
  • Subtitles: SRT, SSA/ASS embedded
  • Metadata: Rich MP4 atoms (title, artist, chapter markers)
  • Streaming: Progressive download and adaptive streaming (DASH)

Common Use Cases

MP4 is used for virtually everything: web video, social media, streaming services, mobile recording, video editing, and archival. It's the default output format for smartphones, screen recorders, and video editing software.

MP4 vs Similar Formats

  • MP4 vs WebM: MP4 has universal hardware support; WebM is optimized for web with open-source codecs. MP4 is safer for compatibility.
  • MP4 vs MOV: Both use similar technology. MOV is Apple-centric; MP4 is the universal standard.
  • MP4 vs MKV: MKV supports more tracks and codecs; MP4 has broader device support.

How to Open and Edit

MP4 plays on every device: computers, phones, tablets, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and web browsers. Edit with Adobe Premiere, DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro, or free tools like Shotcut and Kdenlive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What codecs does MP4 support?

MP4 is a container that supports many codecs. The most common video codecs are H.264 and H.265. For audio, AAC is standard. Newer MP4 files may use AV1 video codec.

Is MP4 lossy or lossless?

MP4 typically contains lossy compressed video (H.264/H.265) and audio (AAC). However, the container itself can hold lossless codecs like Apple ProRes or FLAC audio.