MP4 (file format)
MP4 is a versatile and widely supported multimedia container format. It offers high-quality video and audio in a compact file size, making it ideal for streaming and sharing.
What is MP4?
MP4, also known as MPEG-4 Part 14, is a digital multimedia container format. It is most commonly used to store video and audio, but it can also be used to store other data such as subtitles and still images. The '.mp4' is the file extension for the MPEG-4 Part 14 files.
The MP4 format is versatile and widely supported, making it a popular choice for streaming over the internet. It’s a compressed format, meaning it uses less storage space and bandwidth compared to other formats, without compromising on the quality of the media.
Origins of MP4
The MP4 format was developed by the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG), a working group of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The group specializes in the development of video and audio encoding standards.
MP4 is based on Apple’s MOV file, and was introduced in 2001 as part of the MPEG-4 standard. It was designed to provide DVD quality audio and video in a small file size, making it ideal for streaming and downloading.
Technical aspects of MP4
The technical aspects of MP4 cover compression, quality, compatibility and support.
Compression and quality
MP4 uses a method of compression that preserves the quality of the video and audio. This is achieved through a process called lossy compression, where unnecessary data is removed to reduce the file size. Despite this, MP4 still maintains a high quality of audio and video, even at lower bit rates.
Furthermore, MP4 supports a wide range of codecs. This means it can be used to encode a variety of different types of video and audio, making it a versatile choice for multimedia content.
Compatibility and support
One of the main advantages of MP4 is its wide compatibility. It’s supported by a vast array of devices and platforms, including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS and various web browsers. This makes it a universal format for sharing and streaming media.
Moreover, MP4 supports streaming over the internet. It has the ability to be streamed over networks with lower bandwidth, making it a popular choice for online video platforms like YouTube and Netflix.
How to create MP4 files
Creating an MP4 file is relatively straightforward. Most video editing software, such as Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro, can export videos in MP4 format. When exporting, you can choose the codec, bit rate and other settings to optimize the quality and size of the file.
Audio files can also be converted to MP4. This is often done using audio editing software, such as Audacity or Adobe Audition. Again, you can choose the settings to optimize the quality and size of the file.
How to convert to MP4
There are many MP4 conversion tools available, both online and offline, that can convert various formats to MP4. These tools allow you to choose the output settings, ensuring the converted file meets your needs.
Restream’s MP4 converter is the go-to online tool for converting your video files into MP4 format with ease. All you have to do is upload your video file, start the conversion process, and download your MP4 file after the conversion is finished. Restream’s MP4 converter is fast and free for everyone to use!
However, it's important to note that converting a file to MP4 may result in some loss of quality, due to the compression process. Therefore, it's recommended to keep the original file in case you need to access the uncompressed version.