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MP4 - MPEG-4 Video Stream

What is a MP4 file

MPEG-4 Part 14 files (MP4) are capable of storing multimedia such as audio, video, and subtitles. This file type is commonly used by Apple and other producers of mobile products which allow audio, still images, or video. This includes but is not limited to: audio books, songs, movies, videos, photos, and podcasts. MPEG-4 is the format often used in online streaming of videos. Many MP3 players advertise an MP4 ability, which simply means it can play audio files and some video files (not always actual MP4 files) as well. Movie, video, and audio files with an MP4 extension can be downloaded or streamed (for free online or through payment, such as iTunes). Do you want to convert your videos into the versatile MP4 format? Check out this MP4 video converter.

Released in 2001 under ISO/IEX 14496-1:2001 standards, a MP4/MPEG-4 file uses AAC encoding for lossy compression to restrict users from copying the data. Digital video and audio information stored in the MP4 files are often used for streaming purposes more than file sending. It stands in opposition to the MPEG audio/video file since MP4 files can also store extra data like text, file information, and still images. MPEG-4 files are only known and filed with the MP4 extension name. The embedding of data into an MPEG-4 Part 14 file often requires the use of private streams (using hint tracks to include the streaming information).

Here's a small, but not exhaustive list of programs that can open MP4 documents:

  • Real Media Player
  • WinAmp
  • Windows Media Player
  • iTunes
  • VideoLAN VLC Media Player