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An MP4 is a digital multimedia container format used to store video, audio, and other data, such as subtitles and still images. Officially known as MPEG-4 Part 14, it is the most common and versatile file format for storing and streaming media.

Key characteristics

Container vs. codec: It's important to distinguish between the MP4 container and the codecs used within it. The MP4 file is the container, or "wrapper," that holds all the different data streams together. The codecs, such as H.264 for video and AAC for audio, are the compression methods used to shrink the individual streams for storage.

High compression: MP4 files offer a high degree of compression, resulting in smaller file sizes that are ideal for internet streaming and sharing. This compression balances quality and size, providing a good viewing experience without excessive data use.

Wide compatibility: Developed by the Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG) in 2001, the format is now an international standard. It is natively supported by virtually all devices and platforms, including computers (Windows and macOS), smartphones (Android and iOS), smart TVs, and streaming services like YouTube.

Streaming-friendly: Because the file can be "fragmented," it is perfectly suited for adaptive bitrate streaming technologies (like HLS and MPEG-DASH). This allows videos to play smoothly and adapt to a viewer's network conditions.