Video · .mp4
What Is an MP4 File?
A .mp4 file is the most widely supported video format.
- Extension
- .mp4
- Full name
- MPEG-4 Part 14 video
- Type
- Video
- MIME type
- video/mp4
- Developed by
- MPEG (2001)
About MP4 Files
MP4 is the standard container for video on phones, the web, social media and streaming. It usually holds H.264 or H.265 (HEVC) video with AAC audio, and can also carry subtitles, chapters and metadata. Because the container and the codecs are separate, two MP4 files can behave differently: H.264 plays almost everywhere, while H.265 or AV1 video inside an MP4 needs newer devices or extra codecs. Phones, cameras and screen recorders mostly save MP4.
How to Open an MP4 File
- Windows
- Double-click to play it in Media Player or Films & TV. VLC plays almost any MP4.
- Mac
- Open it in QuickTime Player or press the space bar in Finder.
- iPhone & Android
- MP4 videos play in Photos or Gallery and in the Files app.
- Any device
- Drag it into a browser tab.
MP4 File Questions
Why does my MP4 play with sound but no picture?
The video is probably H.265 (HEVC) or AV1, which your device doesn't support. Play it in VLC or install the codec.
Is MP4 the same as MPEG-4?
MP4 is the file format defined in part 14 of the MPEG-4 standard. MPEG-4 also covers codecs and other parts.