What is MP4: Discovering Everything You Need to Know about MP4

MP4 is a very common way to store videos on computers, phones, and even on the internet. It is like a universal language that almost all devices can understand, which is why it has been labeled as the universal video format. And to learn more about what MP4 is, this article will explain everything you need to know about it. This information includes its description, why it is so popular, how it works, how it is compared to other video formats and many more. By the end of this post, we can assure you that you will be an expert at playing, editing, and converting MP4 videos!

Part 1. Precise Review of MP4

Description

MP4 or you may see it labeled as MPEG-4 Part 14, is a format that can hold different types of media like videos, audio, subtitles, and images. It is also commonly used for storing digital content that can be streamed online. Furthermore, it works with various codecs such as H.264/AVC, HEVC, AAC, 3GP, and MP3. Now, with the specific type of MP4 called H.264/AVC, it is part of the MPEG-4 standard and is gaining popularity due to its impressive performance. Moreover, MP4, standardized by MPEG, was made for streaming video and audio online. It's evolved since then and is known for offering high-quality videos even at lower data rates.

How MP4 Works

So, how does the MP4 technology work? It compresses video files efficiently without sacrificing quality by addressing coding issues. It reduces redundancies and utilizes compression and decompression techniques known as codecs. In addition, MP4 offers various benefits for consumers and businesses alike. In relation to this, you can easily access and share movie clips online, save them to your devices, and share them via email. Aside from that, if you own a business, you can use MP4 for presentations on your websites. With this format, you can showcase products and services to potential clients and for advertising purposes.

Compatibility

Let’s move on to its compatibility, in addition to see why you would convert MP4 to other formats just in case. As I mentioned a while ago, MP4 is a universal video format for a reason. It is everywhere in digital stuff like broadcasting, recording, and streaming videos. The main reason why it is popular is because it is a standard everyone uses, and it can handle a bunch of different video technologies like 8K, HDR, and 3D. Hence, it is popularly supported by various media players and devices such as desktops, Android phones, tablets, game consoles, Smart TVs, DVD players, and Apple devices, including Macs, iPhones, and iPads.

Why is MP4 Popular

By looking at the information above, you must already have an idea why MP4 is popular. Hence, allow this part to list the reasons for the format’s popularity.

◆ MP4 files are compatible across all devices and media players.

◆ The format works with popular streaming protocols like HLS and MPEG-DASH.

◆ It is perfect for online streaming and downloading videos without eating up all your storage space since it uses compression to shrink the files without sacrificing their quality.

◆ An MP4 is an all-in-one package file that can hold not just the video itself but also the audio, subtitles, and even images.

Part 2. MP4 Alternatives

MKV vs. MP4

MP4 and MKV are similar video containers made by different groups. But see how they differ from each other. MKV is free to use and allows unlimited media tracks. It is often used to store HD movies from Blu-rays and DVDs and is theoretically free for anyone. MP4, on the other hand, is patented and has content restrictions, and it is more common than MKV. For more detailed comparison, check MKV vs MP4.

MOV vs. MP4

MOV and MP4 are both video container formats. Now, MKV is good for editing on Macs with QuickTime, and it has high-quality video and audio but bigger files because of the low compression. MP4 is a standard format with smaller files due to compression, and it is better for sharing online or on devices with less storage, though the quality might be a bit lower.

WebM vs. MP4

Even if WebM is also a common video format like the MP4, both still cater to users’ different needs. Do you want to know the big factor of their differences? MP4 offers wider compatibility and potentially higher quality. It is why it is a good choice for offline videos or universal playback. Meanwhile, WebM shines online with smaller file sizes thanks to its efficient video compression. This translates to faster loading times and smoother streaming, which is ideal for web videos and those shared online.

Part 3. How to Convert MP4 to Other Video File Formats Without Quality Loss

Moving forward is the process of converting MP4 to the mentioned video formats or other formats. So, if you want to learn the perfect conversion process that won’t affect the video quality, then meet FVC Free Video Converter Online. It is a devoted video and audio converter that supports nearly all audio and mainstream video files like MOV, MKV, FLV, WebM, VOB, M4V, WMV, and many more. Remarkably, this online free video converter lets you convert your MP4 and other media files in just a matter of seconds while maintaining a lossless quality. This also works for its batch conversion process. Hence, you may convert your MP4 to MOV, WebM, and MKV at once!

Moreover, this FVC Free Video Converter Online provides you with no watermark outputs while keeping your data and files safe and stable. Thus, if your MP4 files and internet are ready for the conversion, then follow the quick and simple conversion process below.

Step 1. Upload your MP4 files when you click the Add Files to Convert button on the tool’s official website.

Step 2. When the MP4 videos are visible on the workspace, you can start setting them to your preferred output format. Choose a format from the selectable format section in the bottom part.

Step 3. Afterward, click the Convert button to start the quick conversion process.

Part 4. FAQs about MP4

Conclusion

You now have enough knowledge and can answer the question of what MP4 is. Indeed, MP4 is a versatile format that can carry not just videos but also audio, images, and subtitles at once. You can also stream your MP4s online, as it is super convenient to access!