MP4s

MP4, formally known as MPEG-4 Part 14, is a digital multimedia container format most commonly used to store video and audio, but it can also be used to store other data such as subtitles and still images. It is a standard specified by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) in the MPEG-4 standard.

The MP4 container is based on the QuickTime File Format (QTFF) developed by Apple. It is a flexible format that allows for various types of media to be stored together. The .mp4 file extension is the most common for this format. Other less common extensions include .m4p, .m4v, and .m4a, which often indicate specific uses or codecs.

One of the key features of MP4 is its ability to support streaming over the internet. This makes it a popular choice for online video platforms and digital distribution. It allows for efficient compression of video and audio data, meaning files can be smaller without significant loss of quality, making them easier to download and stream.

MP4 files typically contain video encoded using codecs like H.264 (AVC) or H.265 (HEVC), and audio encoded with codecs such as AAC or MP3. However, the container itself is independent of the specific codecs used within it. This means an MP4 file can technically contain other audio and video formats, although H.264 and AAC are the most widely supported. Its widespread adoption has made it a de facto standard for video playback on a vast array of devices, including computers, smartphones, tablets, and smart televisions.