---
title: ".mp4 file — what it is and how to open it"
description: "A .mp4 file is a MPEG-4 Part 14 Video. The default video container for phones, cameras, streaming and everything else. How to open one on Windows, macOS and Linux, and what to convert it to."
url: https://atoneplace.net/file/mp4/
site: "At One Place"
---

# .mp4 files

**.mp4 file: MPEG-4 Part 14 Video**

The default video container for phones, cameras, streaming and everything else.

## What opens a .mp4 file

- **Windows:** Media Player (built in), VLC, Any web browser
- **macOS:** QuickTime Player (built in), VLC, IINA
- **Linux:** Videos / Totem (built in), VLC, mpv
- **In a browser:** Any web browser

## What a .mp4 file is

MP4 is an ISO standard container, derived from Apple's QuickTime format, that normally holds H.264 or H.265 video with AAC audio. It plays on every phone, TV, browser and editing program without extra software, which is why it is the safe answer for sharing video. The extension says nothing about the codec inside, so a rare MP4 using an unusual codec can still refuse to play in a basic player while working fine in VLC.

## Converting it

A .mp4 file is commonly converted to .mkv, .mov, .webm, .avi, .mp3 or .gif. It is a binary format, so a text editor will show unreadable characters rather than its contents.

## Details

- **Extension:** .mp4
- **Full name:** MPEG-4 Part 14 Video
- **Category:** Video
- **MIME type:** video/mp4
- **Created by:** ISO/IEC (MPEG)
- **Format:** Binary

## Common questions

### How do I open a .mp4 file?

On Windows use Media Player (built in); on macOS use QuickTime Player (built in); on Linux use Videos / Totem (built in). The default video container for phones, cameras, streaming and everything else.

### What is a .mp4 file?

MPEG-4 Part 14 Video. MP4 is an ISO standard container, derived from Apple's QuickTime format, that normally holds H.264 or H.265 video with AAC audio. It plays on every phone, TV, browser and editing program without extra software, which is why it is the safe answer for sharing video.

### Can I convert a .mp4 file?

Yes. It is usually converted to .mkv, .mov, .webm, .avi, .mp3 or .gif, either by exporting from one of the programs listed above or with a format converter.

## Related pages

- [.mov — QuickTime Movie](https://atoneplace.net/file/mov/)
- [.mkv — Matroska Video](https://atoneplace.net/file/mkv/)
- [.avi — Audio Video Interleave](https://atoneplace.net/file/avi/)
- [.srt — SubRip Subtitle](https://atoneplace.net/file/srt/)
- [.webm — WebM Video](https://atoneplace.net/file/webm/)
- [.ts — MPEG Transport Stream](https://atoneplace.net/file/ts/)
- [.wmv — Windows Media Video](https://atoneplace.net/file/wmv/)
- [.mpg — MPEG-1 / MPEG-2 Video](https://atoneplace.net/file/mpg/)
- [.m4v — iTunes Video](https://atoneplace.net/file/m4v/)
- [.vtt — WebVTT Caption](https://atoneplace.net/file/vtt/)
- [.swf — Shockwave Flash Movie](https://atoneplace.net/file/swf/)
- [.mts — AVCHD Video](https://atoneplace.net/file/mts/)

## Sources

- Media Types Registry — IANA (https://www.iana.org/assignments/media-types/)
- Official vendor product documentation — At One Place (/about/)