MP4

MP4 (also known as MPEG-4 Part 14) is a media container format that is commonly used for storing audio and video. It is the most widely used format for storage and playback of media content, and is widely supported by streaming media players, portable media players, and most web browsers. The format is based on the QuickTime File Format and shares its generic structure and extension.

Developed by Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG), the MPEG-4 Part 14 standard (or MP4) was first released in 2001 and is one of the most commonly used video and audio file formats. The format is widely used for streaming and downloading media over the internet, and is known for providing good compression and high quality video and audio when compared to other popular formats such as AVI and RealMedia.

MP4 files are distinguished from other multimedia containers in that they may contain both audio and video tracks or data tracks, and can be compressed with a wide range of audio and video codecs. The format is also capable of storing metadata such as lyrics, album cover artwork, and movie information. Additionally, the format is also commonly used to store photos and other types of media such as VR and AR content.

Due to its ease of use, high quality media storage, and widespread compatibility, MP4 is the most commonly used media format on the web. It is the standard for web-streamed video, and is supported by all major streaming media players and web browsers. Therefore, many video sharing and streaming websites use MP4 as their default format.

The MP4 format is supported by most modern operating systems and devices, including Apple iOS devices, Android devices, Windows PC, and most gaming consoles. It is also the preferred format for mobile video applications such as Snapchat and Instagram.