M4V and MP4 are two very similar video file formats but there are some differences between them. In this post, you can know what they are, the difference between them, as well as how to convert M4V to MP4 or MP4 to M4V.
What Is M4V?
M4V is an Apple-developed video format similar to MP4. The main difference between them is that you can choose to protect M4V files through DRM copy protection.
Apple encodes video files in its iTunes Store using M4V. Using Apple’s FairPlay copy protection can prevent unauthorized copying of M4V files. If the file extension is changed from “.m4v” to “.mp4”, some video players can also recognize and play M4V files. M4V files with a handbrake can also be played on PlayStation 3 with full Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound support.
To learn more detailed information about M4V, it is recommended to read this post – What M4V Refers to and How to Open It Successfully.
What Is MP4?
MP4, also known as MPEG-4 Part 14, is a widely used digital multimedia container format. It is often used to store video and audio, but you can also use it to store other data such as subtitles and still images.
Similar to most modern container formats, it allows access to the Internet. Sometimes, portable media players advertise as “MP4 players”. Although some are just MP3 players, they also play AMV videos or some other video formats without having to play MPEG-4 Part 14 format.
To learn more detailed information about MP4, it is recommended to read this post – What Is MP4 and What Are the Differences Between It and MP3.
M4V VS MP4: What Is the Difference Between Them?
After getting some basic information about M4V and MP4, now let’s know the information about M4V vs MP4.
| M4V | MP4 | |
| Codec | H.264 only | Multiple codecs |
| Compatibility | Apple devices mainly | Most devices |
| Popularity | Less common | Widely used |
| Developer | Apple | MPEG |
| Main Use | iTunes and Apple products | Playback, sharing, streaming |
M4V VS MP4: Encoding Method
MP4 is more flexible than M4V in encoding options.
From a technical point of view, the comparison between M4V vs MP4 mainly comes down to the codec used. Although MP4 files can accommodate MPEG-4, HEVC, or H.264, M4V files always adopt the H.264 codec. Regardless of the aspect, there is almost no difference in quality, but there may be differences in size because files encoded using the H.264 codec tend to be larger.
M4V VS MP4: Compatibility
MP4 offers much broader compatibility than M4V.
Speaking of M4V vs MP4, you should know that the main difference between them is related to compatibility. MP4 files can run on almost any type of device, including Windows PC, Mac, iPhone, Android devices, game consoles, etc. What’s more, most media players can recognize MP4 files and play them without problems.
On the contrary, M4V files are more restricted. These files are only for Apple devices and will open in iTunes by default, although QuickTime Player also supports them.
M4V VS MP4: Popularity
MP4 is far more popular and widely used.
If you strictly discuss which file format is the most popular and widely used, then there is no comparison between M4V vs MP4. MP4 has been around for a long time. It is the format of choice for many users on all platforms and is widely used for uploading, sharing, and streaming on the Internet. MP4 is more user-friendly for copying, saving, transmitting, and playing back on mobile devices.
And M4V is becoming more and more popular in the wave of Apple products, such as iPhone, iPad, Mac computers, and so on. Since this file extension is often copy-protected, many Apple fans like to keep the M4V format. But it definitely cannot be compared with MP4.
M4V VS MP4: Developer and Application
M4V is Apple-focused, while MP4 is universal.
When talking about M4V vs MP4, another thing you need to compare it their developer and application. M4V (.m4v) is developed by Apple Inc. and is specially designed for iPhone, iTunes Store, iPod, and other Apple products.
However, MP4 (.mp4) is developed by Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG), which can be used by most media players and devices. Due to its powerful compression capability and low bandwidth requirements, it is one of the most popular video formats on the Internet.
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MP4 VS M4V: Which One to Choose?
- Choose M4V for Apple devices
- Choose MP4 for Windows, Android, and cross-platform use
M4V is more suitable for Apple devices for saving digital information. Retaining the M4V extension helps protect video content from being copied or edited.
In addition, saving videos in the M4V format can help features like AC3 audio, chapters, and soft subtitles run properly. For example, Apple TV uses the M4V extension to recognize AC3 audio tracks in MP4 containers. If a file containing AC3 audio is changed from M4V to MP4, it may not play on an iPhone or iPad.
MP4 is a better choice for Windows, Android, and cross-platform use. Compared with M4V, MP4 offers better compatibility and is easier to copy, transfer, and play on many devices and platforms. Even if an MP4 file is damaged, some video repair tools can help repair inaccessible videos.
How to Convert M4V to MP4?
- Download and open MiniTool Video Converter.
- Import the M4V video.
- Choose MP4 as the export format.
- Start conversion.
- Locate the MP4 file.
MiniTool Video Converter is a professional tool to convert M4V to MP4 offline. This converter allows you to convert a large number of video and audio files.
Follow the instructions below to convert M4V to MP4:
Step 1: Download and open MiniTool Video Converter.
Download and launch the MiniTool Video Converter first.
MiniTool Video ConverterClick to Download100%Clean & Safe
Step 2: Import the M4V video.
In the Convert Video page, click Add Files to choose the M4V files as source files.
Step 3: Choose MP4 as the export format.
Choose MP4 as the output format from the drop-down menu next to Convert all files to.
Step 4: Start conversion.
Click the Convert button to begin the conversion.
Step 5: Locate the MP4 file.
Locate the video by clicking the folder icon.
Main Features:
- It enables you to perform batch video conversion at once.
- It is free and there are no ads.
- It allows you to change some parameters for the output video and audio format.
The End
MP4 is the better choice for most users because of its wider compatibility and easier sharing across devices and platforms. M4V is more suitable for Apple users who want DRM protection. With MiniTool Video Converter, converting M4V to MP4 or MP4 to M4V is simple and fast.
If you have any confusion about MiniTool Video Converter, leave a comment below or send an email to [email protected].
M4V VS MP4 FAQ
1. Install VLC Media Player and launch it.
2. Click Media and then choose Convert / Save….
3. Click Add… to upload the file and then click Convert / Save.
4. Check the Profile and then click Browse to choose a destination folder. Click Start.
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