MP4
3 synonyms for MP4, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A widely supported file format that holds video together with sound, and sometimes subtitles, in a single file.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
video file
video format
container format
How to use MP4
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
export as MP4
MP4 file
convert to MP4
play the MP4
Everyday word. Written in capitals with a numeral.
Etymology
Short for MPEG-4 Part 14, from MPEG, an acronym of Moving Picture Experts Group.
Full origin of MP4 →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between MP3 and MP4?
MP3 is an audio-only format. MP4 is a container that usually holds video with an audio track, though it can hold audio alone. Despite the similar names they are not different versions of the same thing.
What is a container format?
A container is a wrapper that packages separate streams — picture, sound, subtitles — into one file, along with information about how they line up. The picture and sound inside are compressed by their own codecs, such as H.264 for video and AAC for audio, which is why two MP4 files can behave quite differently.
Why won't some MP4 files play?
Because the container plays fine but the codec inside is not supported by the player. An MP4 encoded with a newer video codec may open on a recent phone and fail on an older television, even though both accept MP4 files in general.
