M4V vs. MP4: What Is the Difference between M4V and MP4?

What is the difference between M4V and MP4? These are two of the most common video file types, and we will provide a detailed review of both of them in this guide.

We delve into some of the specific aspects as well as answering “what is an MP4 file?” and “what is an M4V file?” for you below.

M4V is what is called a container format. It was developed by Apple to try and create a folder that can’t easily be shared and illegally distributed. They are protected by a FairPlay DRM (Digital Rights Management). Because the file type was made for selling digital media, there are many features that are user-friendly, such as the support of chapters within the file to allow skipping. The .m4v file is most commonly found in Apple devices and programs. If you have purchased a movie on iTunes, for example, it will be an M4V file. M4V files aren’t necessarily protected by Digital Rights Management, it is an optional function for the manufacturers to use to prevent privacy.

An MP4 is another container format. It can support the audio and visual content that needs to be stored, but it is also for other data such as subtitles. MP4 files don’t have DRM protection, which makes it a suitable file for widely-shared media that doesn’t need to lock anyone out. The .mp4 extension works on a wide variety of media players and devices and is easy to stream online. This makes it a popular file for many different video functions. The MP4 format is short for “MPEG-4 Part 14”.

Another key difference in choosing between M4V or MP4 is the codec. MP4 files are capable of containing MPEG-4, HEVC, or H.264 files. On the other hand, an .M4V file is encoded using H.264 codec. There are no alternatives for creating this type of file. Any difference in the actual video quality is negligible. However, H.264 encoding uses more data and can result in some big files. This can make a difference depending on where you are storing or writing the files.

When considering the difference between MP4 or M4V file formats, compatibility might be the top criteria for the consumer. In a straight comparison looking at the number of devices and programs that can read the files, the .mp4 file extension is far more widespread. Both Windows and Mac can recognize these files. M4V files are a little more specialist. They may be known as the iTunes M4V because they were originally created to be used with Apple’s software. However, QuickTime player supports the file format as well. Windows and Android devices might need special software installed to view M4V video. Alternatively, you can convert M4V-files to something supported by your device.

Both file formats are very popular, especially when you consider the huge reach that Apple has. However, if you are comparing MP4 vs. M4V directly, there is no denying the fact that the MP4 format is more widespread. The fact it doesn’t have DRM protection makes it easy to upload and download, or share on a server or even via email. Plenty of software will allow you to view M4V, but MP4 is almost universal. It is not too much of a consideration for most users, because even if you buy something that is not in the form you wish, such as if you don’t have an M4V player, you can convert the file. More on this later.

M4V files are a little harder to access since this format is not so widespread. On the plus side, these videos have great copy protection. Adding subs and other data to an M4V video is also quite easy.

If you want your video to be accessed far and wide, then it might be a good idea to make it available as an MP4 file. Others will be able to download, share, and even edit it easily. MP4 is a very popular file format, and it is unlikely to need any extra software to open.