Video format
The M4V format
M4V is an MP4 video with Apple’s extension. M4V is Apple’s variant of MP4, used by iTunes since 2003 and by some iPhone and HandBrake exports.
When to use M4V
Convert M4V to MP4 when a form or player refuses the extension.
It is best for Apple TV and iTunes libraries, and it opens on Apple apps and VLC; some Windows apps and upload forms reject the extension.
How to open it: QuickTime, the Apple TV app and VLC play M4V files.
| Full name | Apple MPEG-4 Video |
|---|---|
| Extensions | .m4v |
| MIME type | video/x-m4v |
| Introduced | 2003 |
| Compression | Lossy |
| Usually contains | H.264 video with AAC audio |
| Support | Mainly Apple devices |
| Typical size | The same as the equivalent MP4 |
Good at
- The same efficient video as MP4
Not so good at
- Forms that check the extension refuse it
- Store purchases may be copy-protected
The common mistake
Films bought from the iTunes Store are copy-protected and can’t be converted by any tool; your own M4V exports convert in seconds.
Convert M4V to another video format
Questions
What is an M4V file?
M4V (Apple MPEG-4 Video) is an MP4 video with Apple’s extension. M4V is Apple’s variant of MP4, used by iTunes since 2003 and by some iPhone and HandBrake exports.
How do I open an M4V file?
QuickTime, the Apple TV app and VLC play M4V files.
How do I convert M4V to another format?
Pick the target on this page, or open the Video Converter, drop the M4V file and choose a format. It converts in your browser, so nothing is uploaded.