Convert M4V to MOV
About M4V
The M4V file format is a video container format developed by Apple and is very similar to the MP4 format. In fact, they are often interchangeable. The primary difference is that M4V files may optionally be protected by Apple's FairPlay DRM copy protection, which is used for videos purchased or rented from the iTunes Store.
About MOV
MOV is a high-quality multimedia container format developed by Apple for its QuickTime framework. It's a standard in the professional video editing world, especially on macOS. MOV files can contain multiple tracks of video, audio, effects, and text, and they are known for preserving high quality, often using codecs like Apple's own ProRes. This quality comes at the cost of very large file sizes.
M4V vs MOV
| Feature | M4V | MOV |
|---|---|---|
| Streaming Support | true | false |
| Subtitle Support | true | true |
| DRM Support | true | false |
| Quality Rating | 4 | 5 |
| Patent Status | proprietary | proprietary |
| Year Introduced | 2007 | 1991 |
| Developed By | Apple | Apple |
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between M4V and MP4?
Functionally, they are nearly identical. An M4V file without DRM can be renamed to .mp4 and will play without issues. The .m4v extension is primarily used by Apple to identify videos for its ecosystem (iTunes, Apple TV), especially those that contain DRM or AC3 audio.
Can I play M4V files on non-Apple devices?
If the M4V file is not protected by DRM, it will play on most devices and players that support MP4. If the file is protected with FairPlay DRM, it can only be played on authorized devices, such as those signed into the Apple ID that purchased the video.
Can I play MOV files on Windows?
Yes, you can play MOV files on Windows, but you may need to install a compatible media player like VLC or QuickTime for Windows. Native support in Windows Media Player can be limited depending on the specific codecs used inside the MOV file.
Why are MOV files so large?
MOV files are often large because they are typically used in professional workflows with high-bitrate or minimally compressed video codecs (like Apple ProRes) to maintain the highest possible quality for editing. For distribution, these MOV files are usually compressed into a more efficient format like MP4.
Transform Your Videos with AI Subtitles & Closed Captions
Get started with 10 minutes of free transcription. No credit card required.