Convert MOV to MP4
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.
About MP4
MP4 is the most widely used video file format in the world. It's a multimedia container that can store video, audio, subtitles, and images. Its success is due to its excellent balance of high-quality compression, which results in relatively small file sizes, and its universal compatibility across virtually all devices, browsers, and platforms. It most commonly uses the H.264 video codec and the AAC audio codec.
MOV vs MP4
| Feature | MOV | MP4 |
|---|---|---|
| Streaming Support | false | true |
| Subtitle Support | true | true |
| DRM Support | false | true |
| Quality Rating | 5 | 5 |
| Patent Status | proprietary | patented |
| Year Introduced | 1991 | 2001 |
| Developed By | Apple | ISO/IEC |
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Is MP4 the same as MPEG-4?
Not exactly. MPEG-4 is a compression standard, while MP4 is a container format. An MP4 file often contains video compressed with the MPEG-4 standard (specifically, codecs like H.264), but the MP4 container can also hold video encoded with other standards, like H.265.
Is MP4 better than MOV?
For general use, especially for web streaming and sharing, MP4 is better due to its universal support and smaller file sizes. MOV is a professional, high-quality format that is excellent for video editing, especially within the Apple ecosystem, but it is less compatible and results in larger files.
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