MP4 File

What are MP4 files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a MP4 file or are you simply curious about its contents? We're here to explain the properties of these files and provide you with software that can open or handle your MP4 files.

What is a MP4 file?

MP4 files have multiple uses, and MPEG-4 Video is one of them. Read more about the other uses further down the page.

MPEG-4 Video

The MP4 is short for MPEG-4, and is one of the most common formats for audio and video. The MP4 file format is often thought of as the evolution of the MP3 file format, with the MP4 format providing more functionality and flexibility - and support for video, which the MP3 format lacks.

MP4 is a so-called "container format", which means that you can store different data streams inside a single MP4 file. Such data streams can contain e.g. video, audio, images, and subtitles.

The format also allows MP4 files to be streamed over the internet, so when you watch a video online, it is highly likely that it is an MP4 file.

How to open MP4 files

We have identified five MP4 openers that are compatible with this specific type of MP4 file.

Programs that open MPEG-4 Video files

Last updated: December 28, 2023

All known file formats using extension .MP4

While MPEG-4 Video is a popular type of MP4-file, we know of 2 different uses of the .MP4 file extension. Different software may use files with the same extension for different types of data.

Native Instruments Stems audio

The Stem file format (.stem.mp4) is a variation of MPEG-4 audio files invented by Native Instruments.

A Stem file consists of 5 separate tracks: 4 stems (the individual parts of the song such as drums, bass, melodies, and vocals) and a master file which is the mastered mix of all stems.

Supporting software can playback the individual tracks (stems) within a single file.

A Stem file can be played as a regular MP4 audio file, provided that the software supports the Apple Lossless Audio Codec.

While we have not verified the apps ourselves yet, our users have suggested ten different MP4 openers which you will find listed below.

Various apps that use files with this extension

These apps are known to open certain types of MP4 files. Remember, different programs may use MP4 files for different purposes, so you may need to try out a few of them to be able to open your specific file.

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File.org helps thousands of users every day, and we would love to hear from you if you have additional information about MP4 file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit@file.org to discuss further.