M4V Video (.M4V)
M4V is a video container format developed by Apple that is essentially identical to MP4 but may include Apple's FairPlay DRM copy protection. It typically contains H.264 video with AAC audio and is the standard format for video content purchased or rented from the Apple iTunes Store. Unprotected M4V files can generally be played by renaming them to .mp4.
Advantages of M4V Video
What the M4V format does well, and why you might choose it.
- High-quality H.264 video with AAC audio in an efficient container
- Full integration with Apple ecosystem including iTunes and Apple TV
- Supports DRM protection for commercial content distribution
Limitations of M4V Video
What the M4Vformat doesn't do well, and when to choose another format.
- DRM-protected files are restricted to authorized Apple devices
- Essentially the same as MP4 but with less universal recognition
- Limited playback options outside the Apple ecosystem when DRM is present
What M4V files are used for
- iTunes Store purchased and rented video content
- Apple TV and Apple device video playback
- Video podcasts and educational content on Apple platforms
Convert to M4V
The most common formats people convert to M4V, ready to convert in seconds.
Convert M4V to other formats
Convert M4V Video files into the format you actually need.
Frequently asked questions about M4V
What is a .M4V file?
M4V is a video container format developed by Apple that is essentially identical to MP4 but may include Apple's FairPlay DRM copy protection. It typically contains H.264 video with AAC audio and is the standard format for video content purchased or rented from the Apple iTunes Store. Unprotected M4V files can generally be played by renaming them to .mp4.
What is the MIME type of M4V?
The official MIME type for M4V files is video/x-m4v. This is the value web servers and applications use to identify the format when transferring files.
What category does M4V belong to?
M4V is a Video Converter format. Files in this category share common conversion paths and use cases.
How do I open a .M4V file?
M4V files are typically opened by software that natively supports the M4V Videoformat. If you don't have a compatible application, the most reliable approach is to convert the file to a more universal format using the converters listed above. Most M4V Video files convert to widely-supported alternatives in seconds.
Have a M4V file you need to convert?
Free, instant, no signup. Files deleted within an hour of upload.
Convert M4V to TS