What is the Difference Between MOV (QTFF) and MP4?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚MOV (QTFF) and MP4 are two file formats used to store digital audio and video streams. They are known as file containers and have some differences, despite their similarities. Here are the key differences between MOV (QTFF) and MP4:
- Origin: MOV (QuickTime File Format) was developed by Apple for its media framework, while MP4 is derived from the ISO base media file format, which is directly derived from the QuickTime file format.
- Compatibility: MOV files are more closely associated with Apple's QuickTime framework, while MP4 is more widely supported across various platforms and devices.
- Multichannel Audio: The QuickTime file format supports multichannel audio, which is used in high-definition trailers on Apple's site, for example. However, this feature is not available in MP4.
- Extensions: MOV files are typically assigned the extension .mov, .movie, or .qt, while MP4 files use the .mp4 extension.
- Bitstream Format: Although both MOV and MP4 container formats can use the same MPEG-4 formats, they are not entirely interchangeable due to differences in bitstream format.
In summary, MOV (QTFF) and MP4 are both used to store digital audio and video streams, but they have some differences in origin, compatibility, multichannel audio support, extensions, and bitstream format. MP4 is more widely supported across various platforms and devices, while MOV files are more closely associated with Apple's QuickTime framework.
Comparative Table: MOV (QTFF) vs MP4
Here is a table comparing the differences between MOV (QTFF) and MP4 formats:
| Aspect | MOV (QTFF) | MP4 |
|---|---|---|
| Developer | Apple | International Organization for Standardization |
| File extension | .mov | .mp4 |
| Video codec | H.264, MPEG-4, HEVC, AV1 | H.264, MPEG-4, HEVC, AV1, VP8, VP9, Theora |
| Audio codec | MP3, AAC, AC-3 | MP3, AAC, AC-3, WMA |
| Accessibility | Limited | Widely accessible |
| DRM protection | No | No |
| Subtitles | Yes | Yes |
| Compatibility | Mainly Apple devices | Widely supported across various devices and platforms |
Both MOV (QTFF) and MP4 are container formats that can store video, audio, and other data. They are based on the MPEG-4 compression standard and are used for storing digital video and audio. The main difference between the two formats is their accessibility and compatibility across devices and platforms. MP4 is more widely supported and accessible, making it a better choice for sharing and playing on various devices. MOV (QTFF), on the other hand, is mainly used for Apple devices and has limited accessibility outside of the Apple ecosystem.