While everyone agrees video has become the king of digital media, the best video format is still up for debate. Which one you choose for your video plays a big role in deciding the quality, compatibility, and even the accessibility of your content. Among the wide selection of formats for video files, MOV and MP4 are two of the most popular choices. But what exactly is the difference between MOV vs MP4? And when should you use one over the other? In this post, we’ll go over everything you need to know about MOV and MP4 formats, exploring their differences, advantages, and ideal use cases.
Understanding how video containers and codecs work
MOV and MP4 are both types of video containers encoded with codecs. A video container is a type of file format that stores all of the different parts of your video file, including the audio, video, subtitles, and metadata. Codecs, on the other hand, are a type of software or hardware that can compress and decompress audio and video data. Together, containers and codecs determine the quality, size, and compatibility of a video file.
What is video compression?
Video compression is the process to reduce the size of a video file. By eliminating unnecessary data in your file, while preserving visual quality, you can get more efficient storage, transmission, and playback of videos across different devices and platforms.
About the MOV format
For most people, the MOV format is associated with QuickTime, and is also known as the QuickTime File Format. And that’s because MOV was developed by Apple to be used with QuickTime, their multimedia framework. MOV files typically use the MPEG-4 codec for video compression and can hold multiple tracks for audio, video, and text.
About the MP4 format
MP4, short for MPEG-4 Part 14, is a versatile video format that’s been widely adopted because of its compatibility and efficiency. MP4 uses the H.264 codec for video compression, which strikes a good balance between file size and quality. That’s why MP4 files have become the international standard for video containers, supported by a wide range of devices, operating systems, and media players.
Differences between MOV vs MP4
While both MOV and MP4 serve similar purposes as video containers, they have some important differences. The biggest difference is how compatible they are across different platforms and devices. While MOV is only part of Apple’s ecosystem, MP4 is much more widely used and supported across various operating systems and media players.
Video Quality
Both MOV and MP4 formats can both deliver high-definition content. However, the choice between the two may depend on specific requirements or preferences. In the past, MOV was usually recommended for the best quality video. But today, it’s often hard to tell the difference between MOV vs MP4 when it comes to quality. While MOV may offer slightly better quality in certain scenarios, the average viewer most likely can’t see the difference.
File Size
When it comes to file size, MP4 is the clear winner if limited storage or bandwidth is a concern. That’s primarily thanks to the H.264 codec that MP4 formats used, which can efficiently compress the contents of the video container. MOV formats, on the other hand, tend to be on the larger end of file sizes. So when you’re watching a video online, chances are it’s a MP4 format as the smaller size is easier for streaming, sharing, and distribution in general.
When is MOV preferred?
MOV is the standard within the Apple ecosystem, despite having a larger file size. Most non-Apple users will rarely ever run into the format. But if you’re editing videos using Final Cut Pro or using a device with an Apple OS, you’ll be working with MOV.
Issues with MOV
The main issue you’ll run into with MOV files is on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube. Because MOV tends to have a larger file size, they’re more likely to be over the size limit for the majority of social media platforms. Especially if the export settings are optimized for a higher quality format.
Is MP4 preferred for social media?
MP4 is by far the preferred format for social media platforms, thanks to its widespread compatibility and smaller file sizes. MP4 formats will almost always have a smoother upload and playback for videos on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. If you’re looking for a way to remember the different requirements for each social media platform, check out our social media video spec sheet in the Ultimate Video Marketing Toolkit.
How to export video in MOV and MP4
To export videos in a MOV or MP4 format is a straightforward process, and both formats are typically available within most video editing software. When you go to export your video or project, there should be an option to choose your preferred format from the export settings menu. From there, you can adjust or customize other settings. For more detailed instructions, check out our tutorials for exporting in Premiere Pro, iMovie, or After Effects.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to MOV vs MP4 formats, neither one is one-size-fits all. Which one you choose boils down to compatibility, quality, and where you want to use or distribute your video file. For users on Apple OS, MOV will almost always be the default format. But for almost every other use case, MP4 is the best choice thanks to its universal support across devices and platforms, along with having more efficient compression. By understanding the differences between each format, you should now be able to easily determine which one best suits your video production needs.
Regardless of which format you choose, you can always find MOV and MP4 footage in 4K and HD inside Storyblocks’ library of over 2 million stock assets.
