How do MP4 and 3GPcompare? Here's everything you need to know to choose the right format — and how to convert between them.
MPEG-4 Part 14
MP4 is the most widely used video format in the world. It's the default for everything from YouTube to TikTok, smartphones to streaming services. If you need one video format that works everywhere, MP4 is it.
3rd Generation Partnership Project
3GP is a video format designed for 3G mobile phones. While modern smartphones use MP4, 3GP is still used in feature phones and developing markets where bandwidth and storage are limited.
| Specification | MP4 | 3GP |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | MPEG-4 Part 14 | 3rd Generation Partnership Project |
| Extension | .mp4 | .3gp |
| MIME type | video/mp4 | video/3gpp |
| Category | Video | Video |
| Developer | ISO / Moving Picture Experts Group | 3rd Generation Partnership Project |
| Year introduced | 2001 | 2003 |
MP4 is the universal standard — it works everywhere. 3GP has its niche: feature phone video playback. When in doubt, convert to MP4 for maximum compatibility.
Need to switch formats? Convert for free with SquishConvert.