The MP4 file format, formally known as , is a digital multimedia container format primarily used to store video and audio. Since its release in 2001, it has become the global standard for media distribution due to its unique balance of high quality and efficient compression. Unlike a codec, which is an algorithm that compresses or decompresses data, a container like MP4 acts as a "wrapper" that holds various data streams together—including video, audio, subtitles, and metadata—into a single file.

The primary advantage of the MP4 format lies in its use of advanced compression techniques, such as the H.264 or H.265 codecs. These allow the file size to be significantly reduced while maintaining a high level of visual and auditory fidelity. This portability makes it ideal for:

: Its high compression rates ensure that high-definition videos occupy minimal space on mobile devices and computers.