M4V

Technology & Computing abbreviation · File Format

M4V
Stands forMPEG-4 Video file (Apple)
CategoriesTechnology & Computing

M4V stands for MPEG-4 Video file (Apple), a file format abbreviation.

Apple's variant of the MP4 video format, used for movies and TV episodes from the iTunes Store and for exports from Apple apps. Store purchases may be protected by Apple's FairPlay DRM.

Example: The movie I bought downloaded as an M4V, so it only plays in Apple's TV app.

Usage notes

Unprotected M4V files are essentially MP4 files and play in most media players if renamed. Files may contain Dolby Digital audio tracks and chapter markers alongside AAC audio. HandBrake, a popular free video converter, has offered M4V as an output option for Apple compatibility.

More file format abbreviations

  • JPG – JPEG image file
  • JXL – JPEG XL
  • KML – Keyhole Markup Language
  • LNK – Windows shortcut (Shell Link) file
  • M3U – MP3 URL playlist
  • M4A – MPEG-4 Audio file
  • MD – Markdown
  • MIDI – Musical Instrument Digital Interface
  • MKV – Matroska Video
  • MOBI – Mobipocket e-book
  • MOV – QuickTime Movie
  • MP3 – MPEG-1 Audio Layer III

See all 125 file format abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.