What’s the Difference between MP3 and MP4?
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As far as music is concerned, you will often hear people expressing their confusion over the terms MP3 and MP4. Both, for instance, are extensions for music files. Earlier it used to be MP3’s that were only available. Then MP4 extensions were developed and released. A comparison and contrast of both these formats will help you develop a clear understanding about them.
While MP3 is the acronym for MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3, MP4 is the short form of MPEG4- Part IV. MP3 is believed to be the leading format for audio files. In MP3 format, an audio file is compressed so that it occupies less space. MP4 is basically a container format which is capable of storing both the audio and the video data. The MP4 format has no particular method for the coding of the audio or video information.
So, the basic difference lies in the fact that, while a MP3 file is essentially an audio file, the MP4 file can be either a video or an audio. With the MP4 format, images and even the subtitles for the video files can be stored. Thus, a wide variety of features can be accessed with the help of this format.
Devices that can play an MP3 file do not necessarily have to be able to play a MP4 file. Nor, is it true to say that all devices which can play a MP4 file can play a MP3 file. Both these formats have actually been developed by two completely different organizations at different points of time. Both these formats have contributed towards re-defining the world of media and entertainment and have together helped to increase the portability of audio and video.