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MP4 vs MP3 vs M4A: which format should you pick?

Updated

Short answer: pick MP4 when you want to watch it, MP3 when you only want to listen and need it to play everywhere, and M4A when you only want to listen and care most about sound quality.

What each format is

  • MP4 is a container for video and sound together. It plays on practically every phone, computer, TV and editing app.
  • MP3 is audio only. It's the oldest and most widely supported audio format, from car stereos to smart speakers.
  • M4A is audio only too, usually using AAC. It sounds better than MP3 at the same size and is the native audio format on Apple devices.

Which one for what?

  • A lecture or tutorial with slides: MP4, because you need the picture.
  • A podcast or talk for your commute: MP3, for small files that play anywhere.
  • Music you're allowed to keep: M4A for the best quality, or MP3 for an older player.
  • A clip you'll edit: MP4 at the Best quality, so you lose as little detail as possible.

Why VidNabbit's M4A says "original"

Online video and audio is usually stored with AAC sound already. VidNabbit's M4A option keeps that original audio stream as it is. MP3 has to be re-encoded from it, at 192 kbps, which sounds good to most ears but can't be better than the source.

Resolution and file size

For MP4, the number (480p, 720p, 1080p, 4K) is the picture height in pixels. Higher means sharper, and bigger files. Audio-only files are far smaller than any video. If storage or mobile data is tight, 720p or audio-only is usually the sweet spot.

Can I turn an MP3 back into a video?

No. Once you save audio only, the picture is gone. If you might want the video later, save the MP4 too. Every option is explained on formats and quality.

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