M4V files are Apple’s own version of the MP4 container format. Similar in both name and nature, these files both contain video content to play back on devices. In M4V’s case, it’s mainly used on iOS devices for video content hosted in platforms like iTunes and Apple Music.
Discover more about the M4V format today.
M4V files are a video container format developed by Apple, with many similarities to MP4s. If you download movies, music videos or episodes from the iTunes store, then you’ve probably seen the M4V format used.
All M4V files have an additional layer of security built in, compared to a standard MP4 file, known as Digital Rights Management (DRM) protection. Apple introduced this to restrict any unauthorized replication of copyrighted content retailed on their platforms like iTunes or Apple Music.
When played on media players like QuickTime, M4V files will use the H.264 video streaming codec, alongside Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) and Dolby Digital audio compression. These two audio technologies allow for high-quality audio, even when compressed to save on file size.
The .M4V file extension was originally developed by Apple for use on video content either sold or rented via their iTunes Store. When iTunes began retailing videos back in 2005, Apple wanted to create a secure way of sharing copyrighted content, such as TV episodes, movies, and other video content onto people’s devices.
While similar to MP4, M4Vs allowed Apple to copy-protect the content, thanks to DRM copy protection, meaning the files could be checked for authentication via iTunes. This helps to combat piracy of TV and movie content, making it more difficult for the files to be replicated illegally.
M4V files play multimedia, primarily video such as episodes or full-length movies, that are been purchased from the iTunes store. While they’re similar in function to MP4 files, M4Vs adhere to Apple’s FairPlay DRM copyright protection.
Though not all files are necessarily encrypted, those that are must be on an authorised computer by a linked iTunes account.
For those looking to secure and distribute their video through iTunes this can be a convenient safety net but may come with limitations if attempting to upload the file on other video hosting platforms.
Find out which container file types are supported by Adobe Premiere
Simply double-click any unprotected M4V to play it with most media players. If you’ve protected your M4V file, you may need to authorise your computer on iTunes first. This simply involves logging in with the account you used to purchase the M4V in the first place then following the above steps.
Adobe Premiere can export files as M4V and also convert existing filetypes such as an MP4. You can also convert files to or from an unprotected MP4 using most media players or by changing the file extension.
To open up the file in Adobe Premiere, simply create a new project, double-click the M4V file you want to open, and you can start editing it from there.
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