What is M4V?

M4V is Apple's video container format, essentially identical to MP4 but with the .m4v extension. The main difference is that M4V files from the iTunes Store can include FairPlay DRM (Digital Rights Management) protection, restricting playback to authorized devices. Non-DRM M4V files are functionally the same as MP4.

M4V files use H.264 or HEVC video codecs with AAC audio, providing excellent quality at reasonable file sizes. While primarily associated with iTunes purchases and rentals, M4V is also used for home videos exported from iMovie and other Apple software. The format works seamlessly across Apple devices but may require conversion for broader compatibility.

Did you know? Non-DRM M4V files can be renamed to .mp4 and will play anywhere!

History

Apple introduced M4V alongside the iTunes Video Store to distribute movies and TV shows with copy protection while maintaining high quality and compatibility with iPods and Apple devices.

Key Milestones

  • 2005: M4V launched with iTunes Video Store
  • 2007: HD video support added
  • 2009: iTunes Plus removes DRM from music
  • 2012: 1080p HD M4V available
  • 2017: 4K and HDR support
  • Present: Standard for iTunes video content

Key Features

Core Capabilities

  • DRM Support: FairPlay copy protection
  • High Quality: H.264/HEVC codecs
  • Apple Integration: Seamless device sync
  • Metadata Rich: Album art, chapters, subtitles
  • Multiple Resolutions: SD, HD, 4K support
  • AAC Audio: High-quality sound

Common Use Cases

iTunes Purchases

Movies, TV shows

Home Videos

iMovie exports

Apple Ecosystem

iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV

Video Podcasts

iTunes podcast distribution

Advantages

  • Excellent video quality
  • Apple ecosystem integration
  • DRM protection for content
  • Rich metadata support
  • Efficient compression
  • Chapter markers and subtitles
  • 4K and HDR capable

Disadvantages

  • DRM limits playback to Apple devices
  • Limited non-Apple compatibility
  • Purchased content not truly "owned"
  • Requires iTunes/Apple ID
  • May need conversion for other devices

Technical Information

Format Specifications

Specification Details
File Extension .m4v
MIME Type video/x-m4v
Format Type Video container
Video Codec H.264, HEVC (H.265)
Audio Codec AAC, AC-3
DRM FairPlay (optional)
Based On MPEG-4 Part 14

Common Tools

  • Players: iTunes, QuickTime, Apple TV, VLC
  • Editors: iMovie, Final Cut Pro
  • Converters: HandBrake, FFmpeg, Any Video Converter
  • Apple: Music app (macOS), Apple TV app