← Back to Directory
.m4v

Apple M4V

Commonly known as M4V

Apple’s take on the MP4 container, often paired with FairPlay-protected downloads. developed by Apple and released in 2005, it has become a standard for TV show distribution, Apple device playback.

Key Features

  • Supports chapters and subtitles
  • Optimized for Apple TV/iTunes
  • High-quality H.264 video

Limitations

  • DRM restrictions
  • Less universal than MP4
  • Requires re-encode for some platforms

When to use M4V?

The M4V format is ideal for TV show distribution, Apple device playback. Its MIME type is video/x-m4v.

How to open .m4v files

  1. macOS: Use native Preview/Quick Look or import into professional apps that support M4V.
  2. Windows: Open via Photos, Media Player, or dedicated editors by enabling the relevant codec pack.
  3. Browser: Drag the file into FileConvert to transform it into a universally supported alternative before sharing.

Popular Conversions

Convert M4V to...

M4V to MP4
M4V to WebM
M4V to AVI
M4V to MOV
M4V to MKV
M4V to MP3

Convert to M4V

FAQs about M4V

How do I open a .m4v file?

You can open M4V files with native tools on Mac, Windows, and Linux or convert them for free using FileConvert.

Is M4V still relevant in 2025?

M4V remains essential for TV show distribution thanks to its supports chapters and subtitles benefit.

How do I convert M4V into other formats?

Visit our M4V conversion directory to switch between Apple M4V and 200+ alternatives without uploading files.