What is the Difference Between FLV and MP4 and 3GP?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚FLV, MP4, and 3GP are different video file formats, each with its own characteristics and advantages. Here are the main differences between them:
- FLV (Flash Video): This format is widely used for online video sharing platforms like YouTube and is supported by most video players. However, it is not recommended for long-term storage as it can slow down websites hosting large quantities of it, especially for visitors with slower internet access.
- MP4 (MPEG-4 Part 14): Developed by MPEG, this format is extremely popular and widely used. It supports a range of modern features, making it more advanced than some other formats. MP4 files are usually smaller than FLV files, allowing for easier transfer between devices and quicker download/upload times. They also respond better to compression while preserving video quality.
- 3GP (Third Generation Partnership Project): Designed for mobile devices, 3GP files save disk space and data very well. While it is ideally suited for mobile devices and text message video files, it is not suitable for websites due to high data usage and transfer issues.
In terms of quality, MP4 and FLV have similar levels of quality, but MP4 has a slight edge. MP4 is considered superior in terms of file size, transferability, and compatibility with various devices. While FLV is useful for online, browser-based purposes, MP4 is more universally functional and recommended for a wider range of applications.
Comparative Table: FLV vs MP4 vs 3GP
Here is a table comparing the differences between FLV, MP4, and 3GP:
| Feature | FLV | MP4 | 3GP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Developer | Adobe Systems | Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) | 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) |
| Filename Extension | .flv, .f4v | .mp4, .m4p, .m4v | .3gp, .3g2 |
| Size | Larger | Smaller | Smaller than FLV, larger than MP4 |
| Usage and Compatibility | Primarily used for online video streaming, especially on sites like YouTube | Widely used for general audio and video storage, as well as streaming | Dedicated for GSM-based phones and used by mobile carriers |
| Codecs | Supports video codecs like H.264, H.263, Sorenson Spark, VP6, H.265, and VP8. Supports audio codecs like MP3, AAC, Vorbis, G.711 (μ-law / a-law), Resampled (u-law / a-law), and G.729 | Supports various video codecs like MPEG-4, H.264, and HEVC, as well as audio codecs like AAC and MP3 | Supports video codec like H.263 and audio codec like AMR-NB |
| Subtitle Support | No subtitle support | Supports various subtitle formats like ttxt, VobSubs, and BIFS | Uses 3GP Timed Text for subtitles |
| Menu Support | No menu support | Supports interactive menus and chapters | No menu support |
As we can see from the table, each format has its own advantages and disadvantages. FLV is mostly used for online video streaming, MP4 is widely used for general audio and video storage and streaming, and 3GP is specifically designed for GSM-based phones.