MP4 vs MOV vs GIF: which to choose
MP4 is universal, MOV is Apple-friendly, GIF is for silent loops. Learn the difference and when to use each without losing quality.
MP4, MOV, and GIF all show moving images, but they are built for different jobs. Choosing the wrong one means larger files, no audio, or videos that won't play on someone's phone.
MP4 - the universal standard
MP4 is a container, usually with H.264 video and AAC audio. It plays everywhere: iPhone, Android, Windows, browsers, TVs, Instagram, YouTube. If you want one format to rule them all, use MP4. It balances quality and size best. Use libx264 -crf 23 -preset veryfast for a good default, or lower CRF to 20 for higher quality.
MOV - Apple's high-quality container
MOV is Apple's QuickTime container. It can hold ProRes, H.264, or HEVC. iPhones record in MOV by default. Keep MOV if you are staying in Final Cut or need ProRes for editing. For sharing, convert MOV to MP4 - same quality, 30-50% smaller and plays on non-Apple devices.
GIF - not really a video format
GIF is an image format from 1987 that loops silent images with 256 colors. No audio, large file size for length, but auto-plays everywhere and loops. Perfect for memes, stickers, short reactions under 6 seconds. For anything longer, convert GIF to MP4 or WebM - it will be 5-10x smaller and support audio.
Quick decision table
- Need to send to anyone / upload to social: MP4
- Editing in Final Cut / need transparency: MOV (ProRes 4444)
- Short silent loop for chat / email: GIF, max 480p, 10 fps
- Best quality for web: MP4 or WebM with VP9
Quality tips
For MP4, keep original resolution unless you need smaller files. Use scale=-2:720 to downscale to 720p while preserving aspect ratio. For GIF, use fps=10,scale=480:-1:flags=lanczos to keep size sane. Our converter applies these automatically when you choose Speed: Fast vs Quality.
Private conversion note
Converting MOV to MP4 or MP4 to GIF can be done entirely in your browser. Your source MOV from iPhone never needs to leave your phone. Drop it in JSM-Video.com, choose target, and download.