3GP file format
3GPP multimedia file
3GP is a lightweight MP4-style format designed for 3G mobile phones and MMS messages. Files are small but low-resolution; modern phones prefer MP4.
| Property | 3GP |
|---|---|
| File extensions | .3gp, .3g2 |
| MIME type | video/3gpp |
| Introduced | 2002 by 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) |
| Typical video codecs | H.263, H.264 (Baseline) |
| Typical audio codecs | AMR, AAC |
| Plays in web browsers | Partly |
| Compatibility | Old feature phones, most media players |
| Best for | Very small videos for old phones and MMS |
What is a 3GP file?
3GP was defined by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project for 3G mobile phones and MMS messaging. It's based on the same ISO media structure as MP4 but restricted to phone-friendly codecs such as H.263 or H.264 Baseline video and AMR or AAC audio.
Strengths and weaknesses
3GP files are tiny and play on almost any old feature phone. But they're usually low resolution, and modern phones, editors and social networks all expect MP4.
When should you use 3GP?
Only for very old phones or MMS gateways. Convert 3GP clips from old phones to MP4 to keep and share them.