MP4 Players and MP3 Files: Can MP4 Players Play MP3s?

Yes, an MP4 player can play MP3 files. MP4 is a multimedia format that can handle various types of audio and video data, whereas MP3 is specifically an audio format. As a result, MP4 players typically support a wider range of audio and video formats, including MP3. However, it's important to note that an MP4 player is not simply a versatile successor to older audio players.

The Confusing Names of MP3 and MP4

The names MP3 and MP4 are often sources of confusion. An MP3 file is an audio file due to its association with the third part of the MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) specifications. The term 'MP' in MP3 stands for MPEG, and '3' refers to a specific part of these specifications. Part 2 of MPEG specifications covers video, while Part 1 is 'systems,' which deals with the packaging of audio, video, and other data into a stream or file.

MPEG-1 - Wikipedia
MPEG-2 Part 3 - Wikipedia
MPEG has evolved through several versions (1, 2, 4). Work on version 3 was started and then abandoned.

MP4, on the other hand, refers to the systems part of MPEG version 4. This started life as part 1 but was later abandoned and replaced by parts 12 and 14, where part 14 is the MP4 file format. MPEG-4 also introduced new audio and video encoding technologies such as AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) and AVC (Advanced Video Coding). However, these new media formats can also be carried in the older MPEG-2 Transport Stream (TS) format. Additionally, MP4 and MPEG-2 TS can carry even newer media encodings such as HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding) video.

What Makes an MP4 Player Versatile?

So, an MP4 player is likely to be both an audio and video player. While an MP3 player is strictly an audio player, the MP4 player can handle newer media encoders. For instance, over a decade ago, Apple switched to AAC audio for its iPods, and although you might refer to it as an MP3 player, it can also play MP3 files. This versatility by design, means that an MP4 player can play video content in addition to audio.

Therefore, if you have an MP4 file format player, it should be able to play MP3 files, granted they are compatible in terms of file structure and encoding. While some might argue that the MP4 player is the 'next generation,' it certainly has a visual component – a screen – that differentiates it from its predecessors.

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