MP4 vs M4A vs MP3: Which Format Should You Download?
A plain explanation of MP4, M4A and MP3: what each contains, file sizes, device support and which to choose from yt1s.ink.
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MP4: video with sound
MP4 is a container that holds video and audio together. It plays on virtually every phone, tablet, TV and computer. Choose it when you want to watch.
Size depends on resolution and length. A short clip at 360p can be a few megabytes, while a 1080p video of the same length is many times larger.
M4A: audio only, efficient
M4A is the audio-only counterpart of MP4 and normally uses AAC compression. At similar file sizes, AAC generally sounds as good as or better than MP3. iPhones, Android phones, Windows, macOS and most car stereos play it.
Choose M4A for podcasts, lectures and music you are permitted to keep.
MP3: older and universal
MP3 is the oldest of the three and works on almost everything, including very old players. If a device refuses M4A, convert the file with a separate converter. Renaming .m4a to .mp3 does not convert it and often breaks playback.
This site does not convert to MP3, so use M4A where you can and convert only when a device requires it.
Conclusion
Use MP4 to watch, M4A to listen, and convert to MP3 only if a specific device needs it.
FAQ
Is M4A better than MP3?
At similar sizes AAC in M4A is generally at least as good. MP3 is simply more widely supported on old hardware.
Can I rename M4A to MP3?
No. Renaming does not change the encoding and can stop the file playing.
Does yt1s.ink make MP3 files?
No. Audio is delivered as M4A.
Which uses less storage, MP4 or M4A?
M4A, because it has no video.