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What is a 3GP file?

A 3GP file is a multimedia container format used primarily on 3G devices. It is the standard format for media files sent using Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) and Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Services (MBMS).

Files in this format may also use the .3GPP file extension, but they are no different to 3GP files.

3GP files do not take up too much disk space when you transfer to or store them on devices. And because many of these devices rely on mobile data for streaming, the 3GP files' lower data use and small bandwidth make them strong file choices.

History of the 3GP file.

Not so long ago, it was difficult to open video files on our mobile devices. Slower internet connections combined with the large file sizes, made playing multimedia files on our smartphones rather challenging – until of course, 3GP files emerged.

The 3GP file format was developed by the 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) and released in the year 2003. The multimedia container format was created with the intention to decrease bandwidth usage and storage requirements, making it easier to convert and transmit video and audio files between 3G mobile devices.

As the advent of 4G has seen 3G’s usage drop considerably, these filetypes perhaps don’t enjoy the popularity and widespread use they once did. But with many devices still reliant on 3G, they are very much a factor for video playback.

How to open a 3GP file.

3GP files are compatible with the majority of 3G mobile devices that support video playback. You can also open them on 2G and 4G devices, but maximum file size and resolution restrictions may apply.

You can also open a 3GP file on your computer with Windows Media Player, included with Windows or Apple QuickTime Player, which supports macOS.

If you do not have access to either of these, an alternative approach is to convert your 3GP file to a more widespread format such as MP4.

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