MPG files.
MPG is transforming how the world gathers multimedia information. Whether on streaming services or viral videos, MPG has become the go-to name for video storing, sharing, and streaming today.
Explore MPG files, how they work, and why they’re so essential to life today.
What is an MPG file?
MPG is a popular container format that’s used globally for streaming high-resolution videos over the internet. The MPG extension uses either MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 video compression to compress the file size and still retain its high visual and audio quality. You can think of it as a type of compressed file, like a zip file, used for media.
You should be aware that MP4 and MPG files aren’t the same. They are closely related and often seen together in the world of digital video entertainment. However, they both use different compression standards that set them apart.
History of the MPG file.
Even though MPG or MPEG is a widely used audio-video container file, most don’t know that the name is an acronym that stands for Moving Pictures Experts Group — a group founded back in 1988 with a dream to revolutionize multimedia.
MPEG's first ground-breaking success came from audio formatting when it gave the world the hugely successful MP3 file — a format that still dominates the modern-day digital soundscape.
The first-generation MPG is a far cry though from its current version. Originally it became the standard for compressing audio and video, because it could compress VHS-quality video and CD audio without any significant loss of quality. The MPEG-1 file extension uses a data rate of 1.2 Mbps, basically the speed of a CD-ROM, while the MPEG-2 supports a higher quality with a bit rate of 1.2 to 15Mbps, which made it the more favored format for video on demand and digital television.
How to use MPG files.
Today, MPG files are widely used to store and stream multimedia files. However, it can also store data like images or text.
Storing videos.
MPG files open doors for video creation and uploading. You can store MPG files on most devices, then watch them using video players that support MPG files.
Sharing and streaming.
Present your creative side to the world by uploading your MPG files on streaming and social platforms. With several streaming services recommending users upload videos “as close to the original as possible,” MPG is a great choice, allowing viewers to stream in high resolution.
Video editing.
Video editing is in everything and is everywhere. A file format like MPG gives you the freedom to use video editors to turn ordinary footage into breathtaking masterpieces.
Pros and cons of MPG files.
Pros.
- Wide distribution. Unlike some other video file formats, MPG enjoys worldwide distribution and support. Most operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux Ubuntu (Linux) can store and play MPG files seamlessly. MPG is compatible with most modern devices.
- Compatible with many digital channels. MPG is one of Google's top recommended video formats for YouTube, making MPG files perfect for sharing online.
- Video editing. As a widely supported video format, MPG allows you to edit videos easily by using bespoke video editing software.
Cons.
- Competitor file types are available. Other video file formats, such as MP4, offer a higher video quality, meaning that although you can use MPG filesto upload onto streaming sites like YouTube, they offer less visual quality for online videos than MP4s.
- Outdated in some areas. Compared to newer and more advanced file formats like MP4, MOV, and AVI, MPG can feel a little sluggish and outdated. MPG’s low compression for higher quality can result in large file sizes that eat up more space and data.
Find out which container file types are supported by Adobe Premiere Pro
How to open an MPG file.
How you open an MPG depends on the program and operating system you’re using.
- To open MPG files on Windows, simply double-click on the file, and it will open on your Windows Media Player.
- To open MPG files on Mac, open the file with Quick Time Player.
- To open an MPG file on your iPhone, you'll first need to convert it to an MP4 file.
You may also need to install a compatible application in order to open your MPG file.
How to create and edit an MPG file.
You can open up an MPG file in Adobe Premiere Pro and edit the file as you wish in that program. You can also export the video or convert it to another format in Adobe Media Encoder, which gives you flexibility with the file you want to export.
MPG files are also compatible with After Effects, which allows you to add additional visual effects and graphics to your file.
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Are MPG files YouTube compatible?
Are MPG files outdated?
Do MPG files take up more space?
MP4 vs. MPG — which one’s better?
Should I create and edit my videos in MPG?
Learn more about similar file types to MPG
MP4.
Discover more about MPG's successor and one of the most widely used video file formats.
MTS.
Used primarily in camcorders, explore how this file type saves live recordings in Advanced Video Coding High Definition (AVCHD) format.
AVI.
Learn more about Windows’ answer to Apple’s hugely popular MOV format.
Whether it's the small stuff you want to share or your big day, create breathtaking videos with the right app for whatever story you have to tell.
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