QuickTime

File Extension movPopularity Common

QuickTime (MOV) is a multimedia container format developed by Apple. It is commonly used for storing video, audio, and text, offering high-quality compression and compatibility across various Apple devices and media players.

History#

The QuickTime file format was released in 1991. As part of the QuickTime multimedia framework, the MOV format was designed to be a flexible container capable of handling multiple tracks of audio, video, and text. It played a pioneering role in digital media, enabling advanced features such as streaming and interactivity. QuickTime's influence extended beyond its initial scope, laying the groundwork for future multimedia formats, including MPEG-4 (MP4). QuickTime and the MOV format remain integral components of Apple's multimedia ecosystem.

Key Metrics1

CategoryScore2Rating
File quality75Great
File size80Large
Compatibility70Great
Flexibility60Good
Ease of use55Good

1 Compared to other formats in the Video category.

2 Scores are rated on a scale of 0 to 100.

See Also

  • MPEG-4 Part 14Universal standard for digital video distribution