How to use the MP4 to 3GP converter
- Choose your MP4 video or drop it on the box.
- Check the settings. "Same as original" resolution is fastest. Lower it to 720p for a smaller file.
- Click "Convert to 3GP". A progress meter shows how far along it is.
- Download your 3GP.
Why convert MP4 to 3GP?
3GP is the format for basic feature phones and some very low-bandwidth uses. MP4 to 3GP makes a small file those phones can play.
- MP4: usually lossy, so quality drops a little each time it is re-encoded.
- 3GP: very small files.
- 3GP: works on old feature phones.
Choose 360p or 480p resolution so the 3GP stays small enough for basic phones.
MP4 vs 3GP
| MP4 | 3GP | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | MPEG-4 Part 14 | 3GPP multimedia file |
| Type | Video | Video |
| Created by | Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) (2001) | the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) (2003) |
| Compression | Lossy | Lossy |
| Typical codecs | H.264 + AAC | H.263 or H.264 + AMR or AAC |
| Best for | Sharing videos online, phone recordings, social media uploads and streaming | Old phone videos and very low-bandwidth video |
| Plays on | Windows, macOS, iPhone, Android, smart TVs, game consoles and every modern browser | VLC, most Android phones and QuickTime; many modern apps and websites reject it |
Does converting MP4 to 3GP lose quality?
MP4 (H.264) has to be re-encoded to 3GP (H.263 or H.264). At "Balanced" quality the difference is very hard to see; choose "High" for footage you will edit again.
How long does it take?
Re-encoding video uses your device's processor. A short clip takes seconds; a 10-minute 1080p video can take several minutes. Choosing 720p makes it 2–3 times faster.
What is an MP4 file?
MP4 is a container that usually holds H.264 or H.265 video with AAC sound. It is built on Apple's QuickTime file structure and became an ISO standard in 2001. Because almost every phone, browser, TV and editing app can play it, MP4 is the safest choice when you need a video to just work.
What is a 3GP file?
3GP is a mobile video format designed for 3G phones. It keeps files tiny with low resolutions and narrow audio. Old feature phones and early smartphones recorded video as 3GP.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay or sign up to use the MP4 to 3GP converter?
No. There is no account, no payment and no watermark. The only limit is 1 GB per file, set by what browsers can handle.
Is my file uploaded to a server?
No. The converter runs inside your browser using WebAssembly, so your file is processed on your own device and never sent to us or anyone else.
Will the 3GP sound and look as good as the MP4?
MP4 (H.264) has to be re-encoded to 3GP (H.263 or H.264). At "Balanced" quality the difference is very hard to see; choose "High" for footage you will edit again.
Can I convert 3GP back to MP4?
Yes, use the 3GP to MP4 converter.
An MP4 plays without sound. What should I do?
The audio may use a codec your player does not support (for example AC3). Convert it to MP4 again so the sound becomes AAC.
Does it work on iPhone and Android?
Yes, in Safari, Chrome and other modern mobile browsers. Short files work best on phones; for long or high-resolution videos a computer is faster.