3GP file format
| Extension | .3gp |
| Category | video |
| Programs | QuickTime Player VLC Media Player Windows Media Player |
| Main program | Adobe Flash Professional |
| Description | The 3GP multimedia container format, a creation of the 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project), is widely used in 3G mobile phones and similar devices. Introduced in 1998, the 3GP format is primarily used on GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) phones. Its efficiency in utilizing bandwidth and data makes it well-suited for mobile devices. |
| Technical details | The 3GP format is structured around MPEG-14, designed for minimizing file size and bandwidth consumption. This makes it a superior choice for mobile phones. It's straightforward to use for storing, sharing, and editing files. Video is encoded using MPEG-4 Part-2, H.263, or similar formats, and audio is saved as AMR-WB (enhanced wideband audio), AMR-WB+, and AMR-NB (narrowband audio), among others. For instance, the PlayStation 3 can encode audio files for storage on an external USB drive, while the Nintendo DSi can play 3GP files on SD cards. Furthermore, the 3GP format's small file size facilitates easy transfer and management. Combining video and audio components into a single file streamlines the user experience. |
| MIME type | video/3gpp audio/3gpp |