What is MIME type "application/mpeg4-iod-xmt"?

A MIME type is a string that tells browsers and other tools how to handle a particular kind of file.

application/mpeg4-iod-xmt defines how MPEG-4 media files organize both content and metadata.
It combines binary media data with an XML-like textual description that uses an Initial Object Descriptor (IOD) approach.
This structure helps players and editors understand file relationships and timing information.

Multimedia Streaming: Enables efficient playback of video and audio streams.
Enhanced File Integrity: Provides precise metadata for better file management.
Metadata Parsing: Uses an XML-based layout to simplify the extraction of file properties.

Files using this MIME type include popular media formats like MP4 and M4A. They also encompass files such as XMT, which rely on a text-based description for flexible media information.

Further details about MIME types can be found at MIME Types on MDN.

Associated file extensions

.mp4, .m4a, .xmt

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

When serving content with this MIME type, set the Content-Type header:


    Content-Type: application/mpeg4-iod-xmt

HTML

In HTML, you can specify the MIME type in various elements:


    <a href="file.dat" type="application/mpeg4-iod-xmt">Download file</a>

Server-side (Node.js)

Setting the Content-Type header in Node.js:


    const http = require('http');
    
    http.createServer((req, res) => {
      res.setHeader('Content-Type', 'application/mpeg4-iod-xmt');
      res.end('Content here');
    }).listen(3000);

Associated file extensions

.mp4, .m4a, .xmt

FAQ

What is a MIME type?

A MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) type is a standard that indicates the nature and format of a document, file, or assortment of bytes. MIME types are defined and standardized in IETF's RFC 6838.

MIME types are important because they help browsers and servers understand how to process a file. When a browser receives a file from a server, it uses the MIME type to determine how to display or handle the content, whether it's an image to display, a PDF to open in a viewer, or a video to play.

MIME types consist of a type and a subtype, separated by a slash (e.g., text/html, image/jpeg, application/pdf). Some MIME types also include optional parameters.

How do I find the MIME type for a file?

You can check the file extension or use a file identification tool such as file --mime-type on the command line. Many programming languages also provide libraries to detect MIME types.

Why are multiple MIME types listed for one extension?

Different applications and historical conventions may use alternative MIME identifiers for the same kind of file. Showing them all helps ensure compatibility across systems.