What is MIME type "audio/mp4"?

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

audio/mp4 is a MIME type that tells systems how to handle audio data stored in an MP4 container. It is commonly used for files encoded with the AAC codec, which offers efficient quality at lower bitrates.
This format is optimized for streaming and online playback, ensuring media players and web browsers decode audio correctly.

• Usage: Delivery of music, podcasts, and audiobooks.
• Compatibility: Supported by most modern operating systems and browsers.
• Functionality: Can encapsulate audio-only content or accompany video data.
• Optimization: Designed for efficient data transfer and playback performance.

Files using this MIME type include formats such as MP4, M4A, M4V, AAC, M4B, M4P, M4R, and MP4A.

Associated file extensions

.mp4, .m4a, .m4v, .aac, .m4b, .m4p, .m4r, .mp4a

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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

    Content-Type: audio/mp4
  

HTML

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

    <a href="file.dat" type="audio/mp4">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', 'audio/mp4');
      res.end('Content here');
    }).listen(3000);
  

Associated file extensions

.mp4, .m4a, .m4v, .aac, .m4b, .m4p, .m4r, .mp4a