What is a MOV file?
MOV is Apple's QuickTime File Format, introduced in 1991. It is a container, like MP4: in fact MP4 was built on QuickTime's design, so the two share most of their structure. iPhones record video as MOV, and Final Cut Pro and many cameras use it for editing-friendly codecs such as ProRes.
The friction usually comes from what is inside. A modern iPhone records HEVC (H.265) video by default ("High Efficiency" in camera settings), which saves space but is not supported by every Windows PC, Android app, editor or upload form. Converting a MOV to MP4 with H.264 video gives you a file that plays and uploads anywhere.
MOV at a glance
| Full name | QuickTime File Format |
|---|---|
| File extensions | .mov, .qt |
| Created by | Apple |
| Introduced | 1991 |
| Compression | Depends on the codec; iPhones use HEVC or H.264, editors often ProRes |
| Codecs inside | H.264, H.265 (HEVC) or ProRes video; AAC or PCM audio |
| Opens on | iPhone, Mac and QuickTime; Windows plays most; some websites and Android apps struggle with HEVC MOVs |
| Best for | Recording on Apple devices and professional editing |
How to open a MOV file
On a Mac or iPhone, MOV opens in QuickTime or Photos. On Windows, the Films & TV app or VLC plays most MOV files; HEVC clips may need Microsoft's HEVC extension. To avoid the problem entirely, convert with MOV to MP4. iPhone users can also choose Settings > Camera > Formats > Most Compatible to record H.264.