3GPP Media File Format (3GP/3G2)
3GP is the standard container for mobile-recorded video/voice messages, MMS media, and legacy carrier content. Shares ISO BMFF box structure with MP4 but restricted codec set.
What It Defines
Mobile media container based on ISO BMFF (`ftyp` brands `3gp4`, `3gp5`, `3g2a`) optimized for AMR-NB/AMR-WB/EVS audio and H.263/MPEG-4 video on cellular devices. `.3gp` (3GPP) and `.3g2` (3GPP2/CDMA) variants. MIME type: `video/3gpp`, `audio/3gpp`.
Canonical (Normative)
Convenient (Practical)
The global collaboration of telecommunications standards bodies that produces the mobile network specifications: GSM/EDGE, UMTS/HSPA, LTE/4G, 5G NR, and IMS. Technical specifications (TS) and reports (TR) are freely available at 3gpp.org. Releases (Rel-8, Rel-15, Rel-17…) provide versioned capability sets.
Related Specs
MP4 is the dominant video container on the web and in MSE players. Box hierarchy, codec vs container distinction, and fragmenting (fMP4 for HLS/DASH) are essential for media engineering.
AMR-NB is the fallback voice codec for pre-VoLTE mobile networks and many carrier voicemail systems. The `#!AMR` file header and RFC 4867 RTP framing are distinct from AMR-WB.
AMR-WB is mandatory for VoLTE — every LTE voice call uses it. Understanding rate adaptation and the AMR payload format (RFC 4867) is essential for mobile VoIP and operator codec policy.
EVS is the next-generation carrier voice codec after AMR-WB. Required for 5G voice debugging, operator IMS integrations, and understanding VoNR codec policies.
MMS is still widely used for group messaging (iMessage fallback on non-Apple devices), marketing images, and vCards. Understanding MM7 (application-to-MMSC API) is needed when integrating with carrier MMS gateways.