What is a .M4A file?
An M4A file is a type of audio file that can contain different kinds of audio content, like music tracks, podcast episodes, and audiobooks. This kind of file is created using the MPEG-4 format, which is a standard way to store multimedia files including both video and audio. When it comes to the audio part, M4A files use specific methods to compress the audio data so it takes up less space. These methods are known as codecs, and for M4A files, the codecs used are usually Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) or Apple Lossless Audio Codec (ALAC). AAC is known for being efficient and making files smaller while keeping the quality high, whereas ALAC is used for compressing audio without losing any quality at all, making it perfect for those who want their music or audio to sound exactly as it was originally recorded.
You can open M4A files with a variety of programs on different devices. For example, if you're using a Windows computer, you can listen to M4A files with Microsoft Windows Media Player (version 2022 and onwards) or with other popular media players like VideoLAN VLC media player and Media Player Classic. If you're on a Mac, Apple Music (previously known as iTunes) and QuickTime Player are the go-to programs for playing M4A files. These programs are included with the operating system, so you don't need to download anything extra to start listening.
For those who like to edit or work with audio professionally, Adobe Audition (2023 version) supports M4A files and offers a wide range of editing features. Musicians and podcasters might use Apple GarageBand, which is also included with macOS, to create or modify M4A files.
If you're on a mobile device, there are options for you as well. iPhones and iPads come with Apple Music, which can play M4A files directly. For Android users, apps like Videolabs VLC for Android and File Viewer for Android can open M4A files.
Lastly, it's worth mentioning that some of the programs listed, like Apple iTunes, have been discontinued or replaced by newer versions or different apps, such as Apple Music. However, if you have an older device or software version, you might still be using these programs to listen to your M4A files.
Verification
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