Is MOV better quality than MP4?

Not inherently. Both are container formats that can hold the same codecs. MOV files are often larger because they typically use higher-bitrate codecs like ProRes, which preserves more data for editing. But an MP4 and a MOV using identical H.264 settings will produce the same visual quality.

Can I convert MOV to MP4 without losing quality?

If the MOV file uses H.264 or H.265, you can often remux (repackage) it into an MP4 container without re-encoding, which preserves quality perfectly. Tools like FFmpeg, HandBrake, or Adobe Media Encoder can handle this. If the MOV uses ProRes, converting to MP4 will require re-encoding to H.264/H.265, which introduces some generation loss.

Does YouTube prefer MP4 or MOV?

YouTube accepts both, but recommends MP4 with H.264 codec. Since YouTube re-encodes every upload, sending an MP4 gives the encoder the cleanest source material. Uploading a large ProRes MOV file will result in similar final quality but with significantly longer upload times.

Why can't I export MP4 with an alpha channel?

The H.264 and H.265 codecs (the standard codecs inside MP4 containers) don't support alpha channel data. For transparency, you need to use MOV with ProRes 4444 or Apple Animation codec. This is why motion graphics templates and overlay assets are almost always delivered as MOV files.

Should I use H.264 or H.265 for export in 2026?

For maximum compatibility, H.264 remains the safest choice. For better compression (especially at 4K resolution and above), H.265 is increasingly viable since most platforms and devices now support it natively. If your audience is primarily watching on modern devices and platforms, H.265 in an MP4 container offers the best quality-to-size ratio in 2026.

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