MPG is a legacy video format using MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 compression — the codecs that powered Video CDs (352x240 at 1.5 Mbps) and DVD discs (up to 1920x1080). MPG files typically pair MPEG-1/2 video with MP2 (MPEG Audio Layer 2) audio. 3GP is the mobile video container designed for GSM cellular networks, using H.263 or MPEG-4 Part 2 video at very low bitrates. Converting MPG to 3GP transforms legacy disc and broadcast video into an ultra-compact format playable on feature phones and 2G/3G mobile devices.

3GP was engineered for scenarios where MPG files are far too large to transmit — over MMS, slow cellular networks, or onto phones with megabytes (not gigabytes) of storage. A DVD-quality MPG file at 5-8 Mbps would consume data budgets in minutes. 3GP at 64-384 kbps total makes the same content viewable on legacy Nokia, Motorola, and Samsung feature phones that dominated the pre-smartphone era.

FFmpeg decodes the MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 video and MP2 audio from the MPG container, then re-encodes the video to H.263 at QCIF (176x144) or CIF (352x288) resolution and the audio to AMR-NB at 8 kHz for maximum compatibility. The output is wrapped in the 3GP container. Frame rates are reduced to 12-15 fps and total bitrate is kept under 384 kbps to meet 3GP specifications.

Resolution: 1920x1080

Bitrate: 8-12 Mbps

H.264 recommended for fast processing

Resolution: 1080x1080

Bitrate: 3.5 Mbps

Square or 9:16 for Reels

Resolution: 1080x1920

Bitrate: 4 Mbps

9:16 vertical, under 60s ideal

Resolution: 1280x720

Bitrate: 5 Mbps

Under 140s, 512MB max

Resolution: 960x540

Bitrate: 2 Mbps

16MB limit for standard, 64MB for document

Resolution: 1280x720

Bitrate: 4 Mbps

8MB free, 50MB Nitro

Drastically smaller — typically 90-97%. A 700 MB VCD MPG file becomes roughly 20-50 MB in 3GP at CIF resolution.

Yes. FFmpeg handles both MPEG-1 (VCD) and MPEG-2 (DVD) sources within MPG files. The entire stream is decoded and re-encoded for 3GP.

Most Android phones play 3GP, but the extremely low resolution looks poor on modern high-DPI screens. Use MP4 at 720p or higher for modern devices.

AMR-NB for maximum compatibility with feature phones. If the target device supports it, AAC at 32-48 kbps provides noticeably better audio quality.

SQCIF (128x96) is even smaller, while CIF (352x288) is the typical maximum for 3GP. Some devices support 4CIF (704x576) but compatibility drops significantly.

Device	MPG	3GP
Windows PC	Partial	Partial
macOS	Partial	Partial
iPhone/iPad	Partial	Partial
Android	Partial	Native
Linux	Partial	Partial
Web Browser	No	No

Feature	MPG	3GP
Full Name	MPEG Video	3GPP Multimedia
Extension	.mpg	.3gp
Best For	Universal support	Mobile optimized

Convert MPG to 3GP — Free Online Converter

About MPG to 3GP Conversion

Why Convert MPG to 3GP?

Common Use Cases

How It Works

Quality & Performance

Device Compatibility

Recommended Settings by Platform

YouTube

Instagram

TikTok

Twitter/X

WhatsApp

Discord

Tips for Best Results

Related Conversions

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Conversions & Tools

Also Convert MPG to

Also Convert to 3GP

Related Tools

Explore More

How to Convert

Convert MPG to other formats

Convert other formats to 3GP

MPG vs 3GP