MPG files carry MPEG-1/MPEG-2 video alongside MP2 (MPEG Audio Layer 2) audio from DVDs, VCDs, and broadcast recordings. M4A is Apple's audio container that wraps AAC audio in an MPEG-4 package, with native support for iTunes metadata, chapter markers, and album artwork. Converting MPG to M4A extracts the audio, upgrades it from MP2 to AAC, and packages it in Apple's standard audio format for seamless integration with iTunes, Apple Music, and all Apple devices.

M4A is the native audio format for Apple's ecosystem — iTunes, Apple Music, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and HomePod all handle M4A natively. MP2 audio from MPG files is a legacy codec that Apple devices do not support in their default music apps. Converting to M4A modernizes the audio codec (MP2 → AAC, a superior codec at all bitrates) and makes the content fully accessible across all Apple products.

FFmpeg extracts and decodes the MP2 audio from the MPG container, then re-encodes it using the AAC encoder and wraps it in the M4A (MPEG-4 audio) container. Typical AAC bitrates are 128-256 kbps, providing quality that matches or exceeds the original MP2 at lower data rates. The M4A container supports full iTunes-style metadata (title, artist, album, artwork, lyrics, chapters).

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

AAC (inside M4A) is a more efficient codec than MP2. At the same bitrate, AAC produces better quality. Converting at an equivalent bitrate gives you comparable quality in a universally supported format.

Yes. M4A is Apple Music's native audio format. Drag the file into the Apple Music or iTunes library and it imports seamlessly.

Match the original MP2 bitrate: 128 kbps AAC for 128-192 kbps MP2 sources, 192 kbps AAC for 256-384 kbps MP2 sources.

Yes, M4A supports MPEG-4 chapter atoms. You can add chapter markers after conversion for long-form content like audiobooks or lectures.

Yes. Android has built-in M4A/AAC support. M4A is not Apple-exclusive for playback — it is an industry standard.

Device	MPG	M4A
Windows PC	Partial	Partial
macOS	Partial	Native
iPhone/iPad	Partial	Native
Android	Partial	Partial
Linux	Partial	Partial
Web Browser	No	No

Feature	MPG	M4A
Full Name	MPEG Video	MPEG-4 Audio
Extension	.mpg	.m4a
Best For	Universal support	Better than MP3

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