MP4 or MP3? Choosing the right format and quality
Every time you paste a link into ClipNest you get a choice: MP4 or MP3, and a list of sizes. Here's how to pick in ten seconds.
MP4 or MP3?
MP4 is a video file with sound. It plays on practically every phone, computer, TV and editor. Choose it when you want to watch something.
MP3 is audio only. Choose it when you only want to listen: lectures, podcasts, interviews, your own music. MP3 files are much smaller and play in the background on any device. The YouTube to MP3 converter is set to MP3 by default.
What do 1080p, 720p and 480p mean?
The number is the height of the picture in pixels.
| Size | Good for | Approx. size per 10 minutes |
|---|---|---|
| 1080p (Full HD) | Laptops, TVs, editing | 150–300 MB |
| 720p (HD) | Phones and tablets | 70–150 MB |
| 480p | Lectures, slow connections | 30–60 MB |
| 360p | Saving data | 20–40 MB |
Sizes vary with the video: fast action needs more data than a talking head.
The best size on the ClipNest website is 1080p. If a size is missing from the list, the uploader didn't publish the video in that quality, and no tool can create detail that isn't there.
Quick recommendations
- Watching on a phone: 720p.
- Watching on a laptop or TV: 1080p.
- Using in a video edit: the highest size available, usually 1080p.
- Listening only: MP3.
- Saving a short part: use the YouTube video trimmer and download just that clip.
Vertical videos
TikToks, Reels and Shorts are vertical (9:16). Their "1080p" means 1080 pixels wide and 1920 tall. They look sharp on phones at 720p too. See the YouTube Shorts downloader and the TikTok downloader.
FAQ
Is a bigger file always better? Only if your screen can show the difference. On a phone, 720p and 1080p look very similar.
Why is my MP3 so small? Audio needs far less data than video, which is exactly why it's handy for long talks.
Which format works in PowerPoint or Keynote? MP4.