.MPEG File Extension

MPEG Video

Developer Moving Picture Experts Group
Popularity
3.8  |  141 Votes
 

What is an MPEG file?

An MPEG file is a video file saved in a digital video format standardized by the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG). It contains video and audio data compressed with MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 compression and is often used to share videos over the Internet.

More Information

Screenshot of a .mpeg file in VideoLAN VLC media player 3
MPEG file open in VideoLAN VLC media player 3

MPEG is an international workgroup that sets standards for media compression and encoding. In 1993, MPEG created MPEG-1, the initial version of MPEG video and audio compression. Then, in 1995, MPEG released MPEG-1's successor, MPEG-2. Both MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 compression standards have been utilized in encoding video for over-the-air digital television broadcasts, DVDs, and home movies.

NOTE: MPEG files may also use the .MPG file extension and are now more commonly saved as .MP4 files, which utilize MPEG-4 compression.

How to open an MPEG file

Because MPEG compression is widely-supported, you can open an MPEG file with most media players, including:

How to convert an MPEG file

Various video applications, including VideoLAN VLC media player, HandBrake, CyberLink PowerDirector, and Apple QuickTime Player, can convert MPEG files to other formats.

For example, VLC media player can convert MPEG files to the following video formats:

  • .MP4 - MPEG-4 Video
  • .WEBM - WebM Video
  • .TS - Video Transport Stream
  • .ASF - Advanced Systems Format
Open and view .MPEG files with File Viewer Plus.Free Download

Programs that open MPEG files

Verified by FileInfo.com

The FileInfo.com team has independently researched the MPEG Video file format and Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS apps listed on this page. Our goal is 100% accuracy and we only publish information about file types that we have verified.

If you would like to suggest any additions or updates to this page, please let us know.