Best iTunes Supported Video/Audio Formats [2025 Updated]
Summary: You may have already meet the situation that you cannot add your file to iTunes library successfully. So what’s wrong? The reason possibly is that the file format is not supported by iTunes. So what video/audio formats are supported by iTunes? This article will introduce you the formats supported by iTunes and the tools to convert iTunes files for play back as the way you like.
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Are you struggling to add your favorite videos or old DVDs to your iTunes library, only to encounter frustrating compatibility errors? Understanding which file types iTunes accepts—and how to convert, rip, or even remove DRM from your media—can save you time and frustration. In this guide, you'll learn exactly what formats iTunes supports, why Apple enforces these standards, and the best tools for making any video or audio file iTunes-ready.
Understanding Video/Audio Formats Supported by iTunes
According to Apple, iTunes supports any video format that works with QuickTime and video files purchased or rented from iTunes store. Therefore the video formats best supported by iTunes are MP4, MOV, and M4V.
Video Formats Supported by iTunes
MP4
MP4 is a digital multimedia container format which is commonly used to store video and audio, subtitles and still images. MP4 format is directly based on the QuickTime file format. iTunes supports MP4 but it has strict requirements on the codec of MP4. It only supports MP4 files with MPEG-4 or H.264 video codec and AAC audio codec. If it is not supported video codec Files with other codecs will be rejected by iTunes.
MOV
MOV is a common multimedia container file format developed by Apple and used in Apple’s QuickTime program. It uses Apple’s proprietary compression algorithm. It is often used for storing movies and other video files.
M4V
M4V file format is a video format developed by Apple to encode videos like iTunes movies, TV shows, and music videos on iTunes Store. These M4V files are all protected by FairPlay DRM so that they can only be watched on an authorized computers, iPhones, iPad and iPod. The DRM protection also prevents them from being converted to other video formats.
Audio Formats Supported by iTunes
MP3
A universally recognized compressed audio format that maintains a balance between sound quality and file size. Supported across all major platforms and devices, MP3 remains a staple for digital audio distribution.
AAC (Advanced Audio Codec)
The default audio format for iTunes and Apple Music. AAC provides more efficient compression than MP3, delivering better audio quality at similar bitrates. Most Apple music purchased after 2009 is sold in unprotected AAC (as M4A files).
AIFF (Audio Interchange File Format)
An uncompressed, lossless audio format developed by Apple, offering CD-quality sound in large file sizes. Commonly used for professional audio work or archiving.
WAV
Another uncompressed, lossless audio format comparable to AIFF but originally developed by Microsoft and IBM. Recognized for high fidelity and large file sizes.
Apple Lossless (ALAC)
A lossless compression format developed by Apple. ALAC compresses music without any loss of quality, retaining all audio detail in a much smaller file than AIFF or WAV. Supported natively by iTunes and all Apple devices.
M4A (unprotected)
Typically an AAC or ALAC audio file without any DRM. M4A is used for tracks ripped from CDs in iTunes and for Apple Music files that are not copy protected.
How to Rip DVD to iTunes-Supported Video Audio Formats with DVDFab
We all know that iTunes cannot play DVD video, but there is still a way for you to watch DVD movies on iTunes. You can use DVDFab DVD Ripper to rip and convert DVD to iTunes supported H.264 MP4.
If you choose an Apple device from the profile library of DVDFab DVD Ripper, you can transfer the video to iTunes directly when the conversion process if finished.
Click the download links to try this DVD Ripper tool:
Conclusion
Understanding the audio and video formats supported by iTunes is essential for anyone who wants to enjoy smooth, error-free playback across their Apple devices. While iTunes accepts a variety of popular formats like MP4, MOV, M4V for video and MP3, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, WAV, M4A, and M4P for audio, it does have specific requirements for codecs and DRM protection. Tools like DVDFab Video Converter and DVDFab DVD Ripper can help you easily convert or rip your media into iTunes-friendly formats, while DVDFab DRM Removal for Apple offers a way to manage protected files. By preparing your media in the right formats, you can fully leverage iTunes as a powerful platform to organize, sync, and enjoy your favorite music and videos—anytime, anywhere.
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