video format

What is a .3GP file?

3GP is a compact mobile video format from the feature-phone era.

Full name
3GPP Multimedia
Developed by
3GPP
Released
2001
Extension
.3gp
MIME type
video/3gpp
Transparency
No

How to open a 3GP file

3GP plays in VLC; convert to MP4 for modern use.

What 3GP files are used for

Sharing & social

Clips that play on every platform.

Editing & post

Footage in production pipelines.

Streaming & web

Embedded and hosted playback.

Strengths & limitations

✔ Strengths✖ Limitations
Purpose-built for its nicheNo transparency support
Limited support — may need converting

Need more than a conversion?

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Frequently asked questions

3GP is a compact mobile video format from the feature-phone era.

3GP plays in VLC; convert to MP4 for modern use.

3GP is optimised for its specific use rather than strictly lossless storage.

Use SharkFoto's free tools — upload your 3GP file and convert it to a more convenient format in seconds. It's free, processed securely and never stored.

No — 3GP doesn't store transparency; convert to PNG or WEBP if you need it.