WebM and M4A explained
WebM is an open, royalty-free container built for the web, holding VP8/VP9 or AV1 video with Vorbis or Opus audio. It exists specifically so browsers can ship video support without patent licensing.
M4A is an MP4 container holding only audio — usually AAC, sometimes Apple Lossless. The extension exists mainly so players know not to look for a video track.
- Where WebM files come from
- Web video, and exports from browser-based recording tools.
- Where M4A is used
- iTunes purchases, Apple Music downloads, voice memos and audiobooks.