Capterra Glossary
M4A / Unprotected AAC Audio File
An M4A file, also referred to as an unprotected AAC audio file, is an MPEG-4 audio file, that is encoded using lossy advanced audio coding (AAC). The M4A format was first introduced by Apple to differentiate MPEG-4 audio files from MP4 files. The M4A file type has a smaller file size than its predecessor the MP3 file. Unlike MP3 files, M4A files are only capable of storing audio, such as audiobooks, music, and podcasts. Since M4A files do not natively support Digital Rights Management (DRM) protection, they are considered an unprotected audio file. This allows computer users to edit and stream a wide variety of M4A audio files without limitations. The M4A file format is the standard file format for music on the Apple iTunes store, although it is often unsupported by non-Apple devices.
What Small and Midsize Businesses Need to Know About M4A / Unprotected AAC Audio File
Small music labels typically use the M4A file format—as it has become the standard format—when placing their artist’s music on the iTunes store for purchase. Using the M4A file format for uploading music to the iTunes store ensures that their artist’s music can easily be purchased and streamed by Apple device listeners.
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