The inquiry centers on whether YouTube Music, a dedicated music streaming service, supports the playback of MP4 files. MP4 is a widely used digital multimedia container format most commonly used to store video and audio, but its primary function is video. Therefore, the crucial distinction lies in understanding the service’s intended purpose: music streaming. For instance, a user might possess music videos in MP4 format and wish to play them within the YouTube Music application.
The service prioritizes audio playback and music discovery. Its core functionality revolves around streaming music from its extensive library. The relevance of this distinction stems from the platform’s design, which is optimized for managing and delivering audio content. Consideration of historical context reveals that initially, the platform stemmed from Google Play Music, focusing solely on audio. The subsequent shift to YouTube Music maintained this audio-centric approach. This means that the emphasis remains on curated playlists, radio stations, and traditional music streaming features, with less focus on video compatibility.