ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

3GP and 3G2

Have you ever watched a video on your phone or tablet? Sometimes, those videos are saved in a special format called 3gp or 3g2. These formats are really just ways to store and play videos on a mobile device.

Think of 3gp and 3g2 like special containers that hold the video and audio information for a movie or show. Just like you need a lunch box to hold your sandwich and snack, a 3gp or 3g2 file holds all the pieces of a video in one place.

When you press play on a 3gp or 3g2 video, the device looks inside the container and takes out all the parts – the video, audio, and any subtitles – and puts them together so you can watch and hear everything at the same time.

The difference between 3gp and 3g2 is kind of like the difference between a square lunch box and a round one. The round one might be a little bigger or smaller, or have a different kind of lid, but they both hold lunch just fine. The same goes for 3gp and 3g2 – they both hold videos, but 3g2s might be better for certain kinds of videos or devices.

In the end, all you really need to know is that 3gp and 3g2 are just special ways to hold videos on your mobile device. As long as the video plays when you press the button, you don't need to worry about what kind of container it's in.