M4A file format

MPEG-4 audio, typically AAC-encoded, in an ISO-BMFF container.

MIME type: audio/mp4
Extensions: .m4a
Category: Audio

Magic-number signature

0x00000004	66747970	ftyp	ISO-BMFF 'ftyp' box
0x00000008	4D344120	M4A	brand 'M4A '

About the M4A format

M4A is AAC (or ALAC) audio in an MP4 container, the format iTunes and Apple Music use for downloads. It is an ISO-BMFF file whose 'ftyp' brand is 'M4A '.

Related formats

MP3
MP4
FLAC

Have a file that might be M4A? Identify it with the File Type Identifier — it reads the magic number locally, nothing is uploaded. Or browse all formats.