Why Upgrade 3GP Videos to MTS?
3GP files were the standard for mobile phone videos in the early 2000s. If you have old recordings from that era, they are likely small, low-resolution files that do not work well with modern video editors or HD displays.
Converting to MTS (AVCHD) gives your footage a container format designed for high-definition workflows. Video editing software like Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, and Sony Vegas handle MTS files natively. Blu-ray authoring tools also expect this format. In our testing, converting 3GP to MTS before importing into professional editors eliminates codec compatibility warnings and ensures smooth timeline playback.
How to Convert 3GP to MTS
- Upload your 3GP file - Drag and drop or browse to select your mobile video
- Select MTS as output - Choose the AVCHD-compatible MTS format
- Download your video - Get your upgraded file ready for editing or playback
The entire process happens in your browser. No software installation required, and your files stay private.
3GP vs MTS: Technical Differences
Understanding what changes during conversion helps set the right expectations:
- Container format - 3GP uses 3GPP container optimized for mobile; MTS uses MPEG Transport Stream for HD video
- Typical resolution - 3GP files are usually 176x144 to 352x288 pixels; MTS supports up to 1920x1080
- Video codec - 3GP commonly uses H.263 or MPEG-4 Part 2; MTS uses H.264/AVC
- Audio - 3GP uses AMR audio; MTS supports Dolby Digital AC-3 and AAC
- Compatibility - 3GP works on old phones; MTS works with HD camcorders, editors, and Blu-ray players
Converting does not magically increase resolution, but it repackages your video in a format that modern software expects.
When to Use This Conversion
Video Editing Projects
Professional video editors work best with standardized formats. If you are compiling old mobile footage into a documentary or family archive, converting to MTS first streamlines your workflow. The editing software treats it as native camcorder footage.
Archiving Old Recordings
3GP is an aging format that fewer devices support each year. Converting to MTS future-proofs your memories in a widely-supported HD container. If you have videos from 3GP sources worth preserving, this conversion ensures long-term accessibility.
Blu-ray Disc Creation
Authoring Blu-ray discs requires AVCHD-compatible input. MTS files import directly into Blu-ray authoring software without additional transcoding steps.
Quality Expectations
Be realistic about what conversion can achieve. Your original 3GP video was recorded at low resolution with heavy compression. Converting to MTS will not add detail that was never captured.
What conversion does accomplish:
- Repackages video in a modern, widely-compatible container
- Upgrades audio to higher-quality codec
- Makes footage compatible with HD editing workflows
- Preserves the original quality without further degradation
For genuinely higher quality, you would need to record new footage. But for preserving existing recordings in a better format, 3GP to MTS conversion is the right choice.
Alternative Conversions
MTS is ideal for editing and Blu-ray workflows, but other formats may suit different needs:
- 3GP to MP4 - Better for general sharing and web playback
- 3GP to MOV - Preferred for Apple ecosystem and Final Cut Pro
- 3GP to AVI - Compatible with older Windows applications
Choose MTS specifically when your goal involves professional editing software or Blu-ray authoring.
Works on Any Device
Our converter runs entirely in your browser:
- Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook
- Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
- Tablets and mobile devices
No plugins, no downloads, no account required. Just upload, convert, and download.