MPG Videos Too Large for Your Phone?
MPG files are standard video containers from the DVD era, but they can be massive. A typical 10-minute MPG video might be 200MB or more. That is a problem when you want to store videos on older mobile phones or share them over limited bandwidth connections.
Converting to 3GP reduces file sizes dramatically while maintaining watchable quality. The 3GP format was designed specifically for mobile phones and works on virtually any device with video playback capability.
How to Convert MPG to 3GP
- Upload your MPG file - Drag and drop or click to select your video
- Choose 3GP as output - Select 3GP from the format options
- Download your video - Get your mobile-ready file in seconds
The entire process happens in your browser. No software installation, no account registration, no waiting.
Why Convert to 3GP?
3GP (Third Generation Partnership Project) was developed in 1998 specifically for mobile telecommunications. In our testing, converting a 150MB MPG file resulted in a 3GP file under 15MB - roughly a 90% reduction in size.
- Massive size reduction - 3GP files are a fraction of MPG size
- Universal mobile support - Works on nearly all mobile phones
- Low bandwidth streaming - Perfect for slower network connections
- Storage efficiency - Store more videos on limited device memory
If you need to keep higher quality for editing or desktop playback, consider MPG to MP4 instead - MP4 offers better quality retention while still reducing file size.
MPG vs 3GP: Technical Comparison
Understanding the differences helps you decide if 3GP is right for your needs:
- Codec - MPG uses MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 video; 3GP uses H.263 or H.264
- Resolution - MPG supports up to 1920x1080; 3GP typically maxes at 352x288
- File size - 3GP files are significantly smaller due to aggressive compression
- Quality - MPG preserves more detail; 3GP prioritizes small file size
- Compatibility - MPG needs specific players; 3GP works on basic phones
For archiving or viewing on computers, keep your original MPG files. For mobile sharing, 3GP is the practical choice.
Common Use Cases
Sending Videos to Feature Phones
Not everyone has a smartphone. Feature phones and older devices play 3GP files reliably when they struggle with other formats.
Reducing Mobile Data Usage
Sending a 200MB video over mobile data is expensive and slow. A 15MB 3GP version sends quickly and costs less in data charges.
Archiving on Limited Storage
Got a phone with 4GB or 8GB storage? 3GP lets you store dozens of videos where only a few MPG files would fit.
When to Choose a Different Format
3GP is optimized for mobile, but it is not ideal for every situation:
- HD quality needed - Use MPG to MP4 for modern devices that support higher resolution
- Web publishing - WEBM or MP4 are better choices for online video players
- Editing purposes - Keep the original MPG or convert to a less compressed format
3GP excels when file size matters more than resolution - think quick shares, legacy devices, and bandwidth constraints.
Works on Any Device
Our converter runs entirely in your browser:
- Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook
- Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
- iPhone, iPad, Android tablets
No downloads, no plugins, no compatibility issues. If you have a web browser, you can convert MPG to 3GP.