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Convert MTS to 3GP - HD Video to Mobile Format

Turn HD camcorder footage into mobile-friendly videos anyone can watch.

Step 1: Upload your files

You can also Drag and drop files.

Step 2: Choose format
Step 3: Convert files

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Camcorder Videos Too Big for Mobile?

MTS files from Sony and Panasonic camcorders deliver stunning HD quality, but they create problems when you need to share with someone using an older phone or a device with limited storage. A single 5-minute MTS clip can easily exceed 500MB.

Converting to 3GP solves this instantly. 3GP was designed specifically for mobile devices, creating compact files that work on virtually any phone. In our testing, converting a 500MB MTS file typically results in a 3GP under 50MB while maintaining watchable quality for mobile screens.

How to Convert MTS to 3GP

  1. Upload your MTS file - Drag and drop or browse to select your camcorder video
  2. Select 3GP output - Choose 3GP as your target format for mobile compatibility
  3. Download and share - Get your mobile-ready video and send it anywhere

The entire process happens in your browser. No software to install, no accounts to create.

MTS vs 3GP: Key Differences

Understanding these formats helps you make better decisions about when to convert:

  • Resolution - MTS supports 720p and 1080i HD; 3GP uses lower resolutions optimized for small screens
  • File size - MTS files are large (good for archiving); 3GP files are compressed for mobile use
  • Compatibility - MTS requires specific software; 3GP plays on nearly all mobile devices
  • Codec - MTS uses H.264/MPEG-4; 3GP uses H.263 or H.264 with mobile-optimized settings
  • Audio - MTS supports Dolby AC-3 and surround sound; 3GP uses AMR or AAC optimized for phone speakers

If you need to preserve HD quality, consider converting your MTS files to MP4 instead. But for mobile sharing where file size matters more than resolution, 3GP is the practical choice.

When to Use This Conversion

Sharing with Basic Phones

Not everyone has the latest smartphone. 3GP ensures your videos play on older devices, feature phones, and budget Android phones without issues.

Low-Bandwidth Sharing

Sending video over slow mobile networks or limited data plans? 3GP's smaller file size means faster uploads and downloads, using less data.

Messaging Apps

Many messaging platforms compress or reject large video files. 3GP's compact size helps videos send successfully through MMS and chat apps with file size limits.

Quality Expectations

Converting from HD MTS to mobile 3GP involves compression. Here's what to expect:

  • Video will be downscaled to mobile-appropriate resolution
  • Audio is re-encoded for phone speaker playback
  • Colors and detail are preserved but at lower fidelity than the original
  • For viewing on phone screens, the quality is perfectly acceptable

Keep your original MTS files for archival purposes. Use 3GP versions for quick sharing and mobile playback.

Alternative Formats to Consider

3GP isn't always the best choice. Consider these alternatives:

  • MTS to MP4 - Better quality, works on modern smartphones and computers
  • MTS to 3G2 - Similar to 3GP, designed for CDMA networks
  • MTS to WEBM - Optimized for web sharing and streaming

Choose 3GP when maximum compatibility with older mobile devices is your priority.

Works on Any Device

Our converter runs entirely in your browser:

  • Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook
  • Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
  • Tablets and modern smartphones

No downloads required. Your video files stay on your device throughout the conversion process.

Pro Tip

Before converting an entire batch, convert one short MTS clip to 3GP and test it on your target device. This confirms the format works and lets you verify acceptable quality before processing all your footage.

Common Mistake

Deleting original MTS files after conversion. 3GP is great for sharing but not for archival. Always keep your HD originals for future editing or higher-quality conversions.

Best For

Sharing camcorder footage with people using older phones, basic feature phones, or when sending video over slow mobile networks with data limits.

Not Recommended

Don't use 3GP if recipients have modern smartphones or computers. MP4 provides much better quality and is equally compatible with newer devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

MTS (MPEG Transport Stream) is a high-definition video format used by Sony and Panasonic camcorders. It records video at 720p or 1080i resolution using AVCHD technology, creating high-quality but large files.

3GP is a mobile video format developed for 3G cellular phones. It creates small, compressed video files optimized for mobile devices, using less bandwidth and storage than HD formats like MTS.

Yes, quality is reduced because 3GP uses higher compression and lower resolution than MTS. However, for mobile phone screens, the quality remains perfectly watchable. The tradeoff is much smaller file sizes.

Typically 80-90% smaller. A 500MB MTS file often converts to under 50MB in 3GP format. The exact reduction depends on video length, content complexity, and compression settings.

Most phones can play 3GP, including older feature phones, basic smartphones, and all Android devices. It was designed as a universal mobile video format with maximum compatibility.

Yes, always keep your original MTS files. They contain the full HD quality from your camcorder. Use 3GP copies for sharing and mobile viewing, but preserve MTS for archival and future editing.

Yes. Upload several MTS files and convert them all to 3GP in one batch. This is useful when processing footage from an entire event or trip.

For modern smartphones and computers, MP4 is better because it preserves more quality while still being widely compatible. Choose 3GP only when you need maximum compression or compatibility with older mobile devices.

MTS is a specialized HD format that requires specific codec support. Many phones lack the necessary software to decode MTS files. Converting to 3GP or MP4 solves this compatibility issue.

MTS Conversions & Related Converters

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