GLOSSARY / M

MTS File

MTS File

What Is an MTS File?

An MTS file is a high-definition video container (short for MPEG Transport Stream) used mainly by Sony and Panasonic camcorders under the AVCHD standard. It typically stores H.264 (MPEG-4 AVC) video plus audio, and it’s compatible with Blu-ray workflows and common HD resolutions. You can play an MTS file on most operating systems with a capable player like VLC, but for editing and broad sharing, many teams convert MTS to a more universal format such as MP4.

  • What matters most: Knowing how to open/play an MTS file and when to convert it.
  • Good to know: The container can multiplex extras (e.g., multiple audio tracks, subtitles/metadata), and AVCHD cameras often place MTS files inside a structured folder (e.g., BDMV/STREAM), which some non-linear editors expect.

Key characteristics of an MTS file

Format 

An MTS file uses the MPEG-2 transport stream container. Beyond video and audio, it can multiplex additional streams—subtitles, timecode/metadata, and multiple audio tracks in a single file for robust capture and post-production.

Origin

Developed by Sony and Panasonic, MTS is the native recording format for many AVCHD camcorders. That’s why you’ll often encounter MTS when offloading footage directly from camera media.

Content

Most MTS footage contains H.264/AVC video at HD bitrates and multi-channel audio (commonly AC-3 or PCM). The combination delivers strong image quality while keeping files relatively efficient for camera storage.

How to Open and Use an MTS File

  1. Play it with a media player:
     Cross-platform apps like VLC open MTS files on Windows, macOS, and Linux with no extra codecs. Just launch the player and open or drag the file in.
  2. Edit in video software:
     Many professional editors—and some consumer tools—can import MTS directly. For best results, import from the full AVCHD card structure so the app picks up clip metadata and spans correctly.
  3. Convert when needed:
     If your device or software doesn’t accept MTS, use a dedicated converter to change it to a widely supported format such as MP4, MOV, or MKV for smoother editing and sharing.
  4. Know where it lives on the card:
     When copied from a camcorder, MTS files typically sit inside the AVCHD/BDMV/STREAM folder (sometimes under PRIVATE/AVCHD). Keep this structure intact if you plan to import into an editor.

MTS vs. M2TS

Both are MPEG-2 transport stream variants. MTS is commonly the camera-recorded file inside AVCHD folders; M2TS is the typical Blu-ray/packaged extension. Most modern players and NLEs recognize both, but exact support varies by device/software.

Bottom line

An MTS file is excellent for camera capture and quality, but not always ideal for editing and distribution. Use Cloudinary to centralize ingestion, convert automatically to MP4/WebM, optimize for every device, and deliver globally—without wrestling with local codecs or exports. Start free and streamline your MTS workflow end-to-end.

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In addition, you can try our latest image compressor tools:

QUICK TIPS
Kimberly Matenchuk
Cloudinary Logo Kimberly Matenchuk

In my experience, here are tips to help you effectively manage and optimize MTS files:

  1. Use proxy editing for smoother workflows
    When working with MTS files in video editing software, generate proxy files (lower-resolution copies) to streamline editing on less powerful machines. This minimizes lag and improves responsiveness.
  2. Maintain original structure for AVCHD
    If the MTS files are part of an AVCHD folder structure, keep the entire folder intact when transferring or editing. This ensures compatibility with editing software that relies on metadata from the folder structure.
  3. Reduce file size without quality loss
    Re-encode MTS files using modern codecs like H.264 or H.265 to significantly reduce file sizes while maintaining high video quality.
  4. Back up raw MTS files for archival
    Always archive the original MTS files, even if you convert them into other formats for editing. This ensures you retain the highest quality version for future use.
  5. Enhance audio for better presentation
    If your MTS file contains multiple audio channels, consider mixing or optimizing them in audio editing software to enhance clarity, especially for voice or music tracks.
Last updated: Sep 16, 2025