Learn which file formats you can play
When you use iTunes to sync videos to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod, you might see this message:
"[Your File] was not copied to the [Device Name] because it cannot be played on this iPhone."
When you use Home Sharing to play videos to an Apple TV, you might see this message:
"This content cannot be played because its format is not compatible."
iTunes plays many video formats. iPhones, iPads, video-capable iPods, and Apple TV play videos in specific formats only.
To learn which video formats your device supports, follow these steps:
- Visit the Apple technical specification page.
- Click your device's product family.
- Click your specific model.
You might need a recent iPod model to play high-quality SD video. Learn more about how to view and sync videos.

Video files from other sources
Videos that aren't from the iTunes Store might not play on your iPhone, iPad, iPod, or Apple TV. You can use iTunes to convert them to a playable format.
Convert a video for iPhone or iPod
- Open iTunes.
- Select the video that you want to convert.
- Mac: From the menu bar at the top of your computer screen, choose File > Create New Version > "Create iPod or iPhone Version."
Windows: Hold down the Control and B keys on your keyboard to open the iTunes menu bar, then choose File > Create New Version > "Create iPod or iPhone Version." Learn more about menus in iTunes for Windows.
Convert a video for iPad or Apple TV
- Open iTunes.
- Select the video that you want to convert.
- Mac: From the menu bar at the top of your computer screen, choose File > Create New Version > "Create iPad or Apple TV Version."
Windows: Hold down the Control and B keys on your keyboard to open the iTunes menu bar, then choose File > Create New Version > "Create iPad or Apple TV Version." Learn more about menus in iTunes for Windows.