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Motion Photo Video Extractor

Android phones save motion photos as a single JPG with a short video hidden at the end. Drop them here to pull out the clip as an MP4 you can share or edit, and save the still picture as a normal photo. Works with Google Pixel (MVIMG and .MP.jpg) and Samsung motion photos.

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A motion photo is one file: a normal JPEG followed by a short MP4 video. This tool finds where the video starts, using the phone's XMP tags or the MP4 signature, and saves both parts separately.

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How to use the Motion Photo Video Extractor

  1. Copy the motion photos to your computer as original files (from the phone over USB, or downloaded in original quality from Google Photos).
  2. Drop them on the box or click Choose motion photos. Each one is analysed instantly.
  3. Preview the clip and the still on each card, along with the clip length, resolution and codec.
  4. Download the video as MP4, the still as JPG, or pause the clip and use Save current frame.
  5. Use the ZIP buttons to download every extracted video or still in one go.

How motion photo files are built

A motion photo is a normal JPEG with an MP4 file appended. Viewers that do not know about motion photos stop reading at the JPEG end-of-image marker (FF D9) and show the still. Phones that do know about them read metadata telling them where the video starts.

Phone or formatFile name patternHow the video is located
Google Pixel (2017-2020)MVIMG_20200105_101530.jpgXMP GCamera:MicroVideoOffset = bytes from the end of the file
Google Pixel (2021 and later), Motion Photo format 1.0PXL_20230712_154210123.MP.jpgXMP container directory, item with Semantic MotionPhoto and its Length
Samsung Galaxy20230712_154210.jpgMotionPhoto_Data marker before the MP4, followed by a SEF trailer
Other Android brandsVariesUsually the Google XMP tags; otherwise the MP4 signature after the image

Tips for getting the original files

  • USB cable: connect the phone, choose File transfer, and copy from DCIM/Camera. This always keeps the clip.
  • Google Photos on the web: download individual items; motion photos downloaded in original quality keep their video (some downloads arrive as a ZIP with a separate MP4 already).
  • Avoid messengers: sending through chat apps typically keeps only the still.
  • Want just the soundtrack? Run the extracted clip through Video to MP3. Need a smaller file? Use the Video Compressor.

Frequently asked questions

What is a motion photo?

A motion photo is a JPG that also contains a short video, usually about 1.5 seconds before and after you pressed the shutter. Google Pixel calls it Top Shot or Motion and names files MVIMG_... or ...MP.jpg; Samsung calls it Motion photo. The video is stored after the end of the JPEG image, so ordinary viewers only show the still.

How does the extractor find the video?

Pixel phones write an XMP tag (MicroVideoOffset or a Motion Photo container item length) that says how many bytes from the end of the file the video starts. Samsung phones place a MotionPhoto_Data marker right before it. If neither is present, the tool looks for the MP4 file signature (an ftyp box) after the end of the image. The bytes are then copied out exactly, so there is no quality loss.

Why does it say no video was found?

Many apps keep only the still when you share, edit or upload a motion photo. WhatsApp, most social networks, email apps and Google Photos in storage-saver quality usually remove the clip. Copy the original file straight from the phone or download it from Google Photos in original quality.

Why won't the clip play in my browser?

Newer phones record motion photo clips in HEVC (H.265), which some browsers cannot play. The extracted MP4 is still complete and plays in the phone's gallery, VLC, Windows Media Player with HEVC support and most video editors.

What does Mark saved stills as normal photos do?

It switches the motion photo flag in the still's XMP metadata from 1 to 0. Without it, some gallery apps see the flag, look for a video that is no longer there and show an error or a broken play button.

Does this work for iPhone Live Photos?

No extraction is needed for those. iPhone stores a Live Photo as two files, a HEIC photo and a MOV video with the same name. When you export from the Photos app with Export Unmodified Original you get both files directly.

Are my photos uploaded?

No. The files are read and split in your browser. Nothing is sent to a server.

Are all the tools on FreeToolCabin tested for quality and accuracy?

Yes! Every tool on our site undergoes automated Q/A testing in real browser environments to ensure high precision, correct output, and zero errors. If you happen to spot a bug or have a suggestion, please contact us at [email protected] and our team will review it right away.

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