How to remove metadata from an MP4 video before uploading it to social media

The Metadata They reveal more about you than you think: when you record, export or share an MP4 video, technical and personal information (codecs, device, date, location, author, etc.) is attached that can expose your identity or habits. Remove metadata from an MP4 video before publishing It's a simple way to enhance your privacy without compromising video quality.

In this brief guide, we explain what data an MP4 contains, why it's a good idea to delete it, and all the ways to do it: on Windows and macOS without installing anything, with desktop metadata editors, with online services (including URL uploads), and from your mobile device.

What is metadata and why it matters in your videos?

metadata is “data about data”: describe a file (origin, type, owner, relationships, context) and make them easier to organize, archive, and search. In MP4 videos, you'll often find codec, resolution, frame rate, device, software, author, and sometimes GPS coordinates if they're coming from a mobile device.

These are the main types of metadata:

• Descriptive (title, author, topics).
• Administrative (technical, rights, conservation).
• Structural (relationships, etc.).

Not all metadata is dangerous, but combined may reveal more than necessary: routines, your phone brand, location, or whether the footage was generated/edited with a specific app. For sensitive work or personal privacy, cleaning it up before sharing is recommended.

Quick methods on Windows and Mac without installing anything

Before looking at other solutions, let's review two simple native methods to remove metadata from an MP4 video, on Windows or macOS:

Windows File Explorer It allows you to remove properties and personal information from videos, photos, or audio with a couple of clicks. It's ideal for getting around when you don't want to install additional software. Steps to follow:

1. Right click on the MP4 file.
2. Choose "Properties".
3. Then go to the tab "Details".
4. there choose "Remove property and personal information."
5. Mark the fields to be deleted or create one copy with all possible properties removed to preserve the original intact.

macOS (Preview + Finder) makes it easy to erase gps location in compatible photos and videos. Here's how to use it:

1. Open the file in Preview.
2. Then go to the menu "Tools".
3. There you select «Show inspector».
4. Then go to the GPS tab and click on "Delete location information".

Dedicated desktop editors for video and audio

If you want full control over metadata (title, artist, album, genre, composer, year, track, comments, etc.), here are some interesting options:

• AnyMP4 Video Converter Ultimate: A comprehensive solution that includes a Metadata Editor for adding, modifying, or removing information from videos and audios. Its interface is intuitive: import the file and delete the fields you don't want; save, and that's it. It's useful for cleaning up an MP4 before sharing it.
• AVAide Video Converter (Windows/Mac) stands out for its simple and effective multimedia metadata editor. It allows you to remove fields such as title, artist, album, or comments in MP4, MP3, and other supported formats. It's a suitable option for users of any skill level looking for quick results.
• Tipard Video Converter Ultimate It also offers a Media Metadata Editor with extensive format support. You import the file and remove any authorship or comment fields. It works offline and provides additional tools for managing and enhancing your clips.

If you use metadata editors to remove metadata from an MP4 video, it is recommended work on copies of the files, to keep the original with its properties intact or if you need to recover it. Also keep in mind that some metadata are “rebellious” and may persist in less visible layers.

Online options for cleaning metadata from MP4 videos

If you prefer not to install anythingThere are online services that will help us remove metadata from an MP4 video quickly and easily. They work simply: upload the file, the system cleans the metadata, and you download the version without the information. Perfect for occasional use and for sharing among teams.

• MetaClean (Adarsus): Online platform for viewing and removing metadata from images, videos, documents, and audio files. It's easy to use and accessible from browsers like Chrome, Edge, or Firefox. Be aware of the free size limit (usually around 5 MB) and the upload time required for processing.
• MetaCleaner: A professional web-based solution for cleaning metadata in over 40 formats, with encryption, GDPR compliance, and daily quotas (e.g., up to 20 files/day on free accounts). The limit in the free version is typically around 5 MB or 6 MB; paid plans increase this limit.
• GroupDocs – Remove metadata from video: An example of an online video cleaner specifically for beginners, with a simple interface. The MP4 is uploaded, the metadata is analyzed, and the cleaned file is automatically returned.

Mobile: Remove metadata on Android and iPhone

When you record with the mobileMetadata travels with you. There are apps that can view, edit, and clean up information from videos and photos so you can share them more privately from your phone.

• ExifTool for Photo and Video (Android): An app that allows you to view, add, edit, or remove EXIF data from images and videos. Based on the powerful library of the same name, it offers granular control over multiple fields and formats.
• Metapho (iPhone): A very intuitive metadata viewer/cleaner for iOS. It displays video data, location, and date, and allows you to remove location or adjust timestamps before sharing. Some guides also recommend it for Android, although its primary focus is on iOS.

FAQs

• Can I remove metadata from online videos? Yes. There are platforms like MetaClean, MetaCleaner, or services like GroupDocs that allow you to clean metadata from MP4 and other formats directly in the browser.
• What exactly is EXIF? It's a set of tags embedded in files (especially images) that contain data such as the date, camera, settings, and GPS location. It helps with cataloging, but can also expose personal information.
• Do all digital formats have metadata? No. Most do, although with different structures. Some formats, by design, contain little or no metadata.
• How can I view a file's EXIF or metadata? Using viewers like ExifTool, XnView MP, Exif Pilot, or online services. On Windows, check the Details tab; on macOS, use Preview and the Inspector.
• Is it possible to remove video metadata on Android or iPhone? Yes. On Android, there are apps like ExifTool or specific utilities; on iPhone, Metapho allows you to view and clean information like location and dates.
• Are there limits on web services for cleaning metadata? Yes. Free accounts often have limits on file size (5–6 MB per file) or the number of files you can upload per day (such as 20). Paid plans increase these limits.

Every file you share can leave traces, but the right tools help minimize them, Whether it's quick methods on Windows and macOS, advanced control with desktop editors, time-saving online services, or mobile apps that let you clean up on the go, adopting these practices protects your privacy without sacrificing convenience.