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iPod Q&A - Updated November 21, 2011
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How many movies can the video capable iPod models hold?
The number of movies the video capable iPod models can hold varies upon the length of the movie, format, and encoding used. Using the iPod to hold music and photos, likewise, can reduce the number of videos the iPod can store.
It is worth noting that the "full size" iPod models starting with the iPod 5th Gen (with Video) and the iPod nano models from the iPod nano (3rd Gen/Fat) to the iPod nano (5th Gen) are capable of supporting video as are all configurations of the iPod touch. Earlier iPod models, the iPod shuffle line, and the iPod nano (6th Gen) do not support video playback.
The capacity of every video capable iPod in gigabytes, along with the Apple estimated hours of video that each can hold, is provided below in this handy chart:
iPod Name | Capacity (GB) | Video Capacity |
30 GB, 60 GB | 75, 150 Hours* | |
30 GB | 75 Hours* | |
30 GB, 80 GB | 40, 100 Hours† | |
30 GB | 40 Hours† | |
80 GB, 160 GB | 100, 200 Hours | |
120 GB | 150 Hours | |
4 GB, 8 GB | 4, 8 Hours | |
8 GB, 16 GB | 8, 16 Hours | |
8 GB, 16 GB | 8, 16 Hours | |
8 GB, 16 GB, 32 GB | 10, 20, 40 Hours | |
8 GB, 16 GB, 32 GB | 10, 20, 40 Hours | |
8 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB | 10, 40, 80 Hours | |
8 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB | 10, 40, 80 Hours†† | |
8 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB | 10, 40, 80 Hours†† |
* Apple originally reported that the 30 GB configuration of the iPod 5th Gen (with Video) could hold approximately 75 hours of video encoded in H.264 750-Kbps format combined with 128-Kbps audio. Apple likewise reported that the 60 GB configuration could hold approximately 150 hours of video using the same encoding.
† For the "Enhanced" iPod 5th Gen models, Apple improved the firmware of all iPod 5th Gen models to support larger and higher-resolution video files -- H.264 video, up to 1.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per second -- and consequently reported that the 30 GB version could hold approximately 40 hours of video, and the 80 GB version could hold 100 hours of video using the same larger encoding. These models can support the smaller video formats as well.
†† Interestingly, Apple no longer provides "official" estimates for song capacity, photo capacity and video capacity starting with the iPod touch 4th Gen. However, as overall capacities of these models are unchanged from the previous models, these estimates still are worthwhile to get a general idea of storage capacity.
Also see: Which iPods are currently shipping? How many songs does each hold? What are the pros and cons of each?
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