Cover.mp4 (2026 Update)

When using the Video Boost feature on Pixel phones, the device generates a temporary file named COVER.mp4 . This is a low-resolution (1080p) preview that you can view immediately while the high-quality version is being processed in the cloud.

"Cover.mp4" is a common placeholder or filename used by developers for a background video or a video used as a "hero" element on a website or splash screen.

When you record a video with enabled on a compatible Google Pixel device, your phone doesn't just create one file. Instead, it creates a "dual-file" system to balance immediate usability with high-end processing: Cover.mp4

While it could refer to any of these, I am providing a text focused on the context, as it is a specific technical term associated with that filename. Understanding COVER.mp4 in Google Pixel Video Boost

Once the boosted version is ready, Google Photos downloads the final high-quality version and typically deletes the massive raw MAIN.mp4 to save space. When using the Video Boost feature on Pixel

This is a 1080p, standard-quality video file. It is generated instantly so you can see what you captured, share it quickly, or check the framing without waiting for cloud processing.

If you try to share the video before processing is finished, you are usually sharing the COVER.mp4 preview. When you record a video with enabled on

This is a massive, unprocessed file (often 1GB for every 30 seconds of 4K footage). This file contains the high-dynamic-range data that Google's servers use to "boost" the video's lighting, stabilization, and color. How the Process Works: Upload: Google Photos uploads both files to the cloud. Processing: The "Boost" happens on Google's servers.