: Files with this specific naming format (using dashes instead of underscores, e.g., VID-YYYYMMDD-WAxxxx ) are typically generated when a user records a video directly through the WhatsApp camera or when the app saves an incoming video to the phone's gallery.
: The date the video was created or received, formatted as YYYYMMDD . In this case, the file dates to January 31, 2023 . VID-20230131-WA0136.mp4
: Stands for WhatsApp , identifying the application that generated the filename. : Files with this specific naming format (using
: The file extension. MP4 is a standard video format supported by WhatsApp that typically uses H.264 video and AAC audio compression. Key Characteristics of These Files : Stands for WhatsApp , identifying the application
The filename follows a standard automated naming convention used by WhatsApp for video files recorded or processed within the app . File Name Breakdown
Understanding the specific parts of this filename helps you identify when and how the video was created: : Short for "Video," indicating the media type.
: When a video is sent through WhatsApp, the app frequently strips out original EXIF metadata (such as GPS location or original camera settings). The only reliable "time" information remaining is often what is encoded in the filename itself. Troubleshooting and Management WhatsApp media file naming convention - Forensic Focus