Cover.mp4

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.

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

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. This is a 1080p, standard-quality video file

Users often find these files when manually backing up their phones or using third-party file managers. If you see a COVER.mp4 file and notice it looks lower quality than expected, it simply means the "Boost" hasn't finished processing or syncing yet. Instead, it creates a "dual-file" system to balance

It is a generic filename often used by artists or creators for a video cover of a song (e.g., "Misty 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