> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.blings.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.blings.io/guides/mp5-basics.md).

# MP5 Basics

MP5 is the Blings runtime format for dynamic, interactive video experiences. Instead of playing one fixed video file, the MP5 player combines a template, data, logic, and viewer actions when the experience loads.

Use this guide to understand the core building blocks before opening Studio, Platform, or developer documentation.

## Core Idea

An MP5 project is a structured experience:

* **Scenes** define video sections, moments, or steps in the viewer journey.
* **Layers** hold text, media, shapes, buttons, input fields, and other visual elements.
* **Connectors** make layers dynamic or interactive.
* **Data** provides viewer-specific and project-level values.
* **Lineups and flow maps** decide which scenes play and in what order.
* **Player settings** control runtime behavior such as loading, autoplay, timeline, colors, and story mode.
* **Analytics and events** measure how viewers interact with the player.

## How Personalization Works

The creative template can include placeholders or bindings for values such as:

* First name.
* Product image.
* Offer amount.
* Renewal date.
* Store location.
* CTA link.
* Brand color.
* Eligibility state.

At runtime, the player receives data from the configured delivery method. Connectors use that data to update text, media, colors, visibility, links, routing, and other behavior.

## How Interactivity Works

Interactive MP5 experiences can respond to viewer actions:

* A button can open a link.
* A choice can jump to another frame or route to another scene.
* A condition can branch based on viewer data.
* An input field can collect text.
* A submit action can send form values.
* A player event can trigger custom logic or analytics.

{% content-ref url="/pages/9KiS25o5dcv98qE5c40m" %}
[Interactivity Basics](/guides/interactivity-basics.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

## What Makes MP5 Different From MP4

| MP4                                                   | MP5                                                                                              |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Fixed rendered file.                                  | Runtime experience assembled from template, data, and logic.                                     |
| Personalization usually requires many rendered files. | One project can support many viewer states.                                                      |
| Interactivity is limited to the surrounding web page. | Interactivity can live inside the video experience.                                              |
| Updates often require a new render.                   | Approved data, content, controls, routing, and settings can be updated through Blings workflows. |
| Measurement often depends on basic video events.      | Projects can track player events, scenes, CTAs, form submissions, and conversion behavior.       |

## Deep Dives

{% content-ref url="/pages/8GcdVLErWyTyG8HEyXSi" %}
[What Is MP5 and How It Works](/role-guides/developer/what-is-mp5-and-how-it-works.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/Dv1jr8KfYFf4bzRnq4OA" %}
[Timeline](/apps/blings-studio/design-in-studio/scenes-and-timeline.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}