A method and an apparatus for encoding multimedia contents, and a method and a system for applying multimedia contents are provided. The method for applying multimedia contents includes: storing an MAF file in a database, the MAF file including a header with location information that provides the location of media data, at least one single track with media data and metadata compatible with a predetermined standard, utilization data representing information for media application method; and browsing or sharing the MAF file stored in the database. The media metadata compatible with the predetermined standard is at least one of media player metadata and a media album metadata. Accordingly, even when the user does not have a specific application or a function for applying metadata, general-purpose multimedia content files can be effectively used by effectively browsing or sharing the multimedia content files.