📹 Video Formats Guide

Comprehensive overview of the most important video formats, their features, advantages, and use cases

Quick answer: MP4 is the safest all-round pick; MKV holds many tracks for archives; AVI suits older desktop tools; MOV fits Apple workflows; WebM is built for the web; GIF handles short loops. To switch between any of them, use a converter that supports every format.
🎬
MP4
(.mp4)
The most universal and widely-supported video format. MP4's popularity stems from its excellent compression, broad compatibility, and high quality output.
  • Supported by virtually all devices and platforms
  • Excellent compression efficiency
  • Streaming-optimized
  • Supports multiple audio tracks and subtitles
  • Industry standard for web and mobile
📦
MKV
(.mkv)
The "Swiss Army knife" container format. MKV can hold unlimited video, audio, and subtitle tracks with advanced features, but has limited mobile support.
  • Unlimited tracks support
  • Advanced subtitle and chapter features
  • High-quality preservation
  • Open source and royalty-free
  • Limited mobile device support
🏛️
AVI
(.avi)
A veteran format from Microsoft. Despite its age, AVI remains popular for desktop applications, though it lacks modern compression benefits.
  • Wide software compatibility
  • Simple, stable format
  • Good for editing workflows
  • Large file sizes
  • Limited streaming optimization
🍎
MOV
(.mov)
Apple's QuickTime format, widely used in professional video production and optimized for macOS ecosystem and creative workflows.
  • Native Apple ecosystem support
  • Professional video production standard
  • High-quality preservation
  • Advanced metadata support
  • Limited Windows compatibility
🪟
WMV
(.wmv)
Microsoft's video format, optimized for Windows systems and web streaming, though now largely superseded by more modern formats.
  • Windows Media Player native support
  • Good compression for web streaming
  • DRM support capabilities
  • Declining popularity
  • Limited cross-platform support
⚡
FLV
(.flv)
Adobe Flash Video format, once dominant for web video but now largely obsolete due to Flash's discontinuation and HTML5 adoption.
  • Legacy web video standard
  • Small file sizes
  • Required Flash Player
  • Security vulnerabilities
  • Discontinued by Adobe
🌐
WebM
(.webm)
Google's open-source format designed specifically for web optimization, offering excellent compression and quality for online video delivery.
  • Open source and royalty-free
  • Optimized for web browsers
  • Excellent compression efficiency
  • HTML5 video standard
  • Limited offline player support
📹
MTS/M2TS
(.mts/.m2ts)
AVCHD format used by digital camcorders and Blu-ray discs, offering high-definition video with excellent quality preservation.
  • High-definition camcorder standard
  • Excellent video quality
  • Blu-ray disc format
  • Large file sizes
  • Limited editing software support
💿
VOB
(.vob)
DVD Video Object files containing the actual video, audio, and subtitle data from DVD discs with built-in copy protection and menu support.
  • DVD standard format
  • Multiple audio track support
  • Built-in copy protection
  • Menu and chapter navigation
  • Legacy standard-definition quality
🔄
GIF
(.gif)
Graphics Interchange Format, perfect for short looping animations and simple videos, widely used in social media and web communications.
  • Universal browser support
  • Automatic looping animation
  • No audio support
  • Limited color palette (256 colors)
  • Perfect for memes and short clips

📊 How Do Video Formats Compare?

Format Quality File Size Compatibility Web Support Mobile Support Best Use Case
MP4 ★★★★★ ★★★★☆ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ General purpose, streaming
MKV ★★★★★ ★★☆☆☆ ★★★☆☆ ★★☆☆☆ ★★☆☆☆ High-quality archival
AVI ★★★☆☆ ★★☆☆☆ ★★★★☆ ★★☆☆☆ ★★☆☆☆ Desktop applications
MOV ★★★★★ ★★☆☆☆ ★★★☆☆ ★★★☆☆ ★★★★☆ Professional editing
WMV ★★★☆☆ ★★★☆☆ ★★☆☆☆ ★★☆☆☆ ★☆☆☆☆ Windows ecosystem
FLV ★★☆☆☆ ★★★★☆ ★☆☆☆☆ ★☆☆☆☆ ★☆☆☆☆ Legacy web content
WebM ★★★★☆ ★★★★★ ★★★☆☆ ★★★★★ ★★★★☆ Web optimization
MTS/M2TS ★★★★★ ★☆☆☆☆ ★★☆☆☆ ★☆☆☆☆ ★☆☆☆☆ Camcorder footage
VOB ★★★☆☆ ★★☆☆☆ ★★☆☆☆ ★☆☆☆☆ ★☆☆☆☆ DVD content
GIF ★★☆☆☆ ★★★☆☆ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ Short animations

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