Video formats are essential for storing and streaming digital media. There are many different types of video formats, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
MP4
(MPEG-4 Part 1) is the most common type of video file format, and is universally compatible with iTunes, Apple, and Windows.MOV
(QuickTime Movie) stores high-quality video, audio, and effects, but these files are usually quite large.A container contains the audio and video data in a single file, and informs media players if they should play them at the same time. MP4 is one of the 10 best video formats because of its wide acceptance and ability to maintain high-quality video quality while offering a smaller file size. MOV is also known as the QuickTime video format, developed by Apple and famous for its high-quality content.
WEBM
is a video format from Google and is an open source video format.FLV files are usually relatively small, making them an excellent choice for the Internet.
MKV
(Matroska) is a royalty-free, open source format that can store video, audio and subtitles on separate tracks within a file. AVCHD is compatible with Windows Media Player, VLC, removable hard drives and memory cards. When selecting a video format for a project or to store video at the highest quality, it's important to consider the platform you're using and the features you need. MP4 is one of the most popular types of video formats that exist because it is a universally compatible format.It can usually contain video, subtitles, and audio in a single file. WEBM has the necessary functionality to work with HTML, making it an ideal choice for browsers. MOV is great for editing videos as the process is simplified. FLV is perfect for streaming platforms such as YouTube and social media platforms such as Facebook or Instagram due to its relatively small size.
MKV is very versatile as it can be used for many purposes due to its compatibility with modern codecs. To help you out, we've created a cheat sheet so that you can easily select the best video file formats for your particular needs. MP4 offers lossless video with higher quality while keeping the file size significantly small. MOV divides films into tracks which makes it popular in the media and film industry. WEBM is an open source format which makes it ideal for browsers.
FLV files are great for when there isn't a high-speed connection to play or upload videos. MKV can store video, audio and subtitles on separate tracks within a file. Choosing the right video format can be tricky but understanding the features of each type can help you make an informed decision. MP4 offers universal compatibility while MOV provides high-quality content with large files sizes. WEBM is an open source format that works well with HTML while FLV files are great for streaming platforms due to their small size.
MKV is versatile due to its compatibility with modern codecs. No matter what type of project you're working on or what platform you're using, there's sure to be a suitable video format available to meet your needs. With this guide in hand, you'll be able to make an informed decision about which type of video format will work best for your project.
