Video is an effective marketing tool that will help you in achieving numerous goals, including selling your products or services to impressing your boss or preparing a compelling presentation for your school.
But, selecting the wrong format for your video can affect the ability of editing and rendering an impressive video. Today we’ll break down the essential information you must be aware of when choosing the correct format for your video to avoid time and stress.
The basics of Codec
Codec, also known as the decoder/coder procedure, is the process of recording and compressing the video, before decompressing it. The term”codec,” or container, is usually used in conjunction with the format of video files and will be displayed in the form of MP4 as well as AVI.
The only difference between them is that a codec can be described as software that compresses and processes your video file, and it is your container that produces the finished product. Remember that any program you use for editing your videos needs to work with the codec for your video and the container the camera records your video in.
10 Best Video Formats for Video
What are the most effective video formats? Continue reading to find out the top 10 most popular video formats with the pros and cons and the best ones for.
AVI
AVI files were first created in 1995 and are considered to be one of the most popular video formats. Due to its longevity, AVI files are accepted by numerous websites and programs and are a major benefit to many creators of video content. But, AVI are larger video files that could consume a significant amount in space on your computer. In addition, AVI files are not suitable for sharing or streaming online since you might encounter lags while streaming.
AVI is ideal for those who wish to upload their videos on multiple platforms or run it across various browsers or Windows because they’re accepted almost everywhere. Additionally, AVI has excellent video quality, however, once again remember that the videos that are rendered could need an additional hard disk in order to be saved to.
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The best for everyday users and creators of content who make use of a range of platforms and software
Pros:
Work to record DVDs
Compatible with every browser which include MAC, Windows, Linux and many more.
Stellar video quality
Accepted by a majority of websites and software
Cons:
Huge video file sizes
Older and less up-to-date than other formats for video files
Not the best to stream or share
Compression can lead to problems with quality
AVCHD
AVCHD files utilize MPEG- 4 AVC/H.264 standards for video compression. AVCHD is flexible and compatible with numerous high definition video formats, including stereoscopic and formatting options, making it perfect for professional editors of video and creators who want top-quality video quality.
Remember that AVCHD is superior in video quality and can pick even the tiniest details on camera, which is why it’s referred to as a tough file format. It’s also the most high-quality video format available today for video editing with the highest quality.
Best for: Professional video editors
Pros:
Compatible with Blu-rays
Audio and video of high-quality
Can record 1920 x 1080 resolution videos.
The most current AVCHD formats are compatible with 3D videos.
Super sharp video quality for top-quality video editing
Cons:
The unforgiving will sift through every single thing
Huge file sizes
Only limited compatibility
FLV, F4V and SWF
FLV, F4V, as well as FLV, F4V and SWF are all official formats for videos that are compatible with Adobe Flash Video. These files all have the ability to synchronize audio streaming, video data streams metadata packets, and brief headers.
The first Adobe Flash Player came out it was used by people to create FLV, F4V and SWF files to play games and video content, such as films and TV shows. Today, if you wish to make Flash video, then you’ll have to export these files using an application like the Flash Plug-in Video Exporter. QuickTime, Windows Media, or Adobe Media Encoders could also be utilized to create these files.
Be aware that the majority of websites and video players are not compatible with Flash video formats as of December 31, 2020.
Ideal for Flash users
Pros:
Often used on YouTube to stream
Great for video games and gaming content
Official format for video used by Adobe Flash Video
Cons:
Very old
Only limited compatibility
It is not supported on iOS devices.
MKV
MKV files were developed in Russia and are a reference to Matroska Multimedia Container that refers to the well-known Russian nesting dolls. This format is great for projects that require to store various codes and other information such as chapters, subtitles menus, chapters, etc. This is why MKV is perfect for projects that are viewed from a computer or television with an open-source media player. MKV is also a great option for streaming and downloading.
MKV is an open format that makes it simple to use and providing a vast user base that is continuously working to bring it up with the most current IT specifications. MKV is considered to be universal and similar to MP4 files. Some users have noted it is MKV has a higher risk of audio issues.
Ideal for: Storing multiple kinds of codecs and other data in the same file
Pros:
Video with high-quality
More video and web browsers as well as players are accepting this format.
It is flexible enough to save chapters and menus and many more.
The perfect choice for a movie that is to be watched on a television or computer using the help of a media player
Cons:
Not compatible with all Apple devices.
Quality is diminished when compressed
Could have more audio issues than other formats.
MP4
MP4 is among the most popular video formats because it’s a universally-compatible format that is universally compatible. This means that it is possible to use MP4 videos for use on iTunes, Apple, and Windows. Another advantage to the use of an MP4 can be that MP4s are smaller in size yet maintain a excellent audio and video quality.
MP4s accomplish it by showing similar videos in video data, clearing the file of the content and putting similar color pixels to allow the video to run more quickly. This can result in an enlightened decrease in the quality of video, especially in the sharpness and color. There may be an error message regarding the MP4 file being corrupted in the event of this.
Ideal for the everyday user
Pros:
Video format that is universally accepted
Supported by Windows Media Players, iTunes, Apples, GOM player and other players.
High-quality video but with smaller file size
Excellent for streaming online videos
Accepted by the majority of video-sharing platforms
Perfect for YouTube since MP4s are great for closed caption format and subtitles
Cons:
More prone to crash as corruption causes
There may be a slight decrease in color and sharpness depth
MPEG-2
MPEG-2 is the most widely used format for digitally encoded videos that has broadcast quality. Many prefer this file format due to its crisp image quality and high resolution for an extremely small size, especially when you consider the typical lengthy video. It is however, MPEG-2 is not readily accessible to most people who don’t have particular equipment, which makes it a difficult video file format for the common video viewer. License fees are typically required when you release the MPEG-2 video format. MPEG-2 video files are large in size since they compress huge files and require massive storage space, which makes them unsuitable for the majority of mobile devices as well as Internet streaming services.
Shortly, MPEG-2 is the standard for DVD movies and is the ideal choice for those wanting to burn DVDs however, it is not much else.
Ideal for DVD burning
Pros:
High-image quality
The standard for DVD video
Converts long videos to smaller sizes quickly
Cons:
It is not playable for the majority of individuals without specialized equipment
The licensing fees are typically required for distribution of this kind of video
Not as effective as other formats when you use high bitrates
Not as efficient as newer standard video file formats
MOV
MOV, often referred to in the QuickTime video file format was created by Apple. MOV files are of superior quality and are similar to MP4s in the sense that they can include audio video, video, subtitles and much more within one single file. The main drawback is it isn’t playable on many other video players other than those that use the QuickTime player. Windows users can play MOV using an application called the QuickTime player, however it’s best to be played by Apple users. The other drawback to MOV’s format is Apple could end the use of the format in the near future and make this format almost impossible to use or play.
But, MOV offers a high-definition video, while maintaining a small size. This is a great feature for editing video on the MAC. Many professionals from the film and media industries prefer MOV due to the fact that it allows movies to be divided into several editing tracks. MOV is a suitable format to use for YouTube, Facebook, and television viewing.
Ideal for: MAC and Apple users.
Pros:
Ideal for web-based use due to its compact size and top-quality
Can save subtitles along with audio and video
It is compatible with many other formats of video.
It is ideal for video editors because of its compact dimensions and capabilities for division.
Cons:
Must be played with QuickTime player for the majority of the time.
The compression of this file could cause data loss
It could be pulled out by Apple
MTS
MTS also known as MPEG Transport Stream, is an advanced format for video that is saved inside the Advanced Video Coding High Definition setting. Big companies like Sony, Canon, and Panasonic make use of this format to produce high-definition video. MTS is a format that can also be utilized to produce 3D videos and works with certain Canon cameras as well as Sony models.
But, MTS isn’t suitable for the majority of users and editors of videos. The software is not compatible with all social media platforms, including YouTube and requires specialized education to edit effectively. Video files can be large and may be difficult to edit.
Ideal for professional Canon and Sony camera owners
Pros:
Compatible with 3D videos.
Produces high-definition digital projects
Compatible with specific Canon and Sony camera models
Cons:
Limited to specific cameras and equipment
The editing process is slow and has an arduous learning curve
HTML5 or WEBM
WEBM or HTML5 is an open-source developed by Google that allows users to examine and modify the video format whenever needed. WEBM can be used in conjunction with HTML and HTML5, making it a great option for videos embedded in browsers.
The main benefit of this format is the fact that you don’t require any processing power in order to decompress or compress video information. Because of this, WEBM is a great format for video streaming. WEBM format is ideal for massive online distribution and embedding videos on websites and that’s why a lot of small-scale business and digital marketing owners make use of the format. They’re fast to stream and load well and are supported by the majority of browsers like Opera, Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer and Firefox.
Ideal for: Digital marketing and small-sized businesses.
Pros:
Video format open source that’s continually changing
More speedier loading time on the web than the other video formats
Doesn’t require significant computing power to decompress or compress
An excellent option for sharing videos with a lot of people online.
Cons:
It is required for HTML open in order to be played
Not in the same way as mobile devices.
WMV
Microsoft created WMV which is also known as Windows Media Video, which has increased its popularity on the internet. WMV is helpful for people looking to share their videos via the Windows PC or edit them using Windows Movie Maker. WMV files do not work with others video editors, which makes them less flexible than other file types listed on this list.
WMV files are a great choice due to their size however, the file could be easily corrupted, which can result in loss of quality following compression. If you’re planning to upload your images to YouTube WMV is a good choice of file. Apple users have access to WMV files via Microsoft’s Windows Media Player.
The best choice is for Windows and Windows Movie Maker Users
Pros:
Video files are relatively small in size
A fantastic option for storing videos on an Windows PC
It can be used to create short animations in a range of video applications
Perfect for sharing videos via email because of the small size of the file
Cons:
It is only compatible for Windows PCs and certain video players.
Quality of video is reduced through and after compression
What is the best format to choose? format for your video?
There are a variety of fantastic video formats that are available. It isn’t easy to select one that is suitable for your project. To assist you we’ve prepared the following cheat sheet , so that you are able to easily choose the most suitable video format to meet your specific needs.
YouTube
YouTube accepts a variety of formats, such as MOV, MPEG-1, MPEG-2MP4, MPG, MP4, AVI, and WMV.
But, AVI and MP4 will be the most common options for the majority of users, particularly if you are planning to utilize the files on other platforms or websites.
To Windows Users, WMV may be the best option If you are using Windows Movie Maker.
TikTok
MOV as well as MP4 are TikTok’s most preferred video formats, however the platform also supports AVI, MPEG, and 3PG files.
Instagram
Instagram prefers the format MP4 but they will accept MOV or GIF If you prefer that format to your liking.
Videos on the website
WEBM as well as HTML5 videos are fast to load and perfect to view on websites
MP4 videos and AVI videos are a great option since they are widely accepted.
Sharing
MP4 files are perfect for sharing since they’re universally recognized, which means the recipient will surely be able to access the file no matter what device or web browser.
For emails, we recommend WMV files when you and your recipient have an Windows computer due to its small size.
Recording
MTS files are a favorite option among Sony and Canon users due to their incredible resolution and 3D video capabilities.
If you’d like to burn your film to DVD, you must film it using MPEG-2.
Editing
WMV is perfect for Windows users editing using Windows Movie Maker.
If you’re planning to burn DVDs or make films, you should consider MPEG-2 or MKV file types.
MOV files are a popular choice with Apple users for editing videos.
Storing Phone
MP4 files are compact and compatible with virtually all devices, making them an ideal choice to save on phones.
MKV files also work for Android smartphones 6.0+.
To use Apple products, think about making use of the HEVC kind of file.
High-quality
AVCHD is among the best quality video files that are available.
If you own an Sony or Canon camera, you should consider the use of an MTS file for a higher resolution.
4K
MTS files provide 4K resolution as well as 3D video support.
AVCHD is a great option for high-definition 4K projects.
Valuable Resources
In our search during our research, we discovered these resources that we’d like to be able to share with you should you have any additional concerns.
Are you still not sure the meaning of a codec for video or would you like to gain a better understanding of the different options for codecs at your disposal when you shoot, edit or creating your videos? Watch the video below for a guide to understanding codes for a thorough explanation of what a coda is and how you can use it for your benefit.
Are you not sure which video format to choose for exporting your video? We liked this short video by Filmora MVP on video formats that explain the different formats and which one to select when exporting your film.
Are you unsure of which video format is the best for you? Check out the YouTube video below about which format of video is the best for you and how it will enhance its quality to your viewers.
Final Thoughts
The correct video file extensions will make a significant difference in how well you can present your work and how long it takes to load or download or load, and whether you are able to transfer it onto the web site or other platform you’d like to share it with.
Before you begin any video project, make sure you be aware of the format that will work best for your particular project, and how your PC can handle it. If you’re using an older computer that has less space it is necessary to choose an mp3 file that is smaller or risk damaging your computer when working on or rendering the video. If you’re using the external drive and have a larger capacity, you can select larger video files that are high-quality resolution.
Begin by thinking about your video’s ultimate destination whether it’s streaming, a movie or social media. Then create and edit your video using the same format. Make sure to consider what the most suitable option for your project. But don’t worry it’s possible to change your video’s format using the many online tools.