When choosing a video file format, it is important to consider the format’s compatibility with the device or software you’ll use to play the video. For example, macOS devices may only be able to play certain video files.
However, if you’ve already chosen your video file extension format, don’t use an HTML5 file input field to upload it. Instead, go for a JavaScript file uploader because it allows you to drag-and-drop multiple files, making your uploads super easy.
But what if your uploaded file loses quality when you open it? What if every format you choose ends up pixelated? Wondering if there’s a video format that doesn’t crash? Let’s talk about it.
What Is a Video Format?
When it comes to working with video files, there are several different codecs, containers, and video file extensions you can choose from. But what do they all mean?
Video file extensions comprise two aspects:
- Video Codec is the algorithm used to compress and decompress video data.
- Container Format – It is responsible for packaging the video data with any audio or other data that might be needed.
There are two big container formats in use today: the MP4 and the AVI. The MP4 is the younger of the two and is also the most widely-used format for distributing video on the web.
There are dozens of codecs, but some of the most popular ones include H.264, MPEG-4, and VP9. As for container formats, some of the most popular ones are MP4, MKV, and AVI.
What Are the Best Video File Formats?
Choosing the right video format from a video file extension list can be tricky. There are so many different options, each with its pros and cons.
To make your decision a little easier, we’ve compiled a list of the top video file formats. It includes the most popular formats out there from a video file extension list, as well as some of the lesser-known ones.
The list is ordered from best to worst. Let’s get into it.
- MP4
The most efficient video format among the video file extension list is MP4, which is used by both computers and mobile devices.
MP4 is a compressed file format, which means it takes up less space than other video file formats. It also supports high-definition video and audio processing.
If you want to watch an MP4 video on your computer, you will need to install a video player application. The most popular MP4 players include Apple QuickTime and VLC Media Player.
An MP4 video can be played on almost any device, including tablets, smartphones, and computers. And because MP4 files are relatively small, they’ll barely take up space on your hard drive.
So, if you’re looking for high-quality video and audio, MP4 is the way to go. The video and audio quality of MP4 files are excellent, making them perfect for watching movies or TV shows on your computer or mobile device.
- WMV
If you want the best quality video format and the utmost compatibility, you want WMV. These files are compressed using Microsoft’s Windows Media Video codec. This results in smaller file sizes without sacrificing quality.
WMV files are compatible with various devices and software, including Windows Media Player (WMP), QuickTime Player, and VLC Media Player. They offer great video quality at lower bit rates than other file formats, making them ideal for streaming on lower-powered devices.
These files can be protected with digital rights management (DRM) technology to control copying and distribution.
- MOV
MOV is a video file format developed by Apple Computers. The format is used for storing digital video and audio data on computer systems. It’s also used for streaming media over the internet.
MOV files use a compression algorithm called H.264, a high-quality video codec. The codec compresses the video and audio data to reduce the file size. This makes it possible to store high-quality video and audio data in a small file size.
A MOV file can be played on various devices, including computers, smartphones, and tablets.
- AVI
AVI files can be played on both Windows and macOS. They are typically small in size and are the best-compressed video format, meaning they’ll barely take up space on your SSD. These files can also be easily converted to other video formats if needed.
An AVI video file has a high-resolution video format and provides great playback on computers and TVs. So next time you’re wondering what video file format to use, go with AVI, and you’ll have a great experience.
- AVCHD
AVCHD is a video format that offers high-definition and great-quality audio. It’s also easy to use and store. This format is excellent for Windows users and those who want to capture and preserve their memories in high definition.
- MKV
MKV is an open-source format, which means anyone can create tools and software for it. It is among the best video encoding formats. The format is versatile and can be used for various purposes, including high-definition video.
An MKV video file is typically smaller than other video file types, so it takes up less space on your SSD.
- HTML5
HTML5 is the current version of the HTML standard and comes with video and audio playback support. It’s supported by all major browsers, including Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, and Chrome.
It offers superior performance to previous HTML versions and better compatibility with mobile devices.
An important feature of HTML5 is its ability to embed media in your web pages without needing an external plug-in. You only need a single line of code to embed video and audio content into your web pages.
What Is the Best Video Format?
There are many factors to consider when choosing a format from a video file extension list. But the most important factor is compatibility with the devices you want to play the video on. For instance, MP4 files work on most media players, but WMV files only open on WMP.
Another important factor is file size. Some video types, like MP4, are very efficient and have small file sizes. This is important if you plan to store a lot of videos on your computer or share them online.
Finally, you should consider the quality of the video. Some formats, like AVI, can lead to lower-quality videos. So, if you want the best possible quality, you should choose a format like MP4 or MOV.
