Best Video File Formats for Online Video and Streaming in 2023

With so many different options out there, choosing the best video file format for your clips can be a daunting task. But don’t worry — we’ve got you covered. In this article, we bring you the best video file formats in 2023 — along with what they’re actually best for. Whether you’re planning to launch a VOD streaming service or just need a way to store a large number of videos without taking up too much space, you will soon know exactly which video format to use.

What Is a Video File Format and How Does It Work?

Simply put, a video file format is a format used to store digital data on a computer. Extensions are used to show us which format the video is stored in. This might also dictate which software will be able to open and play the video (and whether you will have to transcode the video in order to play it). There are dozens of different formats out there, and not all of them are suitable for all purposes. But to know which video file format is the best one for your video, it is important to understand how video file formats work. In order to do that, we need to get acquainted with two key terms — codecs and containers.

What Is a Container?

A video file container is, quite literally, a container that carries all the data pertaining to the video. This includes both the visual and the audio components, as well as some metadata, such as the time and place the video was taken, the equipment used to film, video SEO information, and the title of the video. In fact, when we talk about video file formats, we are mostly talking about containers (although this is not always the case). An example of a video file container you are likely familiar with is .mp4.

What Is a Codec?

Codec is a piece of software used for encoding and decoding a video. In fact, the word codec comes from coder and decoder. Simply put, the coder part of the codec compresses the video file to make it easier to store or send. On the other hand, the decoder part is in charge of making a compressed file usable again by decoding it. There are many different video codecs out there, but some of the most commonly used ones are H.264 and H.265. 

The Difference Between a Codec and a Container

Although both codecs and containers are vital elements in a video file, they serve completely different purposes. In short, the container is a box in which all the data is stored, and the codec is a piece of software that makes the file smaller or larger. 

If this sounds a little too confusing, try imagining that you are packing winter clothes in a vacuum bag. The clothes themselves are the video data. The bag would be the container, and the vacuum you use to suck out the air out of the bag is the codec. In order to be able to store all your clothes on a shelf, you need to make them as compact as possible (that is, encode the video to store it on a computer). And once you decide to wear them again (that is, play the video), you need to let the air back into the bag (you need to decode the video to play it). 

8 Best Video File Formats in 2023

Now that we’ve gone over the basics of what video formats are and how they work, let’s take a closer look at some of the most commonly used ones.

1. MP4

MP4 is by far one of the most commonly used video file formats, as it is highly versatile and compatible with a wide array of players and devices (including Brid.TV’s HTML5 player). First released in 2001, MP4 is considered to be a global standard for video encoding today. It provides a high level of compression (that is, it can make the video file much smaller) without significantly affecting the quality of the video. 

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2. WebM

WebM is an open-source format developed by Google. It was mainly created for the purpose of sharing video files online and is supported by all major browsers, from Google Chrome to Microsoft Edge. As it contains small video files, it allows for almost immediate playback, making it great for websites with a lot of video content and one of the go-to options for live streaming platforms such as Streamlab.

3. MOV

MOV is a video file format that is most compatible with iOS devices, although it also works on Windows. It was developed by Apple with the main purpose of storing full-length movies. It supports high video bitrate, which also enables decent video quality. MOV is compatible with a long list of codecs and platforms. The best players to use to open MOV files are QuickTime and VLC.

4. AVI

The AVI format was developed by Microsoft in 1992, making it one of the oldest video formats. Along with MP4, it is also one of the most commonly used video formats out there. It is compatible with all devices that use Windows, Mac, or Linux and with all major internet browsers. It is one of the most commonly used formats for TV, which might account for its popularity slightly dropping in recent years. 

5. MKV

MKV got its name after Matroskas — Russian stacking dolls. And that is exactly what MKV is — a video file format that can contain an unlimited number of video or audio tracks within it. For example, if a clip has several audio options in different languages, MKV will store each option as a separate track. It also supports elements such as chapters or menus. 

6. WMV

WMV format is perfect for storing large amounts of video and audio data without taking up too much space. It has a high compression ratio with the ability to retain relatively good video quality. WMV was developed by Microsoft and, as such, is compatible with Windows Media Player and other Windows-based programs. Still, its compatibility with other operating systems and programs is pretty limited. Unlike many other formats, WMV can serve both as a container and as a codec. Files stored in this format are often protected by Digital Rights Management systems.

7. AVCHD

AVCHD was launched in a joint venture by Sony and Panasonic as a format for video production using digital cameras and camcorders. It is the format that allows for the highest quality of videos, and its newest edition also supports 3D videos. It includes highly efficient encoding using the H.264 codec without significant quality loss.

8. FLV

FLV is a video file format designed for Adobe Flash Player. However, since Adobe discontinued its support for the player in December 2020, many VOD providers have been moving away from it in favor of the HTML5 video player. Along with the Flash Player, FLV has been slowly dying, too. Adobe, for example, recommends replacing it with the H.264 codec. 

Back in its glory days, FLV used to be one of the go-to file formats for basically anyone (except iOS users). However, it has become relatively obsolete nowadays. Although there are still online video players and platforms out there that support the FLV format, it is likely that any software developed in the future will not be compatible with it, so it might be a good idea to go for a different option.

How to Pick the Best Video File Format

So we’ve covered the basics of the top video file formats in 2023. But which one is the best? Unfortunately, there is no clear-cut answer to this question. Are you launching an OTT service, planning to add a couple of videos to your website, or just want to e-mail some clips from your last vacation to a friend? The choice of the best video format will depend on what exactly you’re planning to do with the videos, so here is a quick overview of what makes each of these formats stand out:

• MP4 is a universal format that is supported by all major operating systems, browsers, and players. It is the safest bet for maintaining decent video quality without sacrificing too much storage space. 
• WebM is a great option for online libraries and live streaming, especially on Windows devices. 
• MOV is most compatible with iOS devices and is a great option for full-length movies. 
• AVI maintains a high quality of video and audio and is compatible with most browsers, systems, and platforms. However, due to its high storage requirements, it is best used for short clips. 
• MKV is a unique format in terms of its unlimited track-storing capabilities. It is the right choice for videos with multiple audio options, chapters, menus, and similar elements. 
• WMV is the right choice if you want to save up on space, as it has a very high compression ratio. However, its compatibility with operating systems other than Windows is quite limited. 
• Lastly, AVCHD is the format used by professional recording equipment to store data. It maintains a very high quality of video files, although it takes up quite a lot of space.

As you can see, options are plentiful. To make the choice of the right format easier, here’s a quick overview of what each of the formats covered above is best used for.

File Format	Best Used For
MP4	Universal format, good for uploading decent-quality videos to streaming platforms such as YouTube or Facebook and storing video files on computers and phones
WebM	Online video libraries and live streaming
MOV	Full-length movies, especially on iOS
AVI	Short clips, promotional videos, advertisements
MKV	Videos with multiple audio options, a large number of separate tracks, selectable chapters and menu options
WMV	Storing and uploading videos when there is limited storage space, such as e-mailing a video or storing it on a cloud or putting it on a website with a large number of video files
AVCHD	High-quality videos recorded with professional equipment, 3D videos
FLV	Nostalgia

Let’s Wrap Up: Choosing the Best Video Format

We know all of this can be a little confusing, especially if you’re new to the video industry. And sure, choosing the right video file format is no easy task, but luckily, there are some things you won’t have to worry about. No matter which format you decide to go for, you can count on Brid.TV’s HTML5 player, as it is compatible with most video file formats out there. 

You won’t have to worry about choosing the right video streaming protocol or finding ways to implement adaptive bitrate streaming — our player handles that for you. And if you’re planning on becoming the next live streaming superstar, we also support HTTP live streaming with both European and American servers.

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