Container
Video format library
Video format and codec guides
Compare containers, codecs, playlists, disc media, and camera formats. Learn what each format stores, which applications can use it, and when conversion is necessary.
14 references
Browse video formats and codecs
Choose a format to review its structure, compatibility, playback requirements, and practical output options.
Container
FLV
FLV was designed for Adobe Flash video delivery. Modern browsers no longer run Flash, so archived FLV files often need a standalone player or conversion to a current container.Codec comparison
H.265 vs H.264
H.264 prioritizes broad hardware and software support. H.265 can deliver similar visual quality at a lower bitrate, but decoding and editing generally require newer hardware.Video codec
HEVC / H.265
HEVC and H.265 are two names for the same video compression standard. It is efficient for 4K, HDR, and compact delivery but needs more processing than H.264.Playlist
M3U8
An M3U8 file is a UTF-8 playlist, not usually the video itself. In HLS streaming it points to media playlists, segments, encryption data, and alternate tracks.Container
MKV
MKV is the Matroska multimedia container. It is valued for flexible video, audio, subtitle, chapter, and metadata tracks, but some devices prefer MP4 or MOV.Container
MOV
MOV is Apple's QuickTime container. It can hold delivery codecs such as H.264 as well as editing codecs such as ProRes, so file behavior varies with the tracks inside.Container
MP4
MP4 is a widely supported media container used for streaming, downloads, phones, TVs, and social platforms. H.264 with AAC is its most broadly compatible combination.Container and format family
MPG / MPEG
MPG and MPEG files commonly contain MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 program streams. The format remains common in VCD, DVD, broadcast, and older camera workflows.Transport stream
MTS
MTS is an AVCHD transport-stream file commonly produced by camcorders. M2TS uses the same transport-stream family and is also found in Blu-ray structures.DVD-Video container
VOB
VOB is the DVD-Video object container. It can hold MPEG-2 video, audio, subtitles, navigation data, and menu content as part of a VIDEO_TS structure.Container
WebM
WebM is an open media container designed for web delivery. It commonly carries VP8, VP9, or AV1 video with Vorbis or Opus audio.Codec family and container usage
WMV
WMV is Microsoft's Windows Media video family, commonly stored in an ASF container. It remains readable in many desktop tools but is less universal on browsers and mobile devices.Camera recording family
XAVC and XAVC S
XAVC is a Sony professional recording family based on H.264/AVC. XAVC S is a consumer-oriented variant that commonly stores H.264 video in MP4.Container
Holds video, audio, subtitles, chapters, and metadata. MP4, MKV, MOV, AVI, and WebM are containers.
Codec
Compresses and decodes a media track. H.264 and H.265/HEVC are video codecs used inside containers.
Playlist or structure
Points to media or organizes it. M3U8, VIDEO_TS, AVCHD, and camera folders need their referenced files.
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