Complete Video Guide

Master video processing with our comprehensive guide. Learn about MP4, AVI, MOV, MKV formats, H.264/H.265 codecs, and video conversion best practices.

Video Container Formats
Understanding containers vs codecs - containers hold the video and audio streams

MP4 (.mp4)

The most universally compatible format, supported by all devices and platforms.

Universal support
Web streaming
H.264/H.265
Best for: Web, streaming, social media, mobile

MKV (.mkv)

Feature-rich container supporting multiple audio tracks, subtitles, and chapters.

Multiple tracks
Subtitles
Open source
Best for: Movies, anime, archival, home theater

AVI (.avi)

Legacy Microsoft format, still widely used but less efficient than modern formats.

Legacy support
Windows native
Large files
Best for: Legacy systems, Windows compatibility

MOV (.mov)

Apple's QuickTime format, common in professional video editing workflows.

Apple ecosystem
Pro editing
High quality
Best for: Mac, Final Cut Pro, professional editing

WebM (.webm)

Google's web-optimized format using VP8/VP9 codecs, royalty-free.

Web optimized
Royalty-free
VP9/AV1
Best for: Web video, HTML5, open platforms

GIF (.gif)

Animated image format, limited colors but universally supported everywhere.

Animation
Universal
256 colors
Best for: Memes, reactions, short loops
Video Codecs Explained
Codecs compress and decompress video data - they determine quality and file size
264

H.264 (AVC)

The most widely supported codec, excellent balance of quality and compatibility. Works on virtually every device.

Universal
Hardware decode
265

H.265 (HEVC)

50% better compression than H.264 at same quality. Ideal for 4K content but requires more processing power.

4K/8K
50% smaller
VP9

VP9

Google's royalty-free alternative to H.265. Used by YouTube and Chrome, excellent for web streaming.

YouTube
Royalty-free
AV1

AV1

Next-generation open codec with 30% better compression than H.265. The future of web video.

Future-proof
Best compression
Video Best Practices
Professional guidelines for video production and distribution

Platform Recommendations

YouTube

MP4, H.264, up to 8K

Instagram

MP4, 1:1 or 9:16

TikTok

MP4, 9:16, 15-60s

Twitter/X

MP4, max 2:20

Quality Guidelines

  • Use MP4 with H.264 for maximum compatibility
  • Target 8-12 Mbps for 1080p, 35-45 Mbps for 4K
  • Use H.265/HEVC for 4K content to reduce file size
  • Keep original files in high quality for future edits

Resolution Cheat Sheet

480p (SD)854 × 480
720p (HD)1280 × 720
1080p (Full HD)1920 × 1080
1440p (2K)2560 × 1440
2160p (4K)3840 × 2160
Video Tools
Convert and edit your videos
Quick Tips

Best for Web

MP4 with H.264 works on 99% of devices and browsers.

4K Content

Use H.265/HEVC to reduce file size by 50% vs H.264.

Pro Tip

Keep masters in ProRes or DNxHD for professional editing.

Convert Video Between Formats
Use our free online tools to convert your video files

Video Converter

All formats

Convert between MP4, AVI, MOV, MKV, WebM, and more video formats.

Video Trimmer

Cut & trim

Trim, cut, and split your video files with precision controls.

Social Media

Optimized

Convert videos with presets for YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.