Format family
Video format family — containers & delivery
Video “formats” are usually containers (MP4, MOV, WebM, MKV) that carry codecs. Compatibility and file size depend on both. Start here, then open a container hub or a best-for guide.
Delivery & web
Common share and upload targets.
MP4 is the safest video delivery format for phones, web, and social platforms. Shoot or edit in whatever your camera prefers, then provide an MP4 derivative for sharing.
Format hub →
WebM is built for HTML5 video with open codecs — common for browser recordings and site backgrounds. Convert to MP4 when you need maximum device and editor compatibility, especially in Apple-heavy workflows.
Format hub →
MOV holds video/audio tracks (often H.264/H.265 or ProRes). It is native to iPhone and Final Cut workflows; convert or remux to MP4 when sharing with Windows users or uploading to platforms that prefer MP4.
Format hub →
Editorial & archive
Flexible containers for editing workflows and long-term copies.
MKV is a flexible open container beloved for rips and multi-track films (commentary, subtitles, multiple audio languages). Convert to MP4 when a device or web platform refuses Matroska.
Format hub →
AVI still appears in legacy cameras, medical devices, and older Windows apps. Codecs inside vary wildly — convert to MP4 for reliable playback on modern phones and the web.
Format hub →
M4V is closely related to MP4 and often plays where MP4 does. Some store-bought M4Vs were DRM-wrapped — unprotected M4V usually converts cleanly to MP4 for broader use.
Format hub →
Legacy & mobile
Older or niche containers still seen in exports and devices.
WMV shows up in older corporate training libraries and Windows recordings. Convert to MP4 so Mac, phone, and web viewers do not need legacy codecs.
Format hub →
FLV powered early YouTube-style streaming inside Flash Player. Flash is gone — convert FLV to MP4 to keep old recordings playable on modern devices.
Format hub →
3GP files come from older feature phones and early smartphone cameras. Convert them to MP4 to watch comfortably on modern devices and upload to current platforms.
Format hub →
OGV was an early open HTML5 video option before MP4 consolidated the web. Convert legacy OGV to MP4 for today’s phones, editors, and platforms.
Format hub →
Best for…
Decision guides for this family — not generic productivity tips.
MP4 (H.264/AAC) is the safest website video format. WebM is excellent for open/controlled stacks. Convert MOV/AVI uploads to MP4 before embedding.
MP4 is the social video default. Convert MOV/MKV/AVI/WebM to MP4 for schedulers and ads managers.
MP4 with H.264/AAC is the compatibility king. Use it when sending to clients, smart TVs, and mixed devices.
Efficient codecs in MP4/WebM beat ancient AVI/MOV ProRes for delivery size. Resolution and bitrate matter as much as the container.