Which video format to use on the web: MP4, WebM or MOV
Updated: November 10, 2026
“Video format” mixes two things: the container (the extension: .mp4, .webm, .mov, .mkv) and the codec (how the picture and sound are compressed inside). A video can be .mp4 and still not play if the codec isn’t supported. Here’s the quick guide.
The safe choice
MP4 with H.264 video and AAC audio. It plays in every modern browser, on iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac and TVs. If in doubt, export that.
Containers
- MP4: the web standard. Supports H.264, H.265 and AV1.
- WebM: Google’s open format with VP9 or AV1. Great in Chrome, Firefox and Edge; Safari support arrived later and depends on the version.
- MOV: Apple’s format (iPhone, Final Cut). It can play in browsers if it contains H.264; with HEVC or ProRes, not always.
- MKV: common for downloads and OBS recordings; browsers don’t handle it well. Convert it to MP4 before uploading.
Codecs
- H.264 (AVC): compatible with everything. The one to use if you want to play it safe.
- H.265 (HEVC): smaller at the same quality, but many browsers on Windows and Android can’t play it.
- VP9 and AV1: very efficient and open; good support in modern browsers, more limited on older devices.
- Audio: AAC or Opus. Avoid uncommon formats like AC-3 or DTS: the video plays with no sound.
Frequently asked questions
You can upload the usual video formats, but for it to play well everywhere we recommend MP4 with H.264 and AAC.