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How many video formats can you name?

Videos are one of the best communication tools anyone can use online. Some statistics say that every minute more than 300 hours of video is uploaded on YouTube only, so there is no wonder there is so many file extension from this category. Sure, there are so many file formats you can choose from, but how can you know which one to use? The answer is simple, you'll make a decision based on your needs. Every video file extension is created to fulfill the needs of its users. But we'll talk about that a bit later. Besides choosing the right file format, you should probably know a few more details about the video itself. For example, have you ever heard about video codec and video container? What is the difference between them, are those types of video files or what?

Video codec and video container explained

Both video codec and video containers are parts of video file format, but they have different roles. A codec is a protocol for encoding and decoding multimedia data. The most common ones are H.246, MPEG-4, and DivX. Proper video codec has high efficiency and ability to preserve quality while reducing the size of a file. On the other hand, a container format is a definition of how metadata and data are structured. It is also known simply as the format and represents the file's extension. The most famous containers are AVI, MP4, and MOV. So basically, when you are creating a video, a codec encodes and compresses the video and sound. Afterward, the encoded video and audio are synchronized and stored in a media container. Together, they form a video file. Now, let's get back to the video file formats and starting with the popular ones.

MP4, M4P, M4V

All these files can store both audio and video. Their format is quite lossless, which makes them perfect for any type of editing or manipulation. Why? Because during and after the editing process, the quality of the original file stays untouched. Great video quality and small file size are the best features of MP4, M4P, and M4V formats. Also, these type of files are mostly used for streaming video via internet.

WEBM

Created by Google, this type of file is mostly used for HTML5 sites, such as YouTube. The size of a WEBM file is quite small, the quality is fair, but the most important thing is its availability to a large audience.

MPG, MP2, MPEG, MPE, MPV

Besides audio, these files can contain videos as well. They are small on size and not so great when it comes to quality. They have lossy compression, and they will lose their quality after every editing process. On the other hand, they are perfect for the once taped and never edited videos.

AVI

AVI files are the oldest and the most compatible ones. With awesome flexibility when it comes to balancing between quality and size. They are stored in approximately 2-3 GB per file. Yes, they are a bit bigger than previously mentioned files, but for any web platforms, you can always convert video files from one format to another using this converter.

MOV, QT

Files saved with .MOV and .QT extensions are great in quality but when it comes to storing, they require a significant amount of storage space. To reproduce these types of files you have to have a Quicktime player, which is completely fine if you own an Apple device.

AVCHD

If you need an HD digital recording and video reproducing this file format is the right one. Designed by Sony and Panasonic, it allows you to store hours of high-quality video using a small amount of data with the H.264/MPEG-4 video compression technology. Plus, the newest version of an AVCHD file supports three-dimensional video.

OGG

This type of file represents some kind of alternative to MPEG. Also, it's quite similar to it. It's used for high-quality files, and streaming via the internet. It has good compatibility with both desktop and portable ones.

WMV

WMV stands for Windows Media Video. The quality of files with these particular extensions are poor, but they are small in size. For those with an older Windows computer, this type of file is an everyday thing, but for the others is a bit of an old story.

MKV

Matroska Video file or MKV can contain an unlimited number of audio, video, picture, or subtitle tracks in one file. And that's not even the best part! Also, MKV has awesome compatibility with most of the video players used on different devices.

FLV, SWF

The key feature of these types of files is versatility. It makes them perfect for YouTube videos. FLV is supported by all browsers and platforms as well. Plus, due to their size, these formats are easy to download. On the other hand, if you need to reproduce them on the iPhone, there will be some converting included.

Does the best video format exist?

As we previously mentioned, the best video format is the one that suits your needs. For example, if you are creating content for social media, you should use a format that's compatible with a large number of browsers, such as MP4 and WEBM. For home videos and personal uses, choose the format with high quality so that you can reuse them later. For this purpose, you can use formats such as MP4 or AVI file format. If you have an older Windows computer, you should use a format that will be unbrotherly reproduced.

Most common video formats

The purpose of creating video files is different from user to user. Some might use it for work and some for fun. Either way, they all have something in common - the most popular file formats.

Can video format be converted to some other file category?

Believe it or not, you can convert video files not use to another file format, but to completely different file categories. You can convert them to audio files and to images as well. But you can also convert it to archive file formats. Save space or transform files, it doesn't matter which option will you choose as long as you use our converter.

Audio formats: AAC, AC3, AIF, AIFC, AIFF, AMR, AU, CAF, FLAC, M4A, M4B, MP3, OGA, SFARK, VOC, WAV, WEBA, WMA and FLP.

Image formats: 3FR, ARW, BMP, CR2, CRW, DCR, DNG, EPS, ERF, GIF, HEIC, ICNS, ICO, JPEG, JPG, MOS, MRW, NEF, ODD, ORF, PEF, PNG, PPM, PS, PSD, RAF, RAW, TIF, TIFF, WEBP, X3F, XCF, XPS and JFIF.

Archive formats: 7Z, ACE, ALZ, ARC, ARJ, BZ, BZ2, CAB, CPIO, DEB, DMG, GZ, IMG, ISO, JAR, LHA, LZ, LZMA, LZO, RAR, RPM, RZ, TAR, TAR.7Z, TAR.BZ, TAR.BZ2, TAR.GZ, TAR.LZO, TAR.XZ, TAR.Z, TBZ, TBZ2, TGZ, TZ, TZO, XZ, Z and ZIP.

EXTRA: Tips & tricks for creating a better video

Maybe you're not a pro when it comes to videos, but that can easily be changed after learning a few tips and tricks from the professionals. These bits of advice will not bring you a well-payed job in Hollywood production, but they can help you in creating a path to it.

1. It's all about the light

Choosing the right light can make or break your video. Remember, when it comes to light, more is more. Just don't forget to place it in the right corner, or else you'll get a true amateur video. Also, the sun is the best light source, so if you can incorporate it in your vision it's a plus. But, try to take videos in the mornings or the evenings when the light is more flatering.

2. Think about the background

In the ideal scenario, the green background would be perfect, but if that's not an option, there is something else you can do. You can also use a clean wall or a bedsheet to use instead of a green background. And that's not it. For example, you can always choose the blur background option for a shoot. Or, you can go outdoors and choose nature patterns and textures for a creative video. In the end, it doesn't matter, we're sure it will look good as long as you feel good making it.

3. Good audio is a must

Good audio quality is more important that high-video quality. Why? Because a lower video quality can give a kind of artistic vibe to it, but poor audio will just make your video cheap and unprofessional. If you're not able to provide a high-quality sound to your video, then mix it up with titles and some catchy music in the background.

4. Steady video is a good video

Try to keep your camera as steady as possible. After all, you don't want your viewers to get sick, right? Better yet, don't try to hold a camera, place it on a flat surface, or use a tripod. Don't forget to turn on built-in video stabilization, or download additional software with that option.

5. It's all about camera presence

Try not to be shy or nervous in front of the camera. It's not easy, but you can always practice it. Try to imagine that you're talking to your best friend on a sunny day in your favorite coffee shop. It's all about natural presence. That's how you'll connect with your audience better.