Video file format explanation: MP4, MOV, others

Since the smart people who first digitized video on computers, there has been a continuous effort to provide excellent image quality while fitting videos into less space. To achieve this goal, many different approaches have been taken, leading to various video formats. While it's not necessary to know everything, recognizing some important types is valuable.

Why video file formats are important

Each video format has its own unique history and reason for existence. Some were designed for home media (like DVDs and Blu-rays), while others were created for software like video games. They were also developed to be transmitted over the internet.

'Knowing something about video formats allows you to choose the most suitable ones for creating or converting your videos. Similarly, if you encounter problematic video files, knowing their format can help troubleshoot playback issues.'

Understanding codecs and containers

Video file formats consist of two important parts: containers and codecs.

A container is a basic file format that holds other files. In other words, a video container includes all elements related to media such as video, audio, subtitles in a single file.

'On the other hand, a codec is an algorithm used to process audio and video, trying to store as little space as possible while maintaining as much quality as possible.'

MP4 files are containers, but two MP4 files may not use the same codec. For example, H.264 or H.265.

MKV: Flexible options

Matroska Video (MKV) is an open-source format suitable for backing up media like DVDs, supporting multiple audio tracks, subtitles, and even multiple video streams. While it has high compatibility now, many built-in video players do not fully support MKV.

WMV: An option from Windows Media

Windows Media Video is less commonly seen today and mostly supported by Windows applications like Windows Media Player and Internet Explorer. It was one of the first video formats for web streaming. At least, the initial WMV codec was designed as a competitor to RealVideo.

'FLV: The past of Flash video'

FLV or Flash Video was the most popular method to display videos on the web once. This led to the creation of generations of creators and significant contributions to modern internet culture. However, with Adobe discontinuing support for their Flash Player software, the technology itself disappeared. This may have been the right choice. The role that FLV files previously played on the web is now largely taken over by HTML5.

WebM: A network-friendly format

WebM is an open-source format for delivering videos on websites. It's free and open, so there are no licensing fees. Additionally, you can play WebM files in the latest browsers without additional downloads or extensions.

Unfortunately, WebM is not supported by web browsers outside of them, so you may need to convert formats like MP4 if you want to use them elsewhere.

There are many important types of video file formats among these, but of course, there are even more. However, now you have knowledge about most of the files you will encounter.