Video files come in different formats and each has its own strengths. Whether you are watching movies, editing videos or streaming online - knowing how video codecs work is useful. Some formats prioritise high-quality visuals while others focus on reducing file size for easier storage and sharing. Let us now break it down in simple terms.
What is a video codec?
A video codec is a tool that compresses and decompresses video files. Without it—video files would be too large to store or share efficiently. Codecs reduce file size while keeping good video quality. The right codec can make a huge difference in video playback, file transfer speed and compatibility with different devices.
There are two main types of codecs
● Lossy Codec: These reduce file size but may lower video quality slightly. Most videos online use lossy codecs to balance size and quality.
● Lossless Codecs: These keep all video details but create larger files. They are often used for professional video editing and archiving where quality is critical.
1. MP4 (MPEG-4 Part 14)
It is the most widely used video format. And offers you an excellent balance between file size and video quality. It is supported by almost every device that includes smartphones, tablets and smart TVs. And the best thing? MP4 files are highly compressed. This makes them perfect for online and streaming, and sharing without consuming too much storage.
Pros
● Small file size with good quality.
● Works well for streaming and sharing.
● Compatible with most devices and platforms.
Cons
● Not always the best for professional editing.
● Some compression may reduce quality slightly.
2. AVI (Audio Video Interleave)
Developed by Microsoft in the early 1990s - AVI is one of the oldest video formats. It is known for preserving high quality video and a great choice for storing raw video data. However AV files tend to be large because they use less compression compared to MP4. This makes them less suitable for streaming and online sharing. But it can be a perfect choice if you use it for professional purposes or archiving.
Pros
● High-quality video.
● Works on video without extra software.
Cons
● Large file sizes can take up more storage.
● Not ideal for online streaming or mobile use.
3. MKV (Matroska Video Format)
MKV is a flexible and powerful format widely used for movies, TV shows and HD videos. It can hold multiple audio tracks, subtitles and metadata within a single file. This makes it a favourite among film enthusiasts and video collectors. Indeed MKV offers excellent quality. But keep in mind, it is not always compatible with all media players and devices without additional software.
Pros
● Great for HD and 4K videos.
● Supports multiple subtitles and audio tracks.
Cons
● Not supported by all media players.
● Larger file sizes compared to MP4
4. MOV (QuickTime Movie Format)
It was developed by Apple for its QuickTime player and is popular in video production and editing. The format maintains high-quality video and audio - perfect for professionals. It works well with Apple devices and editing software like Final Cut Pro. However the files are big and may not work easily on non-Apple platforms.
Pros
● High-quality video with excellent editing support.
● Works well with Apple devices and software.
Cons
● Large files make storage and sharing harder.
● Not always compatible with non-Apple devices.
5. WMV (Windows Media Video)
WMV was developed by Microsoft for Windows users. It mainly focuses on high compression with minimal quality loss. You can use it for online video streaming and playback in Windows environments. WMV files are smaller compared to formats like AVI. But they may not always provide the same level of quality.
Pros
● Small file size, ideal for online streaming.
● Works well on Windows without extra software.
Cons
● Lower quality compared to MP4 or MKV.
● Limited compatibility outside of Windows.
6. FLV (Flash Video Format)
FLV was once the standard format for online videos, especially on platforms like YouTube. It was designed for fast streaming with small file sizes. However the FLV has become less relevant with the decline of Adobe Flash. Many modern platforms now prefer MP4 for better device compatibility and performance.
Pros
● Small file size for fast streaming.
● Supported by many older online platforms.
Cons
● Flash is no longer widely used.
● Not ideal for offline viewing or modern devices.
Which Format Should You Use
● For everyday use: MP4 is the best choice as it works on all devices and keeps good quality.
● For high-quality movies: MKV is great for HD and 4K videos. That also comes with additional features like multiple audio tracks and subtitles.
● For editing: MOV is ideal, especially on Mac and for professional workflows.
● For Windows users: AVI and WMV work well. But MP4 is still better for sharing and streaming.
Comparison Table: Video Codecs at a Glance
|
Format |
Pros |
Cons |
|
MP4 |
Small file size, widely supported, great for streaming |
Slight compression loss, not ideal for professional editing |
|
AVI |
High quality video, minimal compression. |
Large file sizes, not ideal for streaming. |
|
MKV |
Supports multiple audio tracks and subtitles, great for HD. |
Large file sizes, limited device support. |
|
MOV |
High-quality, great for editing |
Large files, mainly for Apple devices. |
|
WMV |
Small file size, good for streaming. |
Lower quality, limited support outside windows. |
|
FLV |
Small file size and fast streaming |
Outdated, limited modern support |
Is There Any Drawback to Using A Video Codec?
While video codecs are essential for managing video files, they come with a few drawbacks:
● Loss of Quality: Lossy codecs reduce file size by removing data. This may lead to lower video quality.
● Compatibility issues: Some codecs are not universally supported. Sometimes it requires additional software for playback.
● Large file size for high quality: Lossless codecs keep high quality but take significant storage space.
● Compression Artifacts: Heavy compression can cause visual distortions, especially in fast-motion scenes.
Final Say
Choosing the right video format depends on your needs. If you want small and high-quality files - MP4 is the best option. For professional editing or HD movies - MKV or MOV is better. Now that you understand video codecs, you can confidently buy the right format for any situation.
