Video codecs, with real samples
A codec decides how small your file gets at a given quality and where it plays. Below is the same animated clip, encoded in four codecs at comparable quality - notice the size difference.
Compare for yourself
Source: "Big Buck Bunny" (Blender Foundation, Creative Commons licensed) - the full short film (~10 min), with sound. Same target quality in each codec, ordered from largest to smallest file.
Plays everywhere - pick it when you want guaranteed compatibility (social, email, old devices).
DownloadOpen codec, native browser playback (WebM) - great for web streaming.
DownloadNearly half the size at the same quality - ideal for 4K, HDR and archival.
DownloadThe smallest of all - perfect for efficient streaming and bandwidth savings.
DownloadThe size shown is the whole file and includes the audio track. Some codecs may not play in your browser (e.g. H.265 outside Safari) - you can download them.
What each codec is and when to use it
H.264 / AVC - maximum compatibility
The most widespread codec in the world. It plays on virtually anything: old phones, TVs, browsers, consoles. Very fast to encode. The downside: at the same quality it produces larger files than modern codecs. Example: a clip you send on WhatsApp or upload quickly anywhere.
H.265 / HEVC - half the size
The successor to H.264: the same quality at ~40-50% fewer bits. Ideal for 4K and HDR/10-bit content. Plays natively on Apple (Safari, iPhone, Mac) and many TVs, but browser support is more limited. Example: archiving a 4K film without eating huge space.
AV1 - the best compression
The modern, open, royalty-free codec. The most efficient of all: even smaller files than H.265 at the same quality. Plays in modern browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge). The trade-off: encoding is the slowest - exactly why distributed processing matters. Example: streaming at scale, where every saved megabyte is money.
VP9 - open, for the web
The open codec developed by Google, used heavily by YouTube. Efficiency close to H.265, native browser playback via the WebM container. A solid choice for web streaming when you want an open codec. Example: a video player on your own site, with no plugins.
VP8 - older, but universal on the web
The predecessor to VP9. Less efficient (larger files), but with very wide web compatibility. Use it only when you need maximum WebM compatibility on old browsers.
Quick comparison
| Codec | Efficiency | Encode speed | Compatibility | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| H.264 | Good | ★★★★★ | Universal | Compatibility, social |
| H.265 | Very good | ★★★☆☆ | Apple, TV, partial web | 4K/HDR, archival |
| AV1 | Excellent | ★★☆☆☆ | Modern browsers | Efficient streaming |
| VP9 | Very good | ★★★☆☆ | Web (WebM) | Open web streaming |
| VP8 | Modest | ★★★★☆ | Wide web | Legacy WebM |
Pick the right codec, automatically
Recommended profiles pick the codec and settings for you, based on your platform.
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