Whether you’re editing, sharing, streaming, or just watching, video formats are a big part of the experience—even if you don’t always notice them. In 2025, understanding the most common formats can mean the difference between smooth, high-quality playback and endless buffering.
Here’s a rundown of the top 10 video formats this year, what makes each useful, and how to choose the best for your work.
10 Most Popular Video File Types
1. MP4 (.mp4)
Still the dominant force online, MP4 works almost everywhere—social media, streaming sites, mobile, and desktop. It relies on efficient codecs like H.264 or AV1 for high quality and small file size, making it ideal for everything from YouTube videos to mobile clips.
Best for: Web uploads, mobile, online courses.
2. MOV (.mov)
Apple’s signature format, MOV, is a favorite for video editors—especially those using Final Cut Pro or iMovie. MOV files keep quality high (even with transparency), making them excellent for animation and pro editing work.
Best for: Editing, post-production, high-res exports.
3. MKV (.mkv)
Flexible and powerful, MKV can store multiple audio tracks and subtitles in a single file. It’s perfect for movies and TV shows with complex needs, although it’s slightly less universal than MP4.
Best for: Movie backups, multilingual media, archives.
4. WEBM (.webm)
Designed for online use, WEBM is lightweight and uses VP8, VP9, or AV1 codecs. It loads quickly in browsers and looks sharp even on slower networks.
Best for: Embedding on websites, web apps, interactive content.
5. AVI (.avi)
A longstanding format, AVI works with many Windows players and supports a range of codecs. However, files are often large and lack features for streaming or modern use.
Best for: Local playback, legacy content.
6. MPEG-2 (.mpg, .mpeg)
MPEG-2 is still essential for broadcast TV and DVDs. It may not be great for small file sizes or internet use, but it’s rock-solid for traditional media workflows.
Best for: DVDs, TV broadcast, older hardware.
7. WMV (.wmv)
Made by Microsoft, WMV prioritizes small file sizes, great for email attachments or office presentations. For most online platforms, though, WMV is less common.
Best for: Presentations, business settings, email.
8. FLV (.flv)
Once the backbone of online video (especially via Flash), FLV is now mostly used for archiving legacy content or old websites that still require Flash.
Best for: Older web pages, flash-based archives.
9. AVCHD (.mts, .m2ts)
Preferred by camcorders, AVCHD captures footage in high resolution, making it perfect for full HD or 4K originals. While not great for sharing online, it’s excellent for keeping top quality on disc or before editing.
Best for: Camcorder footage, Blu-ray, video archiving.
10. GIF (.gif)
Technically not a video format, GIF is still king for memes, quick loops, and short visual reactions that don’t need sound. For longer or higher quality loops, MP4 or WEBM now often replace GIFs because of smaller sizes and faster loading.
Best for: Social media, messaging, memes.
How to Choose the Right Video Format
Navigating file types is easier with a few considerations:
Platform matters:
MP4 is your go-to for YouTube or TikTok. Use WEBM or MP4 (with AV1 codec) for your website to balance speed and quality. Broadcast will still need MPEG-2.
Codec choice:
The codec (like H.264, HEVC, or AV1) inside your chosen format affects file size and playback quality. Most creators still rely on H.264 for compatibility, but AV1 is becoming more popular in 2025.
Mind the file size:
Use compressed formats like MP4 or WMV if you need fast loading or shareability. High-quality projects (film festivals, archives) may lean toward less compression.
File extensions matter:
Extensions like .mp4, .mov, or .webm determine compatibility. Choosing a universal format ensures smooth viewing everywhere.
And if you need to convert files or edit for a specific format, tools like Movavi are a great help—making the whole process easier whether you’re prepping for web, social, or saving an original.
Video formats are only getting more varied, but knowing the essentials will help you make smart choices as a creator or editor. The right format means less stress, better playback, and more ways for your audience to enjoy your content—however they’re watching.