A Detailed Guide to The Best Video File Formats For Live Streaming

The way most content creators and broadcasters talk about their jobs leads many to think it’s as easy as pointing a camera at yourself and hitting the record button. But the actual behind-the-scenes is a lot more technical than that. For a video or live stream to be enjoyable or even just watchable, you must properly format it.

Choosing the best video file format for your live stream can dramatically affect its quality, speed, and accessibility. The video file formats you choose will influence how fast content loads and how it appears on different devices. It will also affect the experience your viewers have when trying to access or watch it.

In this guide, we’ll focus on the most common video file formats compatible with live streaming and broadcasting. We’ll explain what they are and make the distinction between containers and codecs. So, let’s discuss video file formats so you can decide which one will help you stream and upload videos without issue.

Table Of Contents:

• What Are Video File Formats
• Which Common Video File Formats Are Best For Live Streaming
• Recommended Formats for Live Encoding and Adaptive Streaming
• Which Codecs To Use For Live Streaming
• How To Convert Video File Formats
• What The Future Holds for Video File Formats and Codecs
• FAQ
• Conclusion

What Are Video File Formats

Every time you take a video using your phone or web camera, you create a specific file that stores all that digital data. This is how your device organizes and compresses the recorded data. The format you choose for this will affect your videos’ quality, file size, and playback capabilities.

For example, when you watch a video on a streaming platform, the content is presented in a specific file format compatible with various devices and browsers. When you’re live streaming online, the video file format you choose will determine the speed of your stream and the quality of the viewing experience for users.

What Are The Main Components of Video File Formats

To better grasp what video file formats are and how they work, let’s break them down into their base components. Every video file consists of two main parts: the container and the codecs. If it’s missing either one, the video file will get corrupted, and you can’t open or play it. But what exactly are they?

• Container: This is a component that holds all the data of your video file and acts as a container or wrapper. It safely keeps significant bits like audio data, subtitles, and other metadata. The container wraps all this information into an easily manageable package you can play on your device. Some well-known video containers you probably already know of include .MP4, .MKV, and .MOV.
• Codecs: The word codec is a compound of two other words, compressor and decompressor. So, you can already guess that a codec is a way to compress (encode) video and audio for storage or decompress (decode) the video and audio file for playback. The streaming codec determines the quality of the video. Lossy codecs, like  H. 264, compress the data into smaller files but sacrifice quality. Lossless codes, like  VP9, maintain high video quality but give you large files in return.

The Different File Extensions and What They Mean for Playback

Certain video files use a specific file extension denoted by a special suffix. This determines the format and the encoding type of the file. Knowing the meaning behind all these different extensions can help you quickly identify common video file formats and what kind of compatibility you can expect. The file extensions you’ll see most often are:

• .mp4: One of the most widely supported formats, especially for online streaming, including YouTube and other platforms. It provides a good balance of video quality and device compatibility.
• .mkv: Known for storing multiple audio and subtitle tracks in a single file. It’s popular for high-quality, full-length videos and movies.
• .mov: This format is common for Apple devices. It works well for high-quality videos but may require conversion for compatibility with some platforms.
• .avi: An older format that typically results in larger file sizes but is compatible with many devices.
• .webm: The primary use of this extension is for web video applications and HTML5 streaming.

Which Common Video File Formats Are Best For Live Streaming

If you’re a live streamer or broadcaster, the video file format you use is very important for the video quality of the stream. Every video format is different, and some provide better compression efficiency, file size, latency, and platform compatibility than others. Here is a comprehensive video file formats list which includes their strengths and weaknesses:

1. MP4 (H.264/AAC)

If you want to live stream on social media or dedicated video streaming platforms, the .mp4 format will give you good compression rates and broad device compatibility. Most major streaming services, such as Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook Live, support it. It also works across different devices, from Windows and Mac computers to tablets.

Strengths:

• Widely supported across all streaming platforms.
• Excellent balance between video quality and file size.
• Suitable for both high-definition (HD) and standard-definition (SD) streams.

Weaknesses:

• Compression may result in some loss of quality compared to higher-end formats like MKV.
• Limited support for advanced video features (e.g., HDR, multi-stream) compared to others like WebM.

2. MKV (Matroska)

The most common use for the .mkv format is in professional settings where video and audio quality are a higher priority than device compatibility. Usually, this involves multi-streaming purposes. It has support on popular services like YouTube, but it’s not compatible by default with live streaming tools like OBS and similar. In turn, it is more compatible with layback software like VLC.

Strengths:

• It supports high-quality video and audio without much compression loss.
• Can handle multiple audio, video, and subtitle streams in one file.

Weaknesses:

• Streaming platforms (especially older systems or devices) do not universally support it.
• Larger file sizes compared to MP4 due to less aggressive compression.

3. MOV (QuickTime)

This format is ideal for high-quality streams in professional environments, especially for users who primarily use Apple devices. It has ample support on macOS and iOS devices, but streaming platforms are less likely to support MOV for live streaming (compared to MP4 or FLV). You’ll need additional conversion tools if you want to view .mov videos on Windows or Linux.

Strengths:

• It provides high-quality video and audio, ideal for professional-level streaming and editing.
• Supported by Apple devices natively.

Weaknesses:

• Large file sizes due to minimal compression.
• Limited compatibility with some non-Apple platforms or devices.

4. FLV (Flash Video)

The most common use of .flv format is to live stream on older platforms or in niche environments that require backward compatibility. If you want to use it on a newer platform, you must install specialized software or a plug-in.

Strengths:

• It’s old and was widely used for live streaming in the past.
• The file size is low due to aggressive compression, which makes it efficient for streaming.

Weaknesses:

• It’s outdated technology because most modern browsers or devices no longer support it.
• Poor video quality compared to newer formats like MP4 or WebM.
• It requires Flash Player, which is being phased out.

5. WebM

The best use of the .webm format is for web-based live streaming, especially on platforms that support HTML5 video. It’s the ideal video format for users focusing on open-source streaming. You can use WebM on most modern streaming platforms, like Dacast. It also has native support in modern browsers like Chrome and Firefox, but not universally across all devices.

Strengths:

• Excellent video quality with low file sizes due to advanced compression (VP8/VP9 and Opus).
• Open-source and royalty-free format.
• Ideal for web streaming, especially for HTML5 video players.

Weaknesses:

• It’s not as widely supported on older systems or browsers, particularly Internet Explorer or older versions of Safari.
• Less hardware encoding support compared to MP4.

6. AVI (Audio Video Interleave)

If you do video editing or video archiving where file size is not a concern, you’ll probably want to use this format. AVI files are typically too large for real-time delivery, so they are not really useful for live streaming, which is why they have limited compatibility with streaming and broadcasting platforms.

Strengths:

• High video quality with minimal compression.
• It supports a wide range of codecs and can provide exceptional video quality.

Weaknesses:

• Compresses video into large file sizes, which may be difficult for live streaming.
• Outdated in terms of compatibility with modern streaming software and devices.

Here is a quick table overview comparing the compatibility of these video file formats for live streaming:

Optimal Formats for Different Streaming Needs

Choosing which format to use largely depends on what type of streaming you’re doing. If you’re going for high-resolution or 4K video quality, your best bet is to use the MP4 or MKV format with H.265/HEVC codecs.

The WebM with VP9 codecs might be better for web-based streaming, especially if you’re doing gaming streams or live events. Combine it with HLS or DASH adaptive streaming protocols for the best user experience.

The gold standard for broad compatibility across different devices and platforms is the MP4 format with H.264 video and AAC audio codecs. The best video file format for YouTube is also MP4. The same goes for streaming on Dacast, which recommends the MP4 with H.264 video codec and AAC audio codec for optimal video upload.

Here is a quick table showing video format compatibility with different platforms and devices:

Recommended Formats for Live Encoding and Adaptive Streaming

The file format is not the only factor that determines the final video quality. During live streams, fluctuating internet speeds can also have a detrimental effect. To maintain the visual quality of your streams, you can use streaming protocols with adaptive bit-rates like HLS and DASH. They adapt to the viewer’s bandwidth and automatically adjust the video quality. They also reduce buffering times.

HTTP Live Streaming, or HLS for short, breaks down the video into smaller, more manageable segments and streams them in sequence. Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP, or DASH, does much of the same, but it has better integration with modern video players because it’s open source.

Formats You Can Use at Dacast

A good live-streaming and broadcasting platform caters to the different technical needs and capabilities of its users. They should be able to stream their content, no matter what format it’s in. In addition to the widely used MP4, Dacast supports many other video file formats, including:

• MP4
• MOV
• FLV
• WMV
• AVI
• MKV
• WEBM
• OGV
• MXF
• ASF
• VOB
• MTS

For those who use the platform to live stream, Dacast recommends the following encoding settings for optimal performance and the smoothest user viewing experience:

• Video Codec: H.264
• Frame Rate: 25 or 30 fps
• Keyframe Interval: 3 seconds
• Scanning: Progressive
• Encoding Bitrate: Constant (CBR)
• Audio Codec: AAC
• Audio Bitrate: 128 kbps
• Audio Channels: 2 (Stereo)
• Audio Sample Rate: 48 kHz

Best Practices For Choosing the Right Video Format For Your Needs

With so many video files and even more streaming platforms available, how do you know which format will serve you best? Try to put the user experience first and optimize from there. Here are a few tips you can follow:

• Prioritize compatibility with your target platform, such as Dacast.
• Use efficient codecs like H.264 for most applications, but consider H.265 for 4K.
• Choose formats that balance quality and file size, such as MP4 or WebM.
• Optimize for bandwidth by using adaptive streaming protocols like HLS.

Which Codecs To Use For Live Streaming

Another factor streamers need to think about are the codecs they’re using. The compression rate affects the definition as well as potential compatibility with different viewing devices. Using the optimal codecs will provide minimal streaming latency and almost no buffering.

For example, to achieve the optimal video quality on Dacast, the recommended video codec is H.264. Some other often used codecs are:

• H.264: It’s the codec of choice for many streaming platforms because of the balance of compression efficiency and hardware support it provides.
• H.265/HEVC: This codec has better compression efficiency, letting you stream better-quality video at lower bandwidths.
• VP8: This codec isn’t as efficient when it comes to compression, but it’s open-source and offers low latency during live streams.
• VP9: A step up from VP8 with better compression rates, making it ideal for high-definition video streaming.
• AV1: This open-source and royalty-free codec has better compression efficiency than H.265 and VP9. It can deliver high-quality video at lower bitrates.

How To Convert Video File Formats

Sometimes, the video file format you have available isn’t compatible with your device or streaming platform. You still want to make that video available to your audience, so what do you do? Use a video converter to change the original file format into a more compatible one.

The specifics of the conversion depend on the video format you have and the format you want to have, but most conversion software will have options to choose from. There are two ways to do this:

1. Use a Dedicated Video Conversion Software: This software is highly customizable and has extra features like video editing. Popular options are HandBrake, FFmpeg, and Movavi Video.
2. Use an Online Video Converter: This is a quick way to convert smaller video files. They can be limited in terms of file size and conversion rate. Popular options are Zamzar, Convert.io, and Online-Convert.

What The Future Holds for Video File Formats and Codecs

The screens viewers use are only getting sharper, meaning that video capture devices are only getting better and better. Today, you can even get 4K video from a webcam. Some companies even make commercially available cameras that shoot in 8K resolution.

That means the development of next-gen codecs like AV1 and VVC (Versatile Video Coding). They are more efficient and reduce data usage, which is good for user satisfaction. Another important side effect is the reduction of the carbon footprint of content delivery.

FAQ

1. What file format is compatible with most platforms and devices?

One of the most compatible video file formats across any platform or device is the MP4. It provides great quality and can compress videos into very manageable file sizes. It supports most common codecs, including H.264, which is what the major streaming and broadcasting platforms like Dacast use as well.

2. Is there a difference between MP3 and MP4?

There’s a major difference between these two formats. While MP3 is only for audio, MP4 can store audio, video, and other data. In that regard, MP4 is more versatile and suited for live streaming.

3. Can a video format function without codecs?

The main job of the codec is to encode and decode the audio and video data in the file. Without it, you can compress, store, transmit, or playback the data in the file effectively. A video file needs both a container and the appropriate codecs to function correctly.

4. How do codecs affect live streaming?

The codec is the main component that determines the video quality, file size, and streaming efficiency. Efficient codecs like H.264 or H.265 reduce bandwidth requirements while maintaining good video quality. They provide a smooth stream with minimal latency. Choosing the right codec affects playback performance and compatibility with streaming platforms.

Conclusion

Live streaming and broadcasting seems like a fun job, but there’s quite a bit of technical know-how that goes into it. Learning all about video file formats and codecs is the least you can do. This guide will help you recognize the best file format to use on your streaming platform of choice and what to do to improve your audience’s viewing experience.

To learn more about video and live streaming optimization, check out the many video file formats supported by Dacast and which live stream encoder configuration will give you the best results.

Why not try Dacast for yourself? We offer a 14-day free trial so you can fully trial the software. Start growing your reach today.

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