Video Codecs

TL;DR

Video codecs compress and decompress video for streaming, editing, and playback.
Our platform supports: HEVC, H.264, Theora, VP8, VP9, GIF, AV1, Cinepak, FFV1, MPEG-4, VC2.
H.264 = safe default, HEVC/AV1 = high-efficiency, VP9 = web streaming, FFV1/VC2 = archival/production.
Choose codecs based on device support, video quality, and use case.

When it comes to video APIs, codecs are the unsung heroes. They compress video so it can stream efficiently, retain quality, and play across devices. Picking the right codec isn’t just a technical decision—it affects performance, file size, compatibility, and user experience.

Here’s a detailed guide to the codecs our platform supports and what you should know about each.

What is a Video Codec?

A codec (compressor-decompressor) is a method for encoding and decoding digital video. It determines how the video data is compressed, transmitted, and ultimately played back.

Encoding: Converts raw video into a compressed format.
Decoding: Converts compressed video back into a playable form.

Using the right codec ensures high quality at smaller file sizes and smooth playback across devices.

Supported Codecs

Our platform supports a wide variety of codecs, from classic formats to modern, high-efficiency standards:

Codec	Notes
HEVC (H.265)	Modern standard for high-efficiency compression. Great for 4K or HDR video, reduces file size ~50% compared to H.264.
H.264	Most widely supported codec. Compatible with nearly every device and browser. Ideal default for streaming.
Theora	Open-source and royalty-free. Good for basic web playback, though less efficient than VP8/VP9.
VP8	Open-source, widely used for web streaming. Good browser support, predecessor of VP9.
VP9	Successor to VP8. Higher compression efficiency and quality for web streaming and YouTube-like content.
GIF	Not technically a video codec, but widely used for short, looping animations. Poor compression, not ideal for large videos.
AV1	Next-gen open-source codec. High efficiency, royalty-free, increasingly adopted for web and OTT.
Cinepak	Older codec, mostly legacy support. Still useful for retro content or archival video.
FFV1	Lossless codec, great for archival or high-quality processing where no data loss is acceptable.
MPEG-4	Classic standard, good for compatibility across devices. Slightly less efficient than H.264.
VC2	Intermediate-quality codec, used in professional editing workflows, often in broadcasting.

Codec Trends

AV1 Rising
- Open-source, royalty-free, and highly efficient. Increasing adoption for streaming platforms and CTV.
HEVC for High-Resolution Video
- Still the go-to for 4K HDR content, especially on mobile and CTV, though licensing can be tricky.
VP9 for Web Streaming
- Excellent browser support, especially on Chrome and Firefox. Reduces bandwidth while maintaining quality.
H.264 Remains a Safe Default
- Universally compatible, reliable, and still widely recommended when device support is critical.
Lossless & Archival Formats
- FFV1, Cinepak, and VC2 are niche but necessary for archiving, editing, and professional pipelines.

Best Practices for Choosing a Codec

Web Streaming / APIs: H.264 or VP9 for compatibility and efficiency.
High-Efficiency / 4K Content: HEVC or AV1 for smaller file sizes without quality loss.
Archival / Editing: FFV1, VC2, or Cinepak to preserve quality and enable editing.
Short Animations / Fun Content: GIF, but keep in mind file sizes can be large.
Future-Proofing: AV1 is gaining support rapidly—plan for adoption in the next 2–3 years.

Quick Tips

Always match the codec to your target device. AV1 and HEVC are great but may not play on older devices.
Consider encoding profiles and bitrates for streaming. Not all HEVC or VP9 videos perform the same.
Keep fallback codecs ready. H.264 is still the safety net for maximum compatibility.

Choosing the right codec can save bandwidth, improve quality, and ensure playback everywhere. With support for both modern and legacy codecs, our platform gives you the flexibility to encode once and deliver everywhere.