Best Video Formats for Every Use Case
"What’s the best format to export?" is the question editors hear daily. The answer depends on where the video goes next. Use this guide as your decision tree.
5
Formats that actually matter
100%
Devices that play MP4
50%
Savings when switching to HEVC
Containers vs Codecs (30-Second Refresher)
- Container = File extension (MP4, MOV, MKV). Think of it as the suitcase.
- Video codec = Compression algorithm (H.264, HEVC, VP9). Think of it as how the clothes are rolled.
- Audio codec = AAC, MP3, Opus.
The best format is a combination, not a single checkbox.
The Big Five Formats
| Format | Container | Video Codec | Audio Codec | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MP4 / H.264 | MP4 | H.264 | AAC | Universal sharing, maximum compatibility |
| MP4 / HEVC | MP4 | HEVC | AAC | Storage savings, modern devices |
| MOV / ProRes | MOV | ProRes | PCM | Professional editing, color grading |
| WebM / VP9 | WebM | VP9 | Opus | Web embedding, YouTube |
| MKV / HEVC | MKV | HEVC | AAC/FLAC | Personal archives, Plex |
Decision Matrix
Destination
- • Sharing with friends / family
- • Uploading to social media
- • Playing on TV / Roku / Apple TV
- • Embedding on a website
- • Professional color grading
- • Archiving everything forever
Recommended Format
- • MP4 + H.264 (plays anywhere)
- • MP4 + HEVC (upload faster, site recompresses anyway)
- • MP4 + H.264 (devices expect it)
- • WebM + VP9 (Chrome/Firefox) plus MP4 fallback
- • MOV + ProRes 422 HQ (lossless color)
- • MKV + HEVC (store any combination of tracks)
Format Profiles Explained
MP4 + H.264 (Default)
- Works on every device since 2007.
- Great for messaging, emailing, AirDrop to unknown devices.
- Larger than HEVC but zero compatibility issues.
MP4 + HEVC (Modern Default)
- 50–70% smaller than H.264.
- Plays on iPhone/iPad, modern Android, Mac, Windows 10+.
- Ideal for personal libraries, AirPlay, Apple TV.
MOV + ProRes
- 10-bit, virtually lossless.
- Standard for Final Cut Pro and DaVinci Resolve workflows.
- Huge files (1 GB per minute), but designed for editing, not delivery.
WebM + VP9
- Browser-friendly, efficient.
- Won’t play natively on iPhone Photos app or older TVs.
- Use only when targeting web (YouTube, Vimeo, etc.).
MKV + HEVC
- Feature-rich container (multiple audio/subtitle tracks).
- Best for storing Blu-ray rips, movie libraries.
- Requires VLC/Plex for playback.
Format Comparison
MP4 + H.264
100% compatible
- •Larger files
- •Works on everything
- •Best for sharing
MP4 + HEVC
50% smaller
- •Modern hardware support
- •Perfect for storage
- •Convert before sharing with older devices
MOV + ProRes
Editing master
- •Huge files
- •Maximum color data
- •For pro workflows
WebM + VP9
Web first
- •Efficient streaming
- •Requires browser
- •Not for Photos app
Audio Considerations
- AAC: Works everywhere, perfect default.
- Opus: Slightly better than AAC but not widely supported outside browsers.
- PCM/AIFF: Uncompressed; use only alongside ProRes.
Export Presets You Can Trust
| Software | Preset | Changes to Make |
|---|---|---|
| Final Cut Pro | Apple Devices 4K | Change codec to HEVC, set bitrate 15 Mbps |
| Premiere Pro | Match Source - High Bitrate | Switch to HEVC, VBR 2-pass |
| DaVinci Resolve | YouTube 1080p | Keep container MP4, change codec to H.265 |
| HandBrake | Fast 1080p30 | Switch container to MP4 (not MKV), set RF to 20 |
Pro Tip
Always export a "distribution" copy (MP4 + HEVC) and an "archive" copy (MOV + ProRes or MP4 + high bitrate). Storage is cheap; re-shooting is not.
Future Formats (AV1, VVC)
- AV1: 30% better than HEVC, but only latest hardware decodes it. Good for YouTube; not for everyday sharing yet.
- VVC / H.266: Successor to HEVC. Coming to consumer gear around 2026–2027.
Until both are ubiquitous, stick to HEVC.
Final Checklist
Format Rules that Never Fail
- If unsure, export MP4 + H.264
- For storage savings, keep MP4 but switch to HEVC
- If editing again later, keep a ProRes or high-bitrate master
- Never send MOV files to Android users
- Use WebM only when embedding on a website
- Archive movie collections in MKV so you retain subtitles and extra audio tracks
Choosing the best video format is about matching the destination. Once you know where the video will live, pick the combination that keeps quality high while avoiding playback failures.